Brazil Nuts Health Benefits

Brazil nut trees are native to regions in Brazil, Peru, Venezuela and the Guianas. These trees can grow up to 160 feet tall and live up to 700 years old. Each mature tree can bear up to 300 fruit pods in a season. They are a staple energy source for native Amazonians even today.

Their delicious nuts provide protein and other essential nutrients with selenium being high on the list. Brazil nuts are dense in calories and high in mono-and polyunsaturated fats which help to lower LDL or the “bad cholesterol” and raise HDL , the “good” cholesterol.  They also include a rich supply of vitamin E, vitamin B-complex, magnesium, phosphorous, copper, manganese and potassium.

Why is selenium so important? Scientific evidence suggests that selenium plays a role in the prevention and treatment of heart disease, cognitive decline, liver disease and thyroid disease. The highest concentration of selenium is found in your thyroid gland and is instrumental in keeping your metabolism in balance.

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Probiotics for Health

Did you know that Probiotics can help your mood?

For thousands of years, clinicians have observed a connection between the gut, brain, and overall health. Hippocrates is famously quoted as saying “all disease begins in the gut.” This should not come as a surprise to anyone who has ever experienced gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms like diarrhea, indigestion, or abdominal discomfort in response to changes in their emotional state. The gut and brain communicate through neural, endocrine and immune pathways. It has become increasingly clear that interactions with intestinal microbiota play an important part in this communication.

Recent insights into the role of the human microbiota in cognitive and affective functioning have led to the hypothesis that probiotic supplementation may act as an adjuvant strategy to ameliorate or prevent depression.  In a recent research study (Reference below), 20 healthy participants without current mood disorder received a 4-week probiotic food-supplement intervention, while 20 control participants received an inert placebo for the same period. In the pre- and post-intervention assessment, cognitive reactivity to sad mood was assessed using the revised Leiden index of depression sensitivity scale. It was exciting to see that the participants who received the 4-week multispecies probiotics intervention showed significantly reduced depression, less repetitive negative thoughts and less aggressive thoughts. Yeah probiotics!
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Kale Health Benefits

Kale is king of all the healthy greens! Kale is loaded with all sorts of beneficial nutrients – some of which have powerful medicinal properties. It’s in the same veggie family as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower (the Brassica Family), which means it’s high in Vitamins A, C and K. It also has 3 grams of protein per serving and is high in fiber. And all this goodness in one cup of cooked kale only gives you 40 calories!

There are many types of kale. The leaves can be green or purple and have either a smooth or curly shape.

Kale Health Benefits

Kale is loaded with powerful anti-oxidants, which are needed to counteract the damage by free radicals in our bodies. Oxidative damage is believed to increase aging and cause many diseases. By ingesting kale, you will provide your body with quercetin and kaempferol which help to prevent many health problems.

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What is Adrenal Fatigue

What is Adrenal Fatigue?

Perched gently on top of your kidneys are your adrenal glands! These amazing little organs produce adrenal hormones that help to regulate your bodily functions and to respond to stress. If you are constantly under stress, your adrenal glands work “over-time” and can become depleted.

People with adrenal fatigue experience a level of fatigue that is not relieved by a night’s sleep. Attempts to stay alert with caffeine, sugar and other stimulants work temporarily, but more and more of these products are needed, and eventually do not help. It becomes harder and harder to get out of bed in the morning. (more…)

Juicing for Health

Why Juice?

Whole forms of fresh produce are the best for your body, but sometimes you just might not have the time to eat a plate of mixed veggies. If you are ill or under stress and needing more energy, juicing may be just the boost you need! Juicing is an ideal way to nourish your body with the important nutrients found in fresh fruits and vegetables. Juicing is also a great way to get nutrients into kids who tend to push the veggies off their plates. Tip: Always try to buy organic fruits and vegetables.

What’s the difference between juice and a smoothie?

Juice is juiced with a juicer! A juicing machine separates the pulp (aka. insoluble fiber) from the liquid. You discard the pulp and drink the juice. You will still get fiber in the form of soluble fiber. (more…)