Monday, June 29, 2009

“Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.” Buddha

“Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship.” Buddha

Good health is the kind of the thing you don’t notice until you don’t have it anymore. Get a bout of the flu or visit a friend recently diagnosed with cancer and suddenly you appreciate feeling healthy. You might even start promising yourself that you will start taking better care of yourself – eat better food – get all the fruit and veg you are supposed to eat, drink more water and get some exercise.

What usually happens, at least with me, is I start to feel better again and other things like work, family and chores take priority again. All those noble health goals fade and seem much less important when I am feeling pretty healthy.

Fitting health goals into a busy lifestyle requires commitment. We need to be prepared to make health a priority.

How do you make the most of being time poor to eat well and get some exercise? It can be easier if you can take a few shortcuts.

There are many food products available – often referred to as Superfoods are packed full of nutrients. These superfoods help you to get the vitamins, minerals and other good stuff you need so your body functions properly. They can be a useful shortcut in getting nutrients from a real food source rather than popping supplements.

Incidental exercise is another shortcut. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, park further away from your destination, get up more often and walk around if you sit at a desk. All these things keep the blood circulating around your body – keeping you healthier.

Better health can be achieved by reducing the toxins you expose yourself to and increasing the nutrients you absorb from the food you eat. Plus drinking good clean water and moving around.

Other health considerations include being aware of the toxins around you – the air you breathe, the cleaning products you use, the make up, cleansing and sanitary products you choose.



You can make a healthier choice every day.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Certified Organic Acai Berry Powder - named as one of the planet’s Top Ten Antioxidant Superfruits!

Certified Organic Acai Berry Powder

This royal purple fruit with the rich cocoa-berry taste is consistently named as one of the planet’s Top Ten Antioxidant Superfruits!


This super healthy superfood from a wild and vigorous Brazillian tropical palm growing abundantly over 2.5 million acres of Amazon River floodplains is harvested by local tribes then freeze-dried immediately to preserve its amazing nutritional properties including:


  • Essential Fatty Acids (Omegas 6 & 9)
  • 19 Amino Acids (proteins)
  • Vitamins A, B1, B2, C, E, & P (flavonoids)
  • Fibre (30+%)
  • Minerals (potassium, iron, phosphorous, calcium)
  • Trace elements (chromium, cobalt, molybdenum)
  • Phytosterols (cholesterol-busting)
  • Polyphenols (free-radical-scavenging)

Acai is a secret weapon of many famous athletes who love the very low sugar content and Low Glycemic Index (GI), & 2x more antioxidants than blueberries, 10x more than red grapes, 30x more than red wine, and ORAC values higher than pomegranate, cranberries and even Goji, what’s not to love ?


Go to shop and buy Acai Berry PowderBuy Certified Organic Acai Berry Powder Now

Buy certified Organic Acai Berry Powder

How to eat Acai Berry Powder

Serving suggestion: Add to yoghurt, smoothies, ice cream, fruit juice, water, milkshakes, muesli, or margaritas!

BEST KEPT REFRIGERATED

The serving size is about 3g or 1 teaspoon (it’s on the pack with the nutrition panel). As it is just a food, you can eat as much as you like, but common sense should prevail.


Personally I add a good heaped teaspoon to my smoothies which I have pretty much every day.


Acai Berry and Weight Loss


There is a huge amount of hype all over the media about the acai berry and weightloss. Acai Berry Powder is just a food – albeit a highly nutritious superfood.

Most people eat processed and de-natured foods which essentially leaves the body feeling starved. The body is looking to meet its nutrient needs which is why people keep feeling hungry and wanting to eat more.

Adding Acai Powder to your diet is a great way to catch up on nutrients missing in the average modern diet. By feeding your body highly nutritious foods you will crave other foods less.

The human body is healthier, and craves food less if it is being properly nourished.

How to pronounce Acai?

Acai is pronounced ‘ah-sigh-ee’.

Certified Organic Acai Berry Nutrition Information

Serving Size 3g

Qty per Serving Size
Qty per 100g
Energy
78kj
2590kj
Protein
0.3g
9.1g
Fat – Total
1.5g
50.1g
- Saturated
0.2g
6.0g
Carbohydrates
1.0g
33.4g
Total Sugars
0g
1g
Sodium
5mg
179mg

So what exactly is in Maca? It's a superfood!

Maca, Lepidium Meyenii, is a root vegetable cultivated high in the Andean Mountains. For 10,000 years it has been a valued addition to their diet..

This plant has been used traditionally:

The Maca plant is prized for its roots, which contain both medicinal and nutritional properties. In it’s native South America, it has been used for thousands of years. In fact, it was a staple of Incan medicine, much like antibiotics are a staple of western medicine today. It is only recently however that the amount of variety of nutrients in the Maca root are becoming known. It is this recent discovery that is greatly increasing Maca demand around the world!


So what exactly is in Maca? Well, here are some of the body-needed “ingredients” in the Maca root: zinc, potassium, iron, more calcium than milk, and several B vitamins. For those who want a stronger immune system, it has plenty of vitamin C, and even protein for muscle health. Since it’s a root, fiber is aplenty, and it has essential fatty acids which aid in mental functioning.


But the benefits of Maca do not end there…it is also known to increase fertility and libido, both for men, and women! Now, this is not without saying there are no possible side effects…however, it has been used for hundreds of years, and since it is all natural, there have been no known side effects. But as always, consult a doctor before you start popping maca root in your system.


Maca also may contribute to regulating the proper hormone levels in people. So, for couples looking to conceive, it it may increase fertility levels in couples. Also it has a positive effect on the endocrine system, and therefore the immune system.


One of the biggest beneficiaries of the Maca root is our nervous system and memory. The nutrients in Maca are very effective in increasing nervous system and brain activity. This is one reason that many Maca users are fans of this herb.


Last but not least, many athletes take Maca as a healthy alternative to steroids. Maca has the ability to increase muscular development and strength. Maca based pills or supplementation is becoming well known in the athletic and body building communities.


Some women choose eat Maca Powder as an alternative to taking artificial hormones. What makes Maca so effective is that rather than introducing hormones from outside (whether chemical or natural) Maca nutritionally supports the glands in the body to optimal function according to the individuals unique requirements.


For those of you overwhelmed with what Maca is able to do, this is exactly why it’s called a superfood! Not only does it have a wide array of physical health benefits, it helps mental health as well. This is why it’s not just Peruvians these days who are taking Maca. It is gaining large followings in the U.S. Europe, and Asia as well.


Although fresh Maca root may still be a challenge to find, it is generally easy to find Maca supplements. This is a welcome herbal supplement to anyone’s daily vitamin and dietary plan.

Buy Maca Now The beauty of Maca is that it is a whole food – unadulterated and pure just as nature intended food to be. With this in mind – when you buy your Maca – use the guidelines below to ensure you are getting the best quality product available.


Maca available in powder and capsules

Get your premium grade Guaranteed Organic Maca Powder or Capsules delivered straight to your door for much less

Click here to check our most current Maca prices


Maca Guidelines:

  1. Non-irradiated
  2. Guaranteed Organic
  3. Careful temperature control during processing/drying means nutrient preservation, lighter colour & sweeter taste
  4. Free of grain contamination (exclusive milling facility)
  5. Organic farming methods
  6. Processed-to-order (arrives fresh milled from Peru within weeks)
  7. High protein content
  8. Grown in specially suited soils at required altitude in traditional growing region.

Maca gives you the edge, vitality, energy, stamina and endurance

The power of Certified Organic Maca Powder

Maca, Lepidium Meyenii, is a root vegetable cultivated high in the Andean Mountains. For 10,000 years it has been a valued addition to their diet..

This plant has been used traditionally:

Maca Root contains significant amounts of amino acids, complex carbohydrates, Vitamins B1, B2, C, E and minerals including calcium, phosphorous, zinc, magnesium and iron.

Maca is a whole food. It is adaptogenic meaning that it will work on the body according to needs, age and gender of the person taking it - allowing males and females of all ages to benefit from taking it regularly.

Some women choose eat Maca Powder as an alternative to taking artificial hormones. What makes Maca so effective is that rather than introducing hormones from outside (whether chemical or natural) Maca nutritionally supports the glands in the body to optimal function according to the individuals unique requirements.

The beauty of Maca is that it is a whole food - unadulterated and pure just as nature intended food to be. With this in mind - when you buy your Maca - use the guidelines below to ensure you are getting the best quality product available.

Maca available in powder and capsules

Get your premium grade Guaranteed Organic Maca Powder or Capsules delivered straight to your door for much less

Buy Maca Now

Click here to check our most current Maca prices

Maca Guidelines:

  1. Non-irradiated
  2. Guaranteed Organic
  3. Careful temperature control during processing/drying means nutrient preservation, lighter colour & sweeter taste
  4. Free of grain contamination (exclusive milling facility)
  5. Organic farming methods
  6. Processed-to-order (arrives fresh milled from Peru within weeks)
  7. High protein content
  8. Grown in specially suited soils at required altitude in traditional growing region.

Want a chocolate fix and get healthy?

Certified Organic Cacao Nibs and Cacao Crunch

Pure Organic Cacao is packed full of nutrients like antioxidants, magnesium, and bliss chemicals but without the sugar and chemicals found in your average chocolate bar.

Unsweetened Organic Cacao Nibs

The Cacao beans are selected carefully and processed at low temperatures so that all the nutrients are preserved. Once the beans are extracted from their fruit casing they are washed in purified water and then partially ground to create yummy cacao nibs.

Sweetened Organic Cacao Crunch

To create cacao crunch the nibs are rolled in a paste of liquefied chocolatey nibs then rolled in panela. Panela is a unrefined evaporated sugar cane juice popular in South America. These sweetened organic cacao nibs are a rich chocolate treat with a lightly smoked, coffee flavour.

Which Cacao treat should you choose?

If you prefer a dark chocolate rich flavour with no added sweeteners then choose the Organic Nibs.

Buy Organic Cacao NibsBuy Organic Cacao Nibs

If you prefer your chololate treats sweeter then cacao crunch is for you. You get the same cacao goodness packed full of nutrients in a sweeter package.

Buy Organic Cacao CrunchBuy Organic Cacao Crunch.

How to eat cacao nibs and cacao crunch.

Eat as is or grind with coffee, add to smoothies, coffee, icecream, muesli, cakes, muffins, cheesecakes, blissballs, cookie batter or trail mix. You can use them as you would choc chips.

Raw Cacao Nutritional Facts

  • Chocolate has 400 distinct flavour compounds - that's 200% more than any other food! .

  • Cacao Power Organic Cacoa foods have an anti-oxidant (ORAC) score of 95,500. To put that into perspective, that's 14 times more antioxidant flavonoids than red wine, 21 times more than green tea, and 7 times more than even dark chocolate!

  • Magnesium is the most common deficient major mineral even following a balanced diet - it is estimated that over 80% of Australians are chronically lacking.

    Cacao contains high levels of magnesium - possibly being the best food source for magnesium available.

    Magnesium aids the absorption of calcium in the body assisting the formation of teeth and bones. It is useful for maintaining healthy heart health - stabilising heart rhythm and blood pressure and preventing abnormal clotting. Magnesium aids healthy muscle function helping muscles relax and preventing cramping - for women magnesium can help to reduce premenstrual and menstrual cramps.

  • Phenylethylamine (PEA) found in cacao products is an adrenal-related chemical that is created within the brain and released when we fall in love, and also help increase focus and alertness.

  • Pure raw cacao seems to diminish appetite - likely as a result of it's unusual MAO inhibitors that allow more serotonin and other neurotransmittors like anandamide (the bliss chemical) to circulate in the brain, precipitating a rejuvenating effect.

  • Cacao nibs contain no sugar and have a fat content lower than most other nuts.

  • The Kuna Indians of the Panamanian Islands consume significant amounts of high-flavonol cacao; they also have extremely low blood pressure that doesn't climb as they age.

Some facts about the way mass produced chocolate is made

Cacao is often sourced from cheap tropical countries like Africa that have the dreaded Capra beetle. When this cacao arrives in Australia, quarantine treats that cacao aggressively with methylbromide gas fumigation and irradiation to kill any remnants of the insects.

Pure Cacao Power products are sourced from South America which does not have this pestilent insect and is CERTIFIED ORGANIC by Australian Leader ACO , ensuring that you get what you're paying for in a superfood.

It's a guaranteed premium product with:

  • NO heavy metals
  • NON irradiated
  • NO petrochemical fertilizers
  • NO genetically modified organisms (GMO's)

Who loves Cacao?

  • Raw Foodies
  • Chocoholics
  • Vegetarians
  • Yoginis
  • Athletes
  • PMS/PMT sufferers

Chia Seeds

Black and White Chia Seeds

The Chia seed (Salvia hispanica) is the highest known plant source of anti-inflammatory Omega-3 (8 times higher than Salmon), and unlike other sources of this important fatty acid, eg, flaxseed, hemp or fish, it is highly stable due to its powerfully naturally occurring anti-oxidants.

Both Black and white chia seeds are combined to maximise the nutritional benefits of each.

Chia is packed full of the following nutrients.

  • 8 x more Omega-3 EFA's than salmon
  • 7 x more Vitamin C than oranges
  • 6 x more fibre than oat bran (soluble and insoluble fibre for bowel, cholesterol and blood sugar regulation.
  • 5 x more calcium than milk
  • 4 x higher ORAC value than blueberries
  • 3 x more iron than spinach
  • 2 x more potassium than bananas
  • 15 x more magnesium than broccoli
  • 18 amino acids
  • Vitamin A and B12
  • complete protein (23%)

All adds up to 100% healthy nutrition.

How to use Chia Seeds

Buy Chia Seeds Sprinkle these flavourless black and white seeds on slads, muesli, stirfrys or cereal. Grind into smoothies or add to muffin or bread batter. Or make a gel mixing 1 tablespoon with 1 cup water, wait 10 mins and consume 1 tspn (may refrigerate for up to 3 weeks).

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Superfoods

What is a Superfood?

Superfood is the term given to a food that is particular high in nutrients – the vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other health giving components that make your body hum with vitality.

Common foods like salmon, brazil nuts, yoghurt, broccoli and blueberries are well known as superfoods. But as the world shrinks, nutrient rich foods from other cultures are getting noticed.

For Example, Maca Root Powder from South America is recognised for its beneficial effects upon the human endocrine system. Goji berries from the Goji triangle in Asia are high in Vitamin C and anti-oxidants, http://www.healthychoices.com.au/power-super-foods/organic-dulse-leaf.html sourced from Eastern Canada are high in iodine and other trace minerals not easily obtained from other sources.

Superfoods can be a useful addition to your diet. People living busy modern lives do not get the nutrients they need. Few people have time to prepare every meal they eat from scratch, meaning they miss out on all the fresh fruit and vegetables they need to obtain maximum nourishment.

The modern busy life also increases other risks to your nutritional health – factors like stress, caffeine, alcohol, fast food, cigarettes and recreational drugs all take their toll on creating toxins in your body.

Superfoods can be a healthier addition to the diet rather than popping a bunch of supplements in pill form. Superfoods are generally recognisable as food. Some can be eaten raw or fresh from the greengrocer eg, spinah, broccoli, blueberries and others have been sourced from organic growers and minimally processed (dried or powdered) so that maximum nutrition is preserved.

The human body needs a vast array of nutrients to work properly – some nutrients must have others present in order to be assimilated at all. Take for example, calcium. To absorb calcium properly our bodies require the presence of the mineral magnesium, potassium, phosphorous, boron, copper to name a few. Just taking a single supplement is not always the most effective remedy for nutritional imbalance.

Superfoods offer a complex ratio of nutrients in natural balance that can be properly assimilated by your body.