Just Good Energy » Product Reviews

Coconut Water is Tops in My Book!

Rebekah — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 21:53:55 +0000

I have been receiving many questions about coconut water so I thought it would be good to post this article again about the health benefits. There are so many amazing super foods on the market right now. The water from Young Thai Coconuts is one of these amazing power houses of nutrition and unfortunately gets overlooked too often. I knew from experience that coconut water was great for digestion, constipation and high in electrolytes, but once I dug deep into scientific studies and research, I found how healing this food truly was.

Coconut water got me through my 1^st trimester of pregnancy because it helped assuage my nauseousness. When my son started eating solid foods and consequently would get constipated, I decided to give him the coconut water in his cereal and even mixed in the young coconut meat (I first pureed it). It really worked for him and he absolutely loved it. Now that he is weaning himself from nursing, I created a formula for him with goat milk, coconut water, hemp milk and Kidz Superfood (I add the powder twice daily). He thrives on this combo and gets so excited every time I make him his bottle. Watching my son drink an entire young coconut over a 48 hour time period made me wonder how many other health benefits young coconuts possess. There are days where 70% of his daily intake is my homemade “formula”, by his choice, and he has great energy and focus. Plus, he has not had even a cold since he was a little baby.

Let me share with you some of coconut water’s (and the meats) amazing properties:

· Coconut water is the only universal donor! The water has the same electrolyte balance as our blood. Back in WWII coconut water saved thousands of lives. Any wounded soldier needing a blood transfusion received a coconut water IV. Yep that’s right, the coconut water is naturally distilled and was placed straight into their body through an IV. Even today in 3^rd world countries, coconut water is used as a universal blood and has saved thousands more lives.

· Coconut water is the new sport drink! Since coconut water mirrors blood so well, it should be drank in place of the sugar and chemical-laden sport drinks. Coconut water is very high in the 5 essential electrolytes potassium, magnesium, sodium, phosphorus and calcium. No sport drink on the market comes close to the electrolyte balance in coconut water. It has over 10 times more of each electrolyte than commercial sport drinks. Young coconuts even have 3 times more potassium than bananas.

· Coconut water is great for the digestive tract. Whether you have constipation, bloating, upset tummy, acid reflux or a hard time digesting a meal, coconut water is one of the best aids to that entire area, loaded with raw enzymes.

· Coconut water is an amazing cleanser. Whether you need to cleanse your colon, bowels, blood, kidneys and other organs, coconut water is great for everything.

· Creates healthy, moisturized skin. The oil is the best moisturizer for the skin and hair – does not clog the pores (I use it on my face and body daily and it is great for baby eczema)

· Great for regulating blood pressure.

· Extremely alkaline and can help alkalize the body.

· For those watching their weight, coconut water is the beverage of choice because it is very low in calories, essentially fat free, has only 5mg of sugar, and helps digest heavy foods. In 1 cup of coconut water, there are about 45 calories, 2 grams of protein, 3 grams of fiber and .5 grams of fat.

· High in trace minerals and B vitamins

· More nutritious than whole cow’s milk and the minerals are much more easily absorbed.

· Beneficial to pregnant women : Helps alleviate nauseousness, vomiting, mild laxative for common pregnancy constipation, and very nutritious.

· Beneficial to nursing moms: Creates healthy lactation. Coconut water is the only other food besides breast milk that contains Lauric Acid – the main fatty acid in breast milk. Therefore coconut water is much healthier than processed formula from a can.

· In most Asian cultures, coconut water is the first liquid, besides breast milk, that is given to babies for the nutrients and the meat is pureed and offered as the baby’s first food – easiest to digest, loaded with enzymes and packed with protein, lauric acid and minerals.

· Cools the body and keeps it very hydrated. That’s why coconut water is such a great drink for athletes!

I think that we could all benefit from this amazing food. You can either buy the coconuts fresh (usually called Young Thai Coconuts) and cut them yourself (ideally drink the water within 24-48 hours), or there are a few companies that sell fresh/frozen coconut water to health food stores.

Also, I know there are claims out there that young coconuts are sprayed with formaldehyde and dipped into strong pesticides/herbicides. This is partially correct. I have spent hours and hours researching this topic and found that yes, young coconuts have to be dipped in these pesticide/herbicide chemicals when being shipped from Thailand and have to travel far distances – otherwise the coconut would go bad almost immediately. The good news is that I have found reports where labs, including Michelson Labs, have tested the coconuts and found that none of the chemicals can penetrate into the coconut water or meat – fortunately the outer husk and hard shell is enough to prevent the chemicals from entering. The labs also showed that randomly tested coconuts from Whole Foods, health stores and Asian markets showed no signs of formatdehyde anywhere on the coconut. My recommendation is to keep the plastic wrap on the outside and never remove it so you don’t have to touch the chemicals on the husk.

MATT AMSDEN CEO and author of RAWvolution: Gourmet Living Cuisine posted their experience with working with Michelson Labs and coconut testing: http://www.giveittomeraw.com/profiles/blogs/1407416:BlogPost:431900

References:

1. The Coconut Industry Board reports

2. Rawna LLC

3. Book by Dr. Vermen M Verallo-Rowell MD

Which Calcium is Right for My Body?

Rebekah — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 14:05:59 +0000

Most women, and even men, don’t eat enough absorbable calcium. (No, sorry, drinking undigestable pasteurized cow’s milk and cheese doesn’t quite cut it.) It is difficult to absorb calcium from pasteurized cow’s milk along with most synthetic supplements of calcium. The key is “wholefood supplementation” and there is one plant-based source that is higher than almost anything out there…

The most mass produced calcium supplements are in the form of calcium carbonate, calcium citrate, MCHA calcium, and coral calcium. Those forms of calcium are either from dried rocks or animal bones, which are very difficult for the body to break down and absorb. Too much of the non-plant based calcium can cause calcification and calcium stones.

Before we talk about supplementation, don’t forget that you can get most if not all of the recommended calcium from vegetables, seeds (chia seeds), whole grains, green super foods, sea vegetables, beans and many other foods. Try to absorb as much of your daily calcium from foods, and supplement with plant-based calcium according to your daily demand. Chia seeds actually provide three to five times more calcium per serving than cow’s milk and with chia seeds, the calcium is easily absorbed and recognized by the body.

Ideally a calcium supplement should be plant-based. The optimum food source of Calcium is Hydrilla, which is a type of algae that is more easily absorbed and superior than any other form of supplemental/extracted calcium. It is also an abundant source of magnesium, manganese, potassium, zinc, copper, B vitamins, C, E, Iron, Chlorophyll Amino Acids, Fatty Acids, and essential trace minerals. This amazing algae also acts as a powerful antioxidant, scouring the body for free radicals. Amazingly, consuming as little as 300-400 mg of Hydrilla, translates to over 2000 mg of absorbable calcium within the body. I am sure that most of us don’t run to the store and eat fresh Hydrilla on a daily basis, which is why it is important to supplement with this amazing algae.

Catie’s Calcium, New Chapter and Mega Foods Calcium are some of the easiest absorbed plant-based calcium blends that I have tried; rich in Hydrilla, bamboo,kelp, alfalfa and other calcium/mineral-rich plants. You can find Hydrilla in supplemental form by itself, usually in 400-500 mg per capsule. I recommend 1-2 capsules daily. Mega Foods and Vibrant Health both sell good quality pure hydrilla.

The Truth About Artificial Sweeteners

Rebekah — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 19:20:52 +0000

There are various “sugar-free” sweeteners available on the market today, most of which should be avoided and better yet banned from production. The ideat that these sweeteners are fat free is actually quite opposite once they have been consumed…

The harmful sugar substitutes are commonly known as:

Aspartame (Equal, NutraSweet Sweet N’ Low)
Sucralose (Splenda),
Saccharin High Fructose Sweeteners
Refined Sugars and Acesulfame-k (Sunette, Sweet & Safe, Sweet One) Let’s explore these “Natural Sweetener Imposters” and see if you aren’t appalled.

Before we talk about the individual sweeteners I want to address one thing that these artificial products have in common – the ability to help create that “spare tire” that so many Americans are wearing. It might be confusing how a food that is fat free can actually have a reverse effect once it is eaten and enters the blood stream, but it is very true. Most of these artificial sweeteners/ingredients, chemicals and preservatives used in so many processed foods today are extremely acidic and once consumed one of the body’s defense mechanisms is to create fat cells in order to absorb the acidity created by these chemical ingredients. If the body does not produce fat cells the acidic waste produced by these toxic ingredients can actually damage the lining in our stomach and even veins/arteries (by producing plaque). Thus the more diet-free drinks and sodas you consume the more likely you are to gain additional abdominal/visceral fat.

Aspartame

When you see “sugar-free” or “Sweetened with NutraSweet Sweet N’ Low”, or “Sweetened with Equal” on a food label, or if the ingredients include aspartame, a red flag should start waving.

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener synthesized from two amino acids: phenylalanine and aspartic acid with methanol (wood alcohol). It is used to sweeten unheated diet foods, diet beverages and powdered sugar substitutes. Recent European research shows that ingesting aspartame leads to the accumulation of formaldehyde in the brain, other organs, and tissues. Formaldehyde has been shown to damage the nervous system, immune system, and cause irreversible genetic damage in humans. Aspartame has thus been linked to brain chemistry changes, tumors, behavior changes, headaches, depression, seizures, hives, vision problems, and menstrual difficulties.

Researchers also found that foods containing aspartame, when consumed by women during pregnancy, have had an adverse affect on fetal brain development. Aspartame has also been linked to Alzheimer’s disease.

An extremely large number of toxicity reactions have been reported to the FDA and other organizations. However, the FDA has repeatedly chosen to ignore this evidence. A recent report, just one of many, states that, “Of the 166 studies felt to have relevance for questions of human safety, 74 had Nutrasweet industry related funding and 92 were independently funded. One hundred percent of the industry funded research attested to aspartame’s safety, whereas 92% of the independently funded research identified a problem.” (Survey of Aspartame Studies: Correlation of Outcome and Funding Sources, by Ralph G. Walton, M.D., Chairman of The Center for Behavioral Medicine)

Third party studies also found that the chemicals, which the sweetener aspartame breaks down into, could be up to 50 times more toxic in humans than in rodents. Is this “sweetener” something that you actually want to ingest if given a choice? You have a choice, and I recommend that you just say no.

Sucralose (Splenda)

Let’s talk about Splenda, otherwise known as Sucralose, also marketed by Johnson & Johnson under the catchy phrase, “It’s made from sugar so it tastes like sugar”. Splenda sales have far surpassed those of any other artificial sweetener. This “chemical” has monopolized the “Sugar-free” market behind the premise that it is a calorie-free natural sweetener. There is not one piece of evidence that can substantiate those claims!

Is Splenda a natural sweetener?

Read here and you be the judge: Splenda is a chemically altered version of sucralose. Sucralose, by itself, starts off as a sugar molecule. Splenda is produced by the process of morphing sucralose into a synthetic chemical through many stages in the laboratory. This new “Natural Sweetener” is actually made by combining sugar molecules with three times as many chlorine molecules. This new type of sugar molecule, known as a fructo-galactose molecule, does not occur in nature and therefore your body does not possess the ability to properly metabolize it. Hence, the FDA is falsely claiming that sucralose passes through the body unabsorbed. Since your body can’t metabolize it, the chemical remnants are stored throughout the body. Sucralose consumption is equivalent to ingesting tiny amounts of chlorinated pesticides.

According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, as of 2005, only six human trials, totaling 36 people, have been conducted on Splenda. The only long term studies (a whole 3 months long) done on Splenda were after the FDA had already approved the artificial sweetener. Of the entire population, 36 people is not a large enough sample to guarantee safety, but the FDA’s usual guidelines of what is safe for human consumption, and what is not does not fall into JGE’s guidelines by a long shot. What is even worse is that the longest trial lasted only four days and they were looking at sucralose in relation to tooth decay, not human tolerance. Furthermore, because Splenda is only a food additive and not a drug, the number of studies required to receive FDA approval is substantially less than a drug. A scary fact is that no actual Long-Term Human Research has been done on this commonly ingested chemical.

In the same way that Splenda was marketed with few studies proving any safety, few studies were conducted on aspartame and saccharine. Studies didn’t really begin until the negative health effects of aspartame and saccharine began to rise, raising alarm and provoking investigations. According to the Sucralose Toxicity Information Center, health side affects include shrunken thymus glands, enlarged liver and kidneys, decreased red blood cells, aborted pregnancy, diarrhea, reduced growth rate, and there are others. Also be aware that Splenda is found in about 3,500 food products and surprisingly many products do not list Splenda/Sucralose as an ingredient. Demand now, the labeling and research of this chlorinated chemical sweetener. Splenda is not sugar, is not natural, nor has it been proven safe!

*For further information and documented research, refer to: www.holisticmed.com and www.mercola.com .

Coconut Oil is the new Butter

Rebekah — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 19:31:47 +0000

True, Coconut oil is a type of saturated fat, however, there are two types of saturated fats and coconut oil belongs to the healthy variety while animal saturated fats are the harmful ones. You can’t get fat on raw cold-pressed coconut oil. Your body does not store coconut oil instead it burns it as fuel, cleanses out the bad stored fats and helps your skin radiate. Not to mention it tastes delicious – very buttery & perfect for raw desserts, baked sweets, popcorn, and even eggs!

Long Chain Saturated Fats (LCSF) – These are the 2^nd most harmful next to hydrogenated fats. “Long Chain” is the culprit behind unhealthy saturated fats. They are the reason saturated fats have such a bad reputation. When LCSF’s are consumed, they are directed to the small intestine where toxic fat cells are produced. These acidic fats flow throughout the veins and arteries creating storage and blockage.

These have been proven to raise “bad” LDL blood cholesterol levels, contributing to heart disease. These “bad” fats are extremely concentrated, a key to obesity, carry many toxins, and are difficult to break down. They are found most commonly in animal and dairy products. They are highest in beef, pork, chicken and dairy products. Other sources are palm oil and cottonseed oil – all oils used extensively in processed foods. Saturated fats such as butter or margarine are solid or semi-solid at room temperature and should be omitted from your diet as much as possible.

Medium Chain and Short Chain Saturated Fats (MCSF & SCSF) – Although we do need a certain amount of saturated fats in our diet, they should come from “Medium and Short Chain” saturated fats, such as cold-pressed coconut oil. What makes these saturated fats so vital to health is their ability to be absorbed directly by the liver, where they are immediately available to the body and are sent out as a pure source of energy. These types of fatty acids are unlikely to cause unhealthy weight gain due to their quick digestion and energy conversion, never having the opportunity to be stored as body fat.

Key functions of Coconut Oil…

The coconut is highly nutritious and has fed and nourished people around the world for generations. It is classified as a “functional food” because of its numerous health benefits and nutritional content. Coconut oil is a combination of short- and medium-chain saturated fats. Nearly 50% of the fatty acid in coconut oil is lauric acid. Lauric acid helps the body to fight against bacteria, yeast, fungi, and other viruses and immune disorders. Lauric acid also increases the metabolic rate, aiding in weight loss.
Coconut oil has been long used for its healing properties in traditional medicine among the Asian and Pacific populations. They consider it as a cure for all illness. Modern medicine has finally caught up to and confirmed the wide range of health benefits. Some such benefits include: anit-viral, -fungal, and –bacterial; improves endurance, energy, digestion, bowel function, immune system function, cholesterol, free radical protection, thyroid function, loss of excess weight by increasing metabolic rate, the prevention of obesity and related problems, skin and hair health, and many more.
Coconut Oil is a stable cooking oil, with a smoking point above 400 degrees – meaning that you can heat it up to 400 degrees without it losing it’s nutrients or changing chemically. Therefore, it is one of my favorites along with macadamia nut oil for cooking instead of olive oil because olive oil has a low smoking point around 200 degrees and really should not be heated. Cooked olive oil actually takes away its healthy properties, makes it acidic and difficult to digest. Coconut oil tastes great in deserts, stir fry’s, breads, melted on hot grains, on popcorn and used in the place of butter.

Try using it in place of butter for every recipe or even just to spread over bread. Coconut oil with Celtic Sea Salt sprinkled over toast tastes just like butter but even better!

Amazing Stress Care Product

Rebekah — Sat, 15 May 2010 19:45:24 +0000

We have had great experience with StressCare by Himalaya and have been impressed with its effectiveness. StressCare is a unique complex of Ayurvedic Herbs with strong adaptogenic actions that help cope with life’s daily stress. I have recommended it to friends, family, clients and even my husband. We have tried most natural remedies for stress management on top of a healthy diet and this product is amazing. The reports I receive is that those taking it feel calm, focused, relaxed in their stomach/digestion and rarely feel anxious or overwhelmed. I am all about eating stress-free foods, exercise and meditation for managing stress but some people/professions need a little extra help!

Ayurveda is translated as the “knowledge of life”. The central theory of Ayurvedic medicine is based in India and claims that health exists when there is a synergistic balance within the body. Specifically, Ayurvedic Philosophy believes in three fundamental systems in the body known as Vata (nervous system), Pitta (digestion/metabolism) and Kapha (fluids/lubrication/arterial system).

Adaptogenic herbs work with your body to find the necessary healing and balance…. Rather than taking a single herb for stress like Ashwaganda or Rhodiola Berry, Himalaya has combined over a dozen herbs that work together synergistically to balance not only the nervous system but every other organ and system in the body. It offers a broad range of health benefits and balances all the body’s organs and systems for increased mental alertness and greater physical fitness.

Many health conditions today have been connected to physical and mental stress and anxiety. It is not enough to put a band aid on stress by taking pharmaceutical drugs, therefore ignoring the real problems and needs of the body. We need balance on every level: spiritually, nutritionally, emotionally, and physically. Ayurvedic stress-related herbs can act as a support system to your body’s needs. While it is important to de-stress through relaxation, exercise, meditation, alkaline water and natural foods, herbs can enhance the balancing process and feed the body’s systems.

StressCare is a completely natural product that regulates and balances all of the body’s organs and systems for comprehensive health maintenance. StressCare provides several vitamins and minerals from natural sources, enabling it to deliver a broad range of health benefits on top of stress management. It provides strong antioxidant properties, the key to its anti-aging benefits, and improves hormonal effectiveness, the key to its menopausal benefits. Other stress-related conditions which can be alleviated include premature aging, emotional imbalance, insomnia, mental alertness, and physical condition.

I recently found a website that sells them 5-10 dollars cheaper per bottle depending on quantity: http://www.ayurvedicherbsdirect.com/stresscare-himalaya-p-54.html

My Staple: Green Superfoods

Rebekah — Thu, 13 May 2010 19:05:09 +0000

I thought it was time for another callout to my favorite food: Green Super-foods! These still are and always will be a staple for me and my family. Since we discussed chlorophyll yesterday, this is the perfect followup blog. Super-foods are one of the missing elements in the Western diet today…

If foods could wear a cape and fly around saving people, they would be the foods that are classified as Green and Red Superfoods. You should be aware that the average American ingests at least 300 lbs. of chemicals/pollutants/pesticides per year. Think about all of the chemicals and preservatives in our foods and the toxic gases and carcinogenic chemicals parading through the atmosphere. That is where our “Powerful Antioxidant Superfoods”, such as wheat grass, spirulina, algae, barley grass, kelp, alfalfa, chlorophyll and berries, charge in. They have been proven by health professionals and scientists to fight and deactivate the hundreds of pollutants and pesticides we inhale and ingest daily.

I like this quote by Dr. Tony O’Donnell who created “Radiant Greens”, “Super-foods are a concentrated potent source of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, fiber and the essential amino acids, which reputedly add alkalinity to our system, balance us, increase our energy, improve stamina, sharpen mental activity, and deodorize and cleanse the cells and colon. Super-foods are a return to the basics of the food chain.”

These foods are heroic in the sense that they are designed exclusively for the purpose of improving and maintaining a healthy balance of body and mind. There is nothing not to like about superfoods and whether red or green, I highly recommend them. They are the perfect cleansing food in the morning to cleanse from the day before and satisfty your body’s nutrient cravings. I can’t be without my greens – even my son has his morning green drink with the Amazing Grass Kidz Superfoods mixed with coconut water and hemp milk.

I personally have been taking my greens daily, for the past 15 years, instead of taking a multivitamin, along with eating very balanced. These blends should include a variety of green grasses and sea vegetables, as mentioned above. These are high in vitamins, minerals, aminos, proteins, omegas, and enzymes and are extremely alkaline. Make sure they are organic and raw products, dried at a low temperature (105-120 degrees) to preserve the enzymes and nutrients. I recommend 1 scoop daily on an empty stomach (mixed in water or juice). The “green drink” is best taken first thing in the morning when the stomach is in the mode of cleansing and absorbing. It is also the perfect boost of energy that your body needs when you feel that late afternoon lull – mix with Matcha green tea and you feel amazing.

Some of my favorite Greens include:

Amazing Grass www.amazinggrass.com
Green Magma Plus http://www.greenfoods.com/
Dr. Tony’s “Radiant Greens” www.calcompnutrition.com
Vitamineral Greens http://www.healthforce.com/

Now that is Just Good Energy!

More Reasons to Enjoy the Sun

Rebekah — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 19:18:17 +0000

Vitamin D seems to be more important than we have realized. Not only is this crucial vitamin necessary for optimal bone health, it seems to be a large player in the immune system. According to new findings in Archives of Internal Medicine, vitamin D may be one of the best ways to arm the immune system against colds and flu, along with other respiratory infections.

In the studies, they found that those who had a higher percentage of Vitamin D levels were less likely to contract respiratory infections, while those with lower levels were 40% more likely to. For those with chronic respiratory infections, such as asthma, low vitamin D levels presented an even greater risk for contracting various infections.

If you think about it, the colder months is the time when everyone gets sick with colds and the flu. Although there are many factors, one common denominator for all of us is the fact that there are less hours of sunlight and because of the cold, we spend much more time indoors. Thus, we get very little sunlight during the winter. In the studies that were done by various universities and hospitals, they found that an increase of sunshine may be a vital way to prime the pump for our immune system.

Truly the best source of vitamin D is the sun. Our bodies absorb it much better than synthetic supplementation. However, many people need the addition of supplementation and I am in no way discouraging that. I am not advocating sun-bathing. All you need is 15-20 minutes of direct sun exposure daily. That is not too difficult. If you work indoors all day, make sure to take a 20 minute walk outside. The great thing is that your body actually stores vitamin D. So if you live in a place where there is little to no sunlight during the winter or it is too cold to expose your skin during those cold months, take advantage of the warmer months and soak up a little sun daily.

While vitamin C has been heralded for its’ immune building capabilities for the past few decades, there is actually less research to support it compared to the amount of research that has been conducted with vitamin’s D important role with the immune system. There is still more research to come. Step aside vitamin C and make room for D!

Why do our bodies need “whole” sea salt?

Rebekah — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 19:50:06 +0000

A healthy, active lifestyle demands a reasonable salt intake. In the uterus, an embryo grows more than three billion times its conception weight in the salty environment of amniotic fluid. From the time of conception we are never without a need for salt. I am not talking about overly processed table salt which is actually a poison internallty but whole food salt. Our body craves whole, unprocessed salt that is rich in nutritious minerals

Our bodies contain three internal oceans that closely resemble the ionic balance of ocean water — the blood plasma, the lymphatic fluid, and the extra-cellular fluid. Each one of these complex solutions surrounds our cells and circulates through our bodies. Ocean salt contains all of the precious salts that our bodies require and it is because of these minerals that salt is a necessity.

Unfortunately, America has been saturated with the use of sodium chloride, also know as table salt. This harmful chemical is a concentrated, unbalanced source of sodium. Common table salt lacks many trace minerals. In order to make salt white, it is washed in an bleach-wash many times, and in this process the valuable trace minerals are lost. Now, the salt is no longer a whole food. Following this refining process, the minerals are removed and sold to the chemical industry, or to pharmaceutical companies to make dietary supplements.

Food becomes deficient and can even become toxic when ingredients are removed from it. Without the other minerals to balance it, salt becomes deadly when consumed excessively — as in the typical American diet. Salt is the most common preservative used today. Many foods are laced with this non-whole food salt — especially fast foods. French fries, milk shake beverages, sauce mixes, canned foods, and cured meats are major sources of salt.

Celtic Sea Salt, which comes from the coasts of France, along with Himalayan Crystal Salt are the only salts I have found that contribute to a healthy body. Unlike other “sea salts,” these whole salts have all of the necessary minerals and nutrients intact, providing over 80 essential minerals including magnesium, potassium and calcium. Nothing has been extracted, so therefore it is a whole food. As a complete food, the body can easily absorb the nutrients from the salt and evenly distribute them throughout the body, without creating dehydration. These are the only salts I recommend and personally use daily.

Omegas, Fish Oil & DHA…

Rebekah — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 21:09:39 +0000

I have had numerous questions/emails regarding supplementing with omegas and DHA. Yes, I do recommend supplementing with various Omega 3 and DHA rich oils regularly, especially during pregnancy and for your babies/kids. Let’s talk about the only way they should be consumed, specific brands and vegan versus fish sources…

First of all, what makes them important? Experts agree that the typical western diet is deficient in omega-3 fatty acids because most people do not eat enough omega-3-rich foods. One of the most beneficial actions you can do to help prevent disease and other health problems is to increase your intake of the omega-3 fats. Omega-3 fats are high in two essential fatty acids (which means your body does not produce them and must receive them from foods): DHA and EPA. EPA and DHA are the noteworthy components naturally provided in algal DHA, raw, cold-pressed fish and flaxseed oil. Omega-3 is also found in chia seeds, flaxseeds, macadamia nuts, walnuts, coconut oil, and dark green leafy vegetables, among many other foods.

“Algal DHA is a healthier form of pure DHA and Omega 3 (fish get their DHA up the food chain from algae), and it does not endanger fish populations. It also does not contain any mercury or any other contaminant found in fish. The special algae are grown in environmentally sustainable tank farms, just as they grow spirulina. Several studies have shown that algal DHA is more easily utilized by the body. Also algal DHA does not have the saturated fat content that fish oil has, so algal DHA is actually better for the heart and arteries than fish (or krill) oil.” This was C Admas’ comment on Algal DHA who is a Naturopath who holds a Ph.D. in Natural Health Sciences, a Doctorate of Sciences in Integrative Health, and a degree in Traditional Naturopathy, and more. He is part of the writing team for a great site: www.realnaturalhealth.com

DHA is important for the brain, focus, sensory and central nervous system function and ADD. Omega 3 is important for child development, hair, skin, cells, a balanced central nervous system, strong immune system, hormone regulation, brain function, mood control, heart health, and much more. I highly recommend taking 2-3 grams of algal DHA and/or flaxseed oil.

Recommended Companies: When taking Fish oil, make sure the oil has been tested for mercury and other metals such as lead, PCGs and dioxins; is from a very good source of cleaner waters using fish such as salmon, sardines, anchovies, krill; and has been molecularly distilled. Ideally the oil should be in a dark glass to prevent oxidation. I generally prefer oils in a jar versus capsules because it is more cost effective and capsules are generally stored in hard plastic-type containers. The following companies follow these guidelines and I have used personally and for my son, beginning at 10 months.

Nordic Naturals - They not only have an entire line for adults but have a very vast line for babies and kids. From liquids to gel caps to even gummy omegas. Their newest product was featured at a recent health/supplement show I went to called “Baby’s DHA“. It gives the right amount omega 3’s needed for infants beginning at 5 pounds up to 35 pounds. It is a great product and could easily be added to your baby’s bottle or simply given in dropper form. I wish it had been available when my son was a baby! My son currently loves their Children’s DHA which has a berry after taste – he drinks it by the spoonful!
Health from the Sun/Sea uses fish that is wild from the Arctic Ocean and Nordic Seas and is 3^rd party tested. They have a very clean line of fish, flax and hemp oils and have a new product called “Eco DHA” which was impressive and looks like a great source of omegas.
Carlson’s (Norwegian fish oil) – When I was pregnant this was the only oil I could stomach for some reason. I love that their oils are also in a dark glass bottle and I never once had that “fish burp” that you sometimes get with some fish oils. I used their lemon fish oil every day, about 1-2 Tbsp daily, my entire pregnancy. I added it to my morning baby green shake and it added a nice after taste.
Barleans – They have a new yummy Omega Swirl line featuring flax oil, fish oil and plant-based DHA that is tasty and amazing in green drinks and smoothies. I also like that they have the vegan source of DHA because most companies only use DHA from fish oil but for vegans out there you can purchase Barlean’s flax oil that has an algae-based DHA added!
Algal DHA: Companies that provide good sources include Barleans, Udo’s Choice and Deva – But there are many more companies making it right now because it is becoming more popular.

Powerful Hemp Seeds

Rebekah — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 19:53:51 +0000

Chinese Records dating back to 16^th century B.C., document hemp seeds as one of their primary and most consistent crops. Hemp has also been an important nutrient to many other cultures throughout history, such as the Egyptians and Aztecs. What is it about these amazing tiny seeds that make them so important and necessary in ancient cultures….

Hemp seed is a little over one third protein, about one half fat, and just over ten percent carbohydrates (mostly from the fiber). Hempseeds are one of the “good” fats that I always encourage my readers to eat. They are an excellent source of Essential Fatty Acids, particularly in Linoleic Acid, or Omega 6, and GLA.

Hemp seeds also provide an excellent complete protein source, and are balanced in all of the essential Amino Acids. Hemp is available in the forms of oil, seed butter, hulled seeds, and protein powder (ground up hempseeds). Hemp seed protein powder is one of the most natural and easily digested protein powder available, far superior to soy protein.

Hemp seed oil definitely deserves the spotlight. This oil is a non-cooking oil, but it is a polyunsaturated fat relatively high (about 57%) in linoleic acid, or Omega 6. It is third highest to Borage and Primrose oil in the essential GLA. GLA is a fatty acid that is vital to proper functioning of hormones, skin, hair, cell health, and much more. Manitoba’s Harvest, Nutiva, and Ruth’s are all great sources of raw, cold-pressed organic oils.

Although Hempseed oil is higher in Omega 6 than the popular Flaxseed oil (higher in Omega 3), it is one of the best sources and very easily absorbed. It has one of the most ideal ratios of Omega 6 to Omega 3. It is true that Omega 6 & 3 fats, when heated and processed, are harmful, which is why most diets are lacking not only in Omega 3, but also a raw and natural source of Omega 6. The solution is taking raw, cold-pressed Hempseed oil regularly. I like to mix up my oils and take Flaxseed and Primrose oil one day and Hempseed oil the next. Like all aspects of nutrition, diversification is the key to finding balance.

Favo">rite Pick: Amazing Grass makes an amazing green superfood blend with hemp seed protein called “Amazing Meal“. The hemp seeds really fill you up and sustain your energy…great for workouts or that quick healthy meal.