Goji Berries

GOJI BERRIES

Summer-harvested, vine-ripened Goji berries from the Ningxia Province in China!

Millions of people in Asia consume goji berries every day to increase vitality and preserve their youth. They have been a key herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for thousands of years and serve as a staple food for one of the longest living populations in the world. Goji berries are almost always included in soups and broths as a tonic in Chinese home cooking, and were originally made famous by the Daoist master Li Ching-Yuen, who ate them every day to a ripe, old age of 252.

Goji berries are said to strengthen us at the core, thereby promoting increased endurance, strength, and sexual energy. In TCM, goji berries are classified as a supreme adaptogen. What does this mean? It means that goji berries are capable of working together intelligently with the body to restore balance wherever it’s needed. In this way, regular consumption of goji berries helps to create a smoother, more stress-free experience of life. 

We can tell you absolutely: Goji berries will make you smile! The Ningxia Province of China, where these goji berries are grown, is noted as having the highest number of centenarians in the country. Could goji berries be responsible for this incredible longevity? Here, in their indigenous terrain, the berries are vine-ripened, harvested in the summer months, and dehydrated at low temperatures for maximum nutrient preservation. Because of its highly mineralized soil, goji berries grown in this particular part of China are believed to be of superior nutritional quality. Indeed, only the Ningxia goji is included in the contemporary Chinese medical text, The Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China.

Goji berries have quickly become a favorite amongst guests and staff as a tasty addition to breakfast granola and chia porridge. Goji berries can also be blended into your morning smoothie as a whole-food sweetener, used as a garnish for your favorite desert recipe, or eaten as a nutritious, high-energy snack between meals. Dr. Cousins recommends eating a handful of goji berries every day. You might also like to experiment with adding goji berries to your herbal tea blends. They may be brewed alone for a slightly sweet, earthy flavor or mixed with other Chinese tonic herbs and superfoods for a supreme health blend.

I read this article in Dr. Gabriel Cousins newsletter and wanted to share it with you.
I love goji berries!! I combine them with cacao nibs and have a great snack either I put them in my smoothies. However you want to eat them, get some and try them out. They are a little pricey, but so worth it!!

Until next time,
Jan

Chia Seeds

A friend of mine called me the other day and asked me where my post about Chia Seeds was in my archives. I told her I didn't think I had ever written on them even though I take them everyday. So I ran across this video and wanted to share some information about this amazing seed that does so much!


Here are my reasons why I love them so much!!

They have more omega 3's than flax seed.
They balance your blood sugar levels
They help with weight loss.
They are natures highest plant based form of protein which gives you extra energy..
Great source of protein for vegetarians, veagan and raw eaters.

I just put them in my morning smoothies. They really do not have any taste. But I have found that because they swell up and turn into a gel consistency, you feel full longer, therefore suppressing your appetite.

Give them a try, and see what you think!! I order mine from www.wildernesspoets.com
Make sure you get the organic ones that have not been sprayed with pestisides!!

Until later,
Jan

Recipe for a Beautiful You

From all my years of studying supplements, skin creams, foods, cleanses, essential oils, herbs, superfoods and much much more, I have narrowed down for myself and some very close friends and family members, what I call "My recipe for Beauty-inside and out!! So I thought I would share this "recipe" with my readers. I'm not sure how many posts it will take to give all my ingredients, but here we go with the first few!! The food we put into our body has more impact than almost all of them put together, so it is my #1.

 FOOD-The food that we choose to eat will eventually make it's way to your outer skin. I know that shifting from the Traditional American Diet to a way of eating that supports good health and beautiful skin is a process. It took me years to go from a vegetarian diet to a raw diet. But we all have to start somewhere. If you are young, it's hard to imagine the beautiful skin you have in twenty's ever changing! But trust me it does. If I had known in my twenty's what I know now I would have changed my diet much earlier in life. Even if you are not a raw or vegan food eater, just start adding live fresh vegetables and fruits to your diet-especially live greens. If you don't want to eat that many live greens get yourself a juicer and juice them and take advantage of the live enzymes. Drink more water and hydrate your skin. Also make sure you are getting your proper amount of protein from a great source.  I have written blogs on this, but I get my protein from vegetable based protein powder, hemp seeds and blue green algae, just to name a few. There is so much information out there on plant based diets, you can get all the information you need to be on the road to feeling better than you ever thought,  along with increasing your energy, and looking better than ever with a fresh radiant glow!!

#2 Detox and Cleanse-To me detoxing and cleaning out your body of toxic matter is as important as the food we eat. There are so many ways to detox. Just living from day to day and breathing the outside air, and drinking water from the tap brings toxins into your body. The foods we eat, especially if they have been sprayed with pesticides put toxins in us, the list goes on and on.  A few things that I do for detoxing are:
I take Oceans Alive Marine Phytoplankton, Chlorella tablets, Zeolite Daily Detox form Healthforce. All of these remove toxins and metals. Since your skin is the largest organ your body has, this is where the toxins will be seen the most. Also, I recommend colonics on a regular basis, to clean out your colon. I have read so much material stating that the colon is the source where all disease originates. So not only are you helping your skin look better, and you feel better, but you are helping your body remove toxins that could possibly cause sickness and disease. Also if you live in or near the Memphis area, my daughter's yoga studio, Give Yoga Memphis is hosting a 7 day cleanse along with 7 days of yoga at the end of the month. Check out www.giveyogamemphis.com for details.

#3 Antioxidants-Since we take in through air, water and food free radicals (the molecules that cause aging, wrinkles,cellular damage, sickness and disease) we need to be taking in plenty of antioxidants to combat and kill off the free radicals.  The list of antioxidants is really long, but I will refresh your memory with a few:
Astaxathin, sea buckthorn berry, vitamin E and C, moringa oil, carrot seed oil, fruits,green pepper, cabbage, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, kale and cantaloupes.

#4 Skin oils, creams and lotions-Whatever you choose to put on top of your skin, from cleansing to moisturizing is very important.  Most OTC face and body cleansers and moisturizers have a variety of chemicals in them. Take some time and look up the ingredients on your cleanser and moisturizers. I have come to the conclusion after many years of trying every imaginable face product that if I can't take the ingredients listed on the label internally, then I'm not putting them on my skin. Trust me, it has been quite a challenge to find cleansers and moisturizers that fit that request. So over a period of years I have created my own, which I will be making available to the public to buy very soon. It is a combination of organic high end healing oils that combined not only cleanse your face but moisturize your face at the same time. And I would turn up the bottle and take a spoonful without thinking twice-O yeah, I really do that!!! So keep your ears open, I will be letting you know when it will be available.

So just starting to change your diet, detoxing, adding in antioxidants along with being mindful of what you are putting on your skin topically puts you on the road to experiencing beauty from the inside out!! It's never too late to change an old habit, and when you start seeing amazing results-you're hooked!!

I promise you that if you are doing just these 4 things you will begin to feel better, look better and act better!!! Don't just take my word for it try it, investigate this on your own.

Until next time,
Jan

A little Chlorella a day keeps the Doc away!

 I noticed this week that I was loosing weight and not even trying. I figured out that I was taking a lot more chlorella tablets than I had been in the past. I just started upping my intake because I love the way it makes me feel and the energy it gives me. And little did I know it helps me with weight lose. I put them in my protein smoothie everyday and also take them throughout the day when I need a boost of energy.
I ran across this article by Robert Crahon and thought it was great, so I wanted to share it. Just take a few minutes to read, and you will see why I LOVE this stuff!!

Chlorella is a single-celled algae originally produced as a source of protein for populations that could not afford animal protein foods. Yet chlorella offers more than protein. Miraculous stories have surfaced of people getting noticeable improvement in health and well being when consuming chlorella. When you realize that chlorella contains carotenoids, magnesium, and the super detoxifier chlorophyll-the health benefits of which have been well documented-we begin to understand chlorella's healing power. Americans are chronically low in magnesium and in great need of detoxifying. Chlorella may be the perfect antidote to our refined foods, nutrient-poor diets and toxic environment.

Chlorophyll is a remarkably protective and cleansing compound. It can inhibit cancer in all human organs. Chlorophyll is a vital part of all detoxification and health-building programs. The National Cancer Institute has begun to take notice of its ability to prevent cancer.

Detoxifying is essential for optimal health. When toxins are in our liver, brain, or other tissues and organs of the body, we age faster and have less health and vitality. Getting rid of toxins with powerful cleansers like chlorella helps us live longer, for toxins are a potent source of the free radicals which age us and cause disease. Chlorella appears particularly helpful at eliminating toxic metals like cadmium and uranium from the body.

Chlorella contains a range of carotenoids that is superior merely to taking a supplement of synthetic beta carotene. When you take a supplement that contains beta carotene, and it does not specify that it is derived from algae such as chlorella or d. salina, then you are only getting some of the benefits of carotenoids. There are many carotenoids- well over 600-and using chlorella as your source of carotenoids gives you much more benefit. While beta carotene has protective power, chlorella has much more. A recent study from China showed that when people with precancerous cells in their stomach were given synthetic beta carotene, there was no benefit. Yet when they were given natural carotenoids like those in chlorella, the precancerous cells turned back to normal. Chlorella has also been found to have powerful anti-cancer activity in animal studies when used orally.

Carotenoids protect against heart disease. Cholesterol cannot clog arteries until it oxidizes, and many studies have shown carotenoids can prevent this dangerous reaction from occurring. Although vitamin C appears to be the first line of defense in protecting cholesterol from going bad, carotenoids are also very important. A study of 333 patients showed that taking a carotenoid supplement reduced major cardiovascular events by half.

Chlorella is also a rich source of the remarkable mineral magnesium. Magnesium performs no less than 300 different tasks in the body. It is essential for heart function, immune function, blood pressure regulation, blood sugar balance, stroke prevention, and for both muscle strength and muscle relaxation. It is critical for energy production. It promotes mental health, relieves PMS, and reduces asthma attacks. No cell in the body can function without this mineral.

According to the USDA, 80 percent of Americans fail to get enough magnesium. Refined white flour contains only 20 percent of its original magnesium content. Sugar, sodas and junk foods, which make up a large part of the American diet, contain virtually none. Our crops are grown in soils with increasingly lower levels of magnesium. On top of this, our toxic environment depletes us of it.

The great American magnesium shortage may be one of the main causes of our epidemic of heart disease. Magnesium is extraordinarily important for heart health. Magnesium also helps mitral valve prolapse, fibromyalgia, and fatigue. Emotional or physical stress depletes magnesium. Magnesium also significantly enhances muscle growth that occurs in response to sustained weight lifting programs. It also plays an important role in bone health. In some studies, magnesium intake was a stronger predictor of bone density than calcium intake.

Chlorella gives you all the benefit of magnesium, carotenoids, chlorophyll and more. People with high cholesterol levels who were put on 5 grams per day of chlorella for three months saw their cholesterol levels decline significantly. There were no side effects, unlike cholesterol medications, which can actually shorten life span, according to recent studies. Cholesterol medications have been found to cause impotence in men-another reason to use natural alternatives like chlorella.

Chlorella is also an immune booster. It contains a compound known as chlorellan that stimulates the body to make more interferon. Chlorella helps protector cells, called macrophages, function more effectively.

Strict vegetarians-those who eat no animal products-often rely on seaweeds and algae such as chlorella for their B12 needs. While chlorella appears to contain B 12-like molecules, and has raised B 12 levels in adults who consume it, it is probably best to make sure B12 levels are optimal by taking extra B12 as a supplement. A B12 deficiency can cause neurological damage and it is best to be on the safe side. Vegetarians should take an inexpensive B12 supplement of 1,000 mcg at least once per week. The cost is a few dollars per year and well worth it.

Chlorella can help heal the GI tract. Ulcers, colitis, Crohn's disease and diverticulosis all seem to do better when chlorella is part of the diet. Animal studies have shown that chlorella is effective at healing ulcers. Chlorella has also been found to stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria which are essential for intestinal health.

How should one use chlorella? Add a few tablets or a half teaspoon of powder to your everyday diet or your green drinks. Because it is nearly 50 percent protein you can use it to curb appetite during weight loss. It can be used topically in wound healing and as an excellent facial ingredient. In degenerative conditions, large doses may be needed. For detoxification, it may be best on an empty stomach. Introduce it to your diet slowly. See if you notice the increase in energy and well being that so many report after making chlorella a regular habit.

I take the Chlorella Manna from Healthforce. If you are not used to taking Chlorella, start out with a small amount and then increase daily. I probably started out taking 4-5 at a time now I am up to about 40-50 a day. You get 1500 tablets in your jar of Chlorella Manna. Don't just take my word for it, get some and try it out!!!

Until next time,
Jan

Protein Drinks that ROCK!

One question that I get asked a lot is, "what is in your superfood protein drinks?" So I decided to do a short video to show some of the ingredients that I use. Just bear with the video, my husband was filming and this is his first production!!! Clearly after watching it I can see that a proper video camera is going to have to be high on the priority list!! The iPhone isn't really going to cut it!!! Just watch and enjoy....under the video I have listed the ingredients and their benefits.



As I said in the video, start with ice and coconut water. I usually start with filling up the bottom of the blender with ice-probably about 10-15 cubes, then I pour the coconut water up to the 12oz mark. Then I add the fruit (by the way when I said I add pineapple, I just add a small cut off piece, not the whole pineapple) and my aloe vera gel-1/4 cup, coconut oil(1 tbls) and then the dry ingredients.
I also added the pineapple stem after I pulled all the green leaves off the top.

The protein powder that I use is the Sun Warrior-plain, if I 'm using hemp seeds I just use one scoop.
If not I use 2. Each scoop protein powder has 15 grams of protein.

I buy my hemp seeds from www.wildernesspoets.com  I know them personally and totally trust their products. Hemp seeds contain all the essential amino acids and essential fatty acids necessary to maintain a healthy life. This source of protein is easily digestible and has the perfect ratio of essential fatty acids to meet human nutritional needs. It is packed with 33-37 percent digestible protein.
I also buy my coconut oil from them or you can get it on amazon or Whole Foods. Just make sure you read how the oil was extracted and that no chemicals were used in the extraction.
Coconut oil has strong antioxidant properties, and lowers your cholesterol.

The chlorella tablets come from Healthforce-Chlorella Manna. Chlorella is a great source of chlorophyll, protein, iron, antioxidants, B12, and 19 amino acids. It also has been tested and proven to fight against cancer cells. I throw in about 20 tablets. If you have never taken these, start with less, and build up.

I buy the rest of my ingredients from www.mountainroseherbs.com

Bee Pollen: Full of antioxidants
Increases strength and energy
Helps fight against allergies
Contains most of the b vitamins and is 25% protein
I use 2 teaspoons

Maca Root Powder:I love this powder!! It is considered an adaptagen which means it balances and stabilizes your glandular hormone, nervous and cardiovascular systems. Start out with 1 tbl them increase to 2. It really does help with hormone balance, whether you are pre, peri, or post menopause.

Last but not least-Aloe Vera Gel-
Great for digestion, and beautiful skin.

Everyone has their favorites items that they want to put into their smoothies. This is my basic one, and you can just play around with different ingredients until you get the desired taste. Sometimes I have to add more coconut water so that it isn't too thick. Also, if you don't have a blendtech blender or a vita-mix, you can use a regular blender with these particular ingredients. Try it out and let me know!!!

Until next time,
Jan



                                                        




  

Friday Inspiration!

My daughter Hannah sent this video to me this morning....
This is so inspiring, I wanted to share it with everyone. Watch and enjoy.

Moringa Oil

So my new favorite antioxidant is Moringa Oil!!!

Moringa oil has been around for centuries...The Egyptians placed vases of Moringa oil in their tombs, for use in the afterlife. It is so potent that it is actually included in some of the best skin moisturizers, anti-aging creams and other health products worldwide.
It penetrates deeply into the skin, delivering vital nutrients and also helping the skin and hair retain moisture. The benefits include skin care and rejuvenation, wrinkle reduction, stronger and healthier hair and blemish removal.
Moringa oil is a great natural supplement to increase the health and strenth of the hair and scalp. You can massage it into your hair and leave in for 10-15 minutes to deliver rejuvenating vitamins and minerals to the folicles of the hair and tissue of the scalp. If you massage your scalp wtih it frequently it will help reduce split ends and dandruff.
Moringa oil is one of the most nutrient dense oils in the world. Used extensivly for anti-aging and wrinkle reduction. Moringa oil provides a healthy living enviroment for skin cells to live in.
You can also treat acne with Moringa oil. Indians have used it for centuries, and it is now making its way to the West.
If thats no enough, here are a few more great things that it does:

Rich in antioxidants
Balances levels of cholesterol
Improves functioning of kidney and liver
Promotes healthy digestion
Balances hormone and gland system
Promotes anti-inflammitory features, helps in the healing of arthritis
A detoxifier

The oil is expressed from the moringa kernel like the one above.
I buy the oil in liquid form and in capsules-I take it internally and apply to my skin.
It is also one of the ingredients in my new face wash that I have developed, which I will be telling everyone about real soon.
Check it out for yourself, and see what you think, but it is by far the best thing I have discovered for myself in long time!!!

Until next time,
Jan