So, Stephanie needed some new mineral makeup. In her quest to wean herself off of expensive Sephora products, she has gone looking for a new mineral makeup.
We think she has found a great substitute: Everyday Minerals. She placed an order yesterday. Check it out. Very inexpensive! Especially read the testimonials section. A lot of people who found they could not use Bare Minerals because it was too drying or made them look old due to it settling in to the find lines on their face, CAN use Everyday Minerals. Steph ordered several products plus a sample pack.
Stay tuned to see how she likes these products. Or order a sample pack for yourself.
Monday, April 23, 2007
More Goodies from Trader Joe's
No, we don't secretly work for Trader Joe's. Although considering how much we love their products, you'd think we might go apply for a job there just to get a discount on all the stuff we buy!
The truth is, we're in awe of them. How can they make so many consistently good, high-quality products at such ridiculously cheap prices? It boggles the mind.
Remember that Stephanie is a self-professed Sephora junkie. Although you could argue she is becoming a reformed one since discovering that many of the products she loves can either be found elsewhere for cheaper or replaced by the wonderful TJ branded products.
Take, for instance, the Honey Mango Moisturizing Cream Shave...a delicious smelling creamy white lotion that makes your legs (or face because men can use it too!) feel very soft and smooth. The mango smell doesn't last longer than your shower but it's an aromatherapy experience nevertheless and for sub $5.00 a tube (maybe $3.50?), it's way better than the expensive Whole Foods variety that sells for more than $8.50 per tube.
The other beauty product we discovered today is the Ultra Moisturizing Shea Butter French Milled Vegetable Soap. It's a wonderful nostalgic white bar of creamy goodness. Yeah, I like shower gels better for the most part but this clean, crisp smell was too enticing to pass up. It gives you that "I-just-stepped-out-of-the-shower" clean smell. The bar lathers up so well and it leaves your skin feeling luxurious. It's a nice change of pace from my super girly smelling fruity shower gels so I think my husband will probably use this too. Of course, now I need a soap dish. :) Cost: $3.59
The truth is, we're in awe of them. How can they make so many consistently good, high-quality products at such ridiculously cheap prices? It boggles the mind.
Remember that Stephanie is a self-professed Sephora junkie. Although you could argue she is becoming a reformed one since discovering that many of the products she loves can either be found elsewhere for cheaper or replaced by the wonderful TJ branded products.
Take, for instance, the Honey Mango Moisturizing Cream Shave...a delicious smelling creamy white lotion that makes your legs (or face because men can use it too!) feel very soft and smooth. The mango smell doesn't last longer than your shower but it's an aromatherapy experience nevertheless and for sub $5.00 a tube (maybe $3.50?), it's way better than the expensive Whole Foods variety that sells for more than $8.50 per tube.
The other beauty product we discovered today is the Ultra Moisturizing Shea Butter French Milled Vegetable Soap. It's a wonderful nostalgic white bar of creamy goodness. Yeah, I like shower gels better for the most part but this clean, crisp smell was too enticing to pass up. It gives you that "I-just-stepped-out-of-the-shower" clean smell. The bar lathers up so well and it leaves your skin feeling luxurious. It's a nice change of pace from my super girly smelling fruity shower gels so I think my husband will probably use this too. Of course, now I need a soap dish. :) Cost: $3.59
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Good Bacteria
What do probiotics do?
Did you know that there are 20 times more bacteria than cells in your body? In fact, at any one time, you have more bacteria in your body than the total number of people who have ever lived on the planet. So the next time you step on the bathroom scale, you need to remember that 1 pound of that weight is not you at all, but the billions of bugs that live in your gut. This may sound alarming, but many of these organisms are crucial to good health.
A healthy lower intestine should contain at least 85% friendly bacteria to prevent the over colonization of disease causing micro-organisms like E. coli and salmonella. Our colon can maintain its health with 15% unfriendly bacteria, if the body contains at least 85% probiotic friendly bacteria. Most people have this percentage reversed.
The word "Probiotic" simply means “for life” which explains why these nutrients are so important. But if you want the proper scientific definition of a Probiotic here it is:
“A live microbial feed supplement, which beneficially affects the host by improving its intestinal microbial balance”
New research is establishing how important the supplementation of probiotics can be for a variety of conditions. Probiotics enhance the immune system by favorably altering the gut micro-ecology and preventing unfriendly organisms from gaining a foothold in the body. They prevent the overgrowth of yeast and fungus and produce substances that can lower cholesterol.
Probiotics are widely recommended for the treatment of Candida - a fungal infection - because they establish large, healthy populations of friendly bacteria that compete with the Candida that is trying to take up residence in the intestine. Probiotics are also essential in the treatment and prevention of thrush, vaginal yeast infections, and athlete's foot. Good health depends fundamentally upon the more than 400 types of friendly, symbiotic bacteria that inhabit the digestive tract.
Why Do We Need Probiotics?
Two of the most damaging substances to the delicate intestinal flora balance are chlorine and sodium flouride, present in most public water, and thus also present in most beverages which one gets at restaurants. The drinking of alcoholic beverages also contributes to the destruction of the intestinal flora. Medical antibiotics, birth control pills and many other allopathic drugs cause damage to the intestinal flora and to the tissue in the intestinal wall.Poor eating habits, chlorinated drinking water, stress and disease and the use of antibiotics in food production as well as in medical treatments can wreak havoc in the gastrointestinal tract by destroying good bacteria and allowing undesirable bacteria to multiply. When the ratio of good bacteria to bad is lowered, problems begin to arise such as excessive gas, bloating, constipation, intestinal toxicity and poor absorption of nutrients.
While it's true that non-beneficial bacteria are naturally occurring in the intestinal tract, problems begin when their growth goes unchecked and probiotics play an especially important role in keeping in check the pathogenic bacteria that cause disease.
A good probiotic supplement will contain millions and millions of live bacteria to bolster and replenish levels of the health promoting good bugs in your digestive tract. Once there, these probiotic reinforcements join forces with the existing friendly bacteria to help inhibit the growth of more harmful microbes.
This, in turn, will help improved the digestion and absorption of your food and stimulate and support the immune system.
Here's a summary of what probiotics can do:
- Inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria that cause digestive stress
- Improve digestion of food and absorption of vitamins
- Stimulate the body’s natural defence mechanism - the immune system
- Help make vitamins needed by the body
Why are probiotics supplements necessary?
The answer is, that while it is true that certain foods - especially live yogurt, Japanese Miso, Tempeh and some cheeses have a probiotic action in the gut, you can never be sure what strain of bacteria you are eating or exactly how much is contained in these foods. And there is no way of knowing just how many of those replacement bacteria are going to survive and make it all the way through the acidic and bug-killing environment of the stomach to the colon.
There are other foods, such as bananas, garlic and onions, which can also help repopulate levels of the good bacteria in the intestine. But we do not yet know how many you need to eat for the best results and, you can only eat so much garlic in a day!
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
B-Complex Vitamins
Where B Vitamins Come From and Why They're Important
The B-complex vitamins are found in brewer's yeast, liver, whole-grain cereals, rice, nuts, milk, eggs, meats, fish, fruits, leafy green vegetables and many other foods. Keep reading for more specifics about each of the B vitamins:
Thiamine (B1)
The B vitamin thiamine is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates into the simple sugar glucose. The chemical process involves the combination of thiamine with pyruvic acid to form a coenzyme, a substance that, when combined with other substances, forms an enzyme. Enzymes are those all-important proteins that speed up chemical reactions in the body. Thiamine is also important for the proper functioning of the nervous system. In this instance, thiamine acts as a coenzyme in the production of the neurotransmitter (chemical messenger between nerve fibers) acetylcholine.
Thiamine deficiency is rare but often occurs in alcoholics, because alcohol interferes with the absorption of thiamine through the intestines. There are several health problems associated with a deficiency of thiamine. The first is beriberi, a disease that is characterized by anemia, paralysis, muscular atrophy and weakness, and spasms in the muscles of the legs. Other disorders caused by thiamine deficiency include Wernicke's encephelopathy, which causes lack of coordination, and Korsakoff's psychosis, which affects short-term memory. The mouth can also be affected by thiamine deficiency, increasing the sensitivity of the teeth, cheeks and gums, as well as "cracks" in the lips. Fortunately, these conditions can be reversed with the addition of the vitamin.
Thiamine is found in whole-grain cereals, bread, red meat, egg yolks, green leafy vegetables, legumes, sweet corn, brown rice, berries, yeast, the germ and husks of grains and nuts. Mega-doses (very high doses) of thiamine have not been associated with adverse health effects, and excess of the water-soluble vitamin is excreted.
Riboflavin (B2)
Riboflavin is important in the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, and, like thiamine, it acts as a coenzyme in the process. It is also significant in the maintenance of the skin and mucous membranes, the cornea of the eye and for nerve sheaths. Riboflavin also acts as a coenzyme for oxidation-reduction reactions throughout the body. Oxidation reduction reactions involve the addition of either oxygen or hydrogen to a substance. One important consequence of this process is when it acts to inhibit chemical reactions with oxygen or highly reactive free radicals. These oxidation reactions can cause damage to our cells.
A deficiency of riboflavin can cause skin disorders (seborrheic dermatitis) and inflammation of the soft tissue lining around the mouth and nose, anemia, and can cause the eyes to be light-sensitive. In the mouth, angular cheilosis can develop. This is a painful condition where lesions develop at the corners of your lips, and glossitis (inflammation of the tongue) can also occur.
Riboflavin is found in whole-grain products, milk, meat, eggs, cheese and peas. As a water-soluble vitamin, any excess is excreted, although small amounts are stored in the liver and kidney.
Niacin (B3)
Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid and nicotinamide, is needed for the metabolism of food, the maintenance of healthy skin, nerves and the gastrointestinal tract. Niacin is also used in those all-important oxidation reduction reactions. A deficiency of niacin causes the disease, pellagra. In the past, this disease was often associated with the very poor and was also a major cause of mental illness. The symptoms of pellagra are sometimes referred to as the "three D's" -- diarrhea, dermatitis and dementia -- ultimately resulting in a fourth "D", death. The mouth is also affected by pe llagra, which can cause the inside of the cheeks and tongue to become red and painful. Fortunately, high doses of niacin (150-300 mg.) can reverse the effects of this disease.
Niacin is found in protein-rich food such as meats, fish, brewer's yeast, milk, eggs, legumes, potatoes and peanuts. Niacin can also be prescribed in higher doses as a drug to help lower cholesterol (see How Cholesterol Works), but can cause side effects. The main side effects of high doses of niacin include flushing of the skin (due to dilating blood vessels), itching, headaches, cramps, nausea and skin eruptions.
Pyridoxine (B6)
Pyridoxine, also known as pyridoxal phosphate and pyridoxamine, is needed (like some of the other B vitamins) for the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Pyridoxine is also used in the production of red blood cells, as well as in the biochemical reactions involved in the metabolism of amino acids (the building blocks of protein). Due to the abundance of pyridoxine in many foods, a deficiency is rare except in alcoholics, where it is often present. A pyridoxine deficiency causes skin disorders (similar to symptoms brought on by riboflavin and niacin deficiencies), neuropathy (abnormal nervous system), confusion, poor coordination and insomnia. Oral signs of pyridoxine deficiency include inflammation of the edges of the lips, tongue and the rest of the mouth. High doses of pyridoxine are sometimes touted as a remedy for premenstrual syndrome, but research has not supported this assertion. Mega-doses of pyridoxine can cause nerve damage.
Pyridoxine is found in many foods, including liver, organ meats, brown rice, fish, butter, wheat germ, whole grain cereals, soybeans and many others.
Cyanocobalamin (B12)
Vitamin B12 is necessary for processing carbohydrates, proteins and fats and to help make all of the blood cells in our bodies. Vitamin B12 is also required for maintenance of our nerve sheaths. Vitamin B12 acts as a coenzyme in the synthesis and repair of DNA.
Vitamin B12 cannot be absorbed or used by the body until it is combined with a mucoprotein made in the stomach and called intrinsic factor. Once the B12 becomes bound to the intrinsic factor, it is able to pass into the small intestine to be absorbed and used by the body. Vitamin B12 deficiency is sometimes seen in strict vegetarians who do not take vitamin supplements, and those who have an inability to absorb the vitamin (usually from a failure to produce intrinsic factor). Although enough B12 is stored in the liver to sustain a person for many years, a deficiency will cause a disorder known as pernicious anemia. Pernicious anemia causes weakness, numbness of the extremities, pallor, fever and other symptoms. Mouth irritation and brain damage are also common consequences of B12 deficiency. However, these very serious effects can be reversed by vitamin B12 shots. Shots are needed because the deficiency is often caused by an inability to absorb the vitamin when taken orally. As we age, our stomachs have an increasingly difficult time producing intrinsic factor. Many doctors recommend that people over 60 have their vitamin B12 levels checked, to see if a B12 shot is needed.
Vitamin B12 is not found in any plant food sources and is produced almost solely by bacteria, such as streptomyces griseus. Rich sources of B12 include liver, meat, egg yolk, poultry and milk.
Folic acid (B9)
Folic acid, also known as folacin and pteroylglutamic acid, is one of the B-complex vitamins that interacts with vitamin B12 for the synthesis of DNA, which is important for all cells in the body. Folic acid, in combination with vitamin B12 and vitamin C), is necessary for the breakdown of proteins and the formation of hemoglobin, a compound in red blood cells that transports oxygen and carbon dioxide. Folic acid is also essential to virtually all biochemical reactions that use a one-carbon transfer and is produced by bacteria in the stomach and intestines.
A deficiency of folic acid causes anemia, poor growth, and irritation of the mouth -- all of which are similar to symptoms suffered by those with B12 deficiency. Folic acid is present in nearly all natural foods but can be damaged, or weakened, during cooking. Deficiencies are found mainly in alcoholics, the malnourished, the poor, the elderly and those who are unable to absorb food due to certain diseases (topical sprue, gluten enteropathy).
Folic acid is found in yeast, liver, green vegetables, whole grain cereals and many other foods. The need for folic acid increases during pregnancy, due to high requirements of the vitamin from the fetus. Doctors often suggest a 300 mcg. daily supplement for pregnant women. Many nutritional requirements change during pregnancy, and vitamins are no exception. All of the B vitamins, especially folic acid, should be slightly increased during pregnancy and lactation (breast milk production). The daily intake of folic acid should be increased from 180 mcg. to 400 mcg. during pregnancy and from 180 mcg. to 280 mcg. during lactation.
Mega-doses of folic acid can produce convulsions, interfere with the anticonvulsant medication used by epileptics, and disrupt zinc absorption.
Pantothenic acid and biotin
Pantothenic acid is used in the breakdown of carbohydrates, lipids and some amino acids. It is also used for the synthesis of coenzyme A for biochemical reactions in the body. Biotin functions as a coenzyme in carboxylation reactions (-COOH), which are also useful in many of the body's functions. (Pantothenic acid, biotin and folic acid are often used in tandem by the body.) Bacteria in our intestines produce both pantothenic acid and biotin. There is no known disorder associated with pantothenic acid deficiency. The vitamin is found in abundance in meats, legumes and whole-grain cereals. Mega-doses of pantothenic acid can cause diarrhea.
A deficiency of biotin is rare but can cause a skin disorder called scaly dermatitis. Biotin deficiency may be found in individuals who eat large quantities of egg whites. These contain the substance avidin, which "ties up" the body's biotin. Biotin is found in beef liver, egg yolk, brewer's yeast, peanuts, cauliflower and mushrooms.
The B-complex vitamins are found in brewer's yeast, liver, whole-grain cereals, rice, nuts, milk, eggs, meats, fish, fruits, leafy green vegetables and many other foods. Keep reading for more specifics about each of the B vitamins:
Thiamine (B1)
The B vitamin thiamine is essential for the metabolism of carbohydrates into the simple sugar glucose. The chemical process involves the combination of thiamine with pyruvic acid to form a coenzyme, a substance that, when combined with other substances, forms an enzyme. Enzymes are those all-important proteins that speed up chemical reactions in the body. Thiamine is also important for the proper functioning of the nervous system. In this instance, thiamine acts as a coenzyme in the production of the neurotransmitter (chemical messenger between nerve fibers) acetylcholine.
Thiamine deficiency is rare but often occurs in alcoholics, because alcohol interferes with the absorption of thiamine through the intestines. There are several health problems associated with a deficiency of thiamine. The first is beriberi, a disease that is characterized by anemia, paralysis, muscular atrophy and weakness, and spasms in the muscles of the legs. Other disorders caused by thiamine deficiency include Wernicke's encephelopathy, which causes lack of coordination, and Korsakoff's psychosis, which affects short-term memory. The mouth can also be affected by thiamine deficiency, increasing the sensitivity of the teeth, cheeks and gums, as well as "cracks" in the lips. Fortunately, these conditions can be reversed with the addition of the vitamin.
Thiamine is found in whole-grain cereals, bread, red meat, egg yolks, green leafy vegetables, legumes, sweet corn, brown rice, berries, yeast, the germ and husks of grains and nuts. Mega-doses (very high doses) of thiamine have not been associated with adverse health effects, and excess of the water-soluble vitamin is excreted.
Riboflavin (B2)
Riboflavin is important in the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats and proteins, and, like thiamine, it acts as a coenzyme in the process. It is also significant in the maintenance of the skin and mucous membranes, the cornea of the eye and for nerve sheaths. Riboflavin also acts as a coenzyme for oxidation-reduction reactions throughout the body. Oxidation reduction reactions involve the addition of either oxygen or hydrogen to a substance. One important consequence of this process is when it acts to inhibit chemical reactions with oxygen or highly reactive free radicals. These oxidation reactions can cause damage to our cells.
A deficiency of riboflavin can cause skin disorders (seborrheic dermatitis) and inflammation of the soft tissue lining around the mouth and nose, anemia, and can cause the eyes to be light-sensitive. In the mouth, angular cheilosis can develop. This is a painful condition where lesions develop at the corners of your lips, and glossitis (inflammation of the tongue) can also occur.
Riboflavin is found in whole-grain products, milk, meat, eggs, cheese and peas. As a water-soluble vitamin, any excess is excreted, although small amounts are stored in the liver and kidney.
Niacin (B3)
Niacin, also known as nicotinic acid and nicotinamide, is needed for the metabolism of food, the maintenance of healthy skin, nerves and the gastrointestinal tract. Niacin is also used in those all-important oxidation reduction reactions. A deficiency of niacin causes the disease, pellagra. In the past, this disease was often associated with the very poor and was also a major cause of mental illness. The symptoms of pellagra are sometimes referred to as the "three D's" -- diarrhea, dermatitis and dementia -- ultimately resulting in a fourth "D", death. The mouth is also affected by pe llagra, which can cause the inside of the cheeks and tongue to become red and painful. Fortunately, high doses of niacin (150-300 mg.) can reverse the effects of this disease.
Niacin is found in protein-rich food such as meats, fish, brewer's yeast, milk, eggs, legumes, potatoes and peanuts. Niacin can also be prescribed in higher doses as a drug to help lower cholesterol (see How Cholesterol Works), but can cause side effects. The main side effects of high doses of niacin include flushing of the skin (due to dilating blood vessels), itching, headaches, cramps, nausea and skin eruptions.
Pyridoxine (B6)
Pyridoxine, also known as pyridoxal phosphate and pyridoxamine, is needed (like some of the other B vitamins) for the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Pyridoxine is also used in the production of red blood cells, as well as in the biochemical reactions involved in the metabolism of amino acids (the building blocks of protein). Due to the abundance of pyridoxine in many foods, a deficiency is rare except in alcoholics, where it is often present. A pyridoxine deficiency causes skin disorders (similar to symptoms brought on by riboflavin and niacin deficiencies), neuropathy (abnormal nervous system), confusion, poor coordination and insomnia. Oral signs of pyridoxine deficiency include inflammation of the edges of the lips, tongue and the rest of the mouth. High doses of pyridoxine are sometimes touted as a remedy for premenstrual syndrome, but research has not supported this assertion. Mega-doses of pyridoxine can cause nerve damage.
Pyridoxine is found in many foods, including liver, organ meats, brown rice, fish, butter, wheat germ, whole grain cereals, soybeans and many others.
Cyanocobalamin (B12)
Vitamin B12 is necessary for processing carbohydrates, proteins and fats and to help make all of the blood cells in our bodies. Vitamin B12 is also required for maintenance of our nerve sheaths. Vitamin B12 acts as a coenzyme in the synthesis and repair of DNA.
Vitamin B12 cannot be absorbed or used by the body until it is combined with a mucoprotein made in the stomach and called intrinsic factor. Once the B12 becomes bound to the intrinsic factor, it is able to pass into the small intestine to be absorbed and used by the body. Vitamin B12 deficiency is sometimes seen in strict vegetarians who do not take vitamin supplements, and those who have an inability to absorb the vitamin (usually from a failure to produce intrinsic factor). Although enough B12 is stored in the liver to sustain a person for many years, a deficiency will cause a disorder known as pernicious anemia. Pernicious anemia causes weakness, numbness of the extremities, pallor, fever and other symptoms. Mouth irritation and brain damage are also common consequences of B12 deficiency. However, these very serious effects can be reversed by vitamin B12 shots. Shots are needed because the deficiency is often caused by an inability to absorb the vitamin when taken orally. As we age, our stomachs have an increasingly difficult time producing intrinsic factor. Many doctors recommend that people over 60 have their vitamin B12 levels checked, to see if a B12 shot is needed.
Vitamin B12 is not found in any plant food sources and is produced almost solely by bacteria, such as streptomyces griseus. Rich sources of B12 include liver, meat, egg yolk, poultry and milk.
Folic acid (B9)
Folic acid, also known as folacin and pteroylglutamic acid, is one of the B-complex vitamins that interacts with vitamin B12 for the synthesis of DNA, which is important for all cells in the body. Folic acid, in combination with vitamin B12 and vitamin C), is necessary for the breakdown of proteins and the formation of hemoglobin, a compound in red blood cells that transports oxygen and carbon dioxide. Folic acid is also essential to virtually all biochemical reactions that use a one-carbon transfer and is produced by bacteria in the stomach and intestines.
A deficiency of folic acid causes anemia, poor growth, and irritation of the mouth -- all of which are similar to symptoms suffered by those with B12 deficiency. Folic acid is present in nearly all natural foods but can be damaged, or weakened, during cooking. Deficiencies are found mainly in alcoholics, the malnourished, the poor, the elderly and those who are unable to absorb food due to certain diseases (topical sprue, gluten enteropathy).
Folic acid is found in yeast, liver, green vegetables, whole grain cereals and many other foods. The need for folic acid increases during pregnancy, due to high requirements of the vitamin from the fetus. Doctors often suggest a 300 mcg. daily supplement for pregnant women. Many nutritional requirements change during pregnancy, and vitamins are no exception. All of the B vitamins, especially folic acid, should be slightly increased during pregnancy and lactation (breast milk production). The daily intake of folic acid should be increased from 180 mcg. to 400 mcg. during pregnancy and from 180 mcg. to 280 mcg. during lactation.
Mega-doses of folic acid can produce convulsions, interfere with the anticonvulsant medication used by epileptics, and disrupt zinc absorption.
Pantothenic acid and biotin
Pantothenic acid is used in the breakdown of carbohydrates, lipids and some amino acids. It is also used for the synthesis of coenzyme A for biochemical reactions in the body. Biotin functions as a coenzyme in carboxylation reactions (-COOH), which are also useful in many of the body's functions. (Pantothenic acid, biotin and folic acid are often used in tandem by the body.) Bacteria in our intestines produce both pantothenic acid and biotin. There is no known disorder associated with pantothenic acid deficiency. The vitamin is found in abundance in meats, legumes and whole-grain cereals. Mega-doses of pantothenic acid can cause diarrhea.
A deficiency of biotin is rare but can cause a skin disorder called scaly dermatitis. Biotin deficiency may be found in individuals who eat large quantities of egg whites. These contain the substance avidin, which "ties up" the body's biotin. Biotin is found in beef liver, egg yolk, brewer's yeast, peanuts, cauliflower and mushrooms.
Saturday, April 7, 2007
The Best Thing Since Sliced Bread...
Is Trader Joe's Frozen French Toast. You wouldn't think that frozen french toast would be all that great, but considering I don't have to break out the milk, eggs, and vanilla and then fry it up, it's pretty darn good. It's made from whole grain bread, has some protein (from the eggs), and it's crunchy outside but yet soft inside after being in the toaster oven for only 10 minutes.
We like it with some warmed blueberries (Trader Joe's Organic Wild Blueberries) over it and a little sprinkling of powdered sugar. My kids think this is a treat. But, it has good antioxidants from the berries and the sugar is negligible. It makes it look pretty though. :)
I'm amazed that TJ's continues to produce products that are so cheap yet so good and good for you. You'd be hard pressed to find any products from General Mills, Kraft, or any other big name food manufacturer on my shelf. Why buy that stuff when you can get better stuff at a better price? Sure, it's not conveniently located but we love going to The Forum so it's a good excuse to go shopping as well.
If you haven't been, go. Oh, and if you BYOB (bring your own bag) which you can buy there for .99 each, you can enter a drawing to win a $20 gift card which is held weekly.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Pomegranate
If you're going to have a martini, at least make it a pomegranate one. This fall fruit has higher antioxidant activity than red wine and green tea, which may be why a number of studies show it may prevent skin cancer and kill breast and prostate cancer cells. It also helps:
Fight Alzheimer's disease
Researchers at Loma Linda University found that mice who drank pomegranate juice experienced 50% less brain degeneration than animals that consumed only sugar water. The pomegranate drinkers also did better in mazes and tests as they aged.
Guard your arteries
A group of diabetics who drank about 2 ounces of pomegranate juice a day for 3 months kept their bodies from absorbing bad cholesterol into their immune system cells (a major contributing factor to hardened arteries), discovered Israeli researchers.
Fight Alzheimer's disease
Researchers at Loma Linda University found that mice who drank pomegranate juice experienced 50% less brain degeneration than animals that consumed only sugar water. The pomegranate drinkers also did better in mazes and tests as they aged.
Guard your arteries
A group of diabetics who drank about 2 ounces of pomegranate juice a day for 3 months kept their bodies from absorbing bad cholesterol into their immune system cells (a major contributing factor to hardened arteries), discovered Israeli researchers.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Kiwifruit
Don't judge this fruit by its cover: Under that bristly brown peel you'll find a bright green star bursting with antioxidants and full of fiber. Kiwifruit works to:
Protect against free radical damage
A study from Rutgers University compared the 27 most popular fruits and determined that kiwifruit was the most nutritionally dense. Plus, it makes the short list of fruits with substantial amounts of vitamin E, and contains more vision-saving lutein than any other fruit or vegetable, except for corn.
Lower blood-clot risk
In a 2004 study from the University of Oslo in Norway, participants who ate two or three kiwis for 28 days significantly reduced their potential to form a clot. They also got a bonus benefit: Their triglycerides, a blood fat linked to heart attack, dropped by 15%.
Protect against free radical damage
A study from Rutgers University compared the 27 most popular fruits and determined that kiwifruit was the most nutritionally dense. Plus, it makes the short list of fruits with substantial amounts of vitamin E, and contains more vision-saving lutein than any other fruit or vegetable, except for corn.
Lower blood-clot risk
In a 2004 study from the University of Oslo in Norway, participants who ate two or three kiwis for 28 days significantly reduced their potential to form a clot. They also got a bonus benefit: Their triglycerides, a blood fat linked to heart attack, dropped by 15%.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Barley
When some whole grains, such as wheat and oats, are processed, they lose their fiber content. Not so with barley, which is full of soluble beta-glucan fiber in its whole kernel or refined flour form. Studies show this particular fiber may:
Knock down bad cholesterol--by as much as 17.4%, according to USDA research.
A 2004 study found that adults with moderately high cholesterol levels who went on a low-fat American Heart Association diet began to see an improvement only when barley was added to the menu.
Decrease blood sugar and insulin levels
That makes barley a better choice for people with type 2 diabetes, says a 2005 Agricultural Research Services study.
Knock down bad cholesterol--by as much as 17.4%, according to USDA research.
A 2004 study found that adults with moderately high cholesterol levels who went on a low-fat American Heart Association diet began to see an improvement only when barley was added to the menu.
Decrease blood sugar and insulin levels
That makes barley a better choice for people with type 2 diabetes, says a 2005 Agricultural Research Services study.
Monday, April 2, 2007
Snack or Delicious Facial Treatment?
What a delectable (and cheap) way to rid your face of some of those unwanted dead skin cells that are preventing your face from glowing with radiance!
Strawberry Lemon Peel
Strawberry Lemon PeelIngredients:
1 buff puff
6 wild strawberries (or other grainy fruit such as kiwi)
1 liter sparkling water
1 6 oz. serving of plain, natural yogurt
¼ of a lemon
Directions:
Stand in a sunny window for 30 seconds to warm the skin. Gently crush strawberries onto buff puff and, after testing on a small area of your arm, massage into the face for 30 seconds (microdermabrasion).
Rinse liberally with sparkling water. Mix the yogurt and lemon juice and slap a thick layer onto face for five minutes (fruit acid peel). Rinse with warm tap water and apply a gentle moisturizer.
Beauty is served.
Ingredients available at your local supermarket.
Cranberries
This born-and-bred American berry is among the top 10 antioxidant-rich foods, making it a potent cancer protector. You know it helps treat urinary tract infection, and perhaps you heard it prevents gum disease, too, but did you know that these beneficial berries may:
Eradicate E. coli
Compounds in the juice can actually alter antibiotic-resistant strains, making it impossible for the harmful bacteria to trigger an infection. A small pilot study from Harvard Medical School and Rutgers University found that eating about 1/3 cup of dried cranberries yielded the same effect.
Help prevent strokes
Research on pigs with a genetic predisposition to atherosclerosis--narrow, hardened arteries that may lead to heart attack and stroke--found that those fed dried cranberries or juice every day had healthier, more flexible blood vessels.
Eradicate E. coli
Compounds in the juice can actually alter antibiotic-resistant strains, making it impossible for the harmful bacteria to trigger an infection. A small pilot study from Harvard Medical School and Rutgers University found that eating about 1/3 cup of dried cranberries yielded the same effect.
Help prevent strokes
Research on pigs with a genetic predisposition to atherosclerosis--narrow, hardened arteries that may lead to heart attack and stroke--found that those fed dried cranberries or juice every day had healthier, more flexible blood vessels.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
The Protective Benefits of Broccoli Sprouts
Broccoli Sprouts Contain Sulforaphane...
Sulforaphane is a naturally occurring phytochemical that enhances the cancer-protective capacity of animal cells. According to studies by Dr. Paul Talalay and his colleagues at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, sulforaphane induces Phase 2 (detoxification) enzymes. These are the enzymes which deactivate carcinogens and free radicals, thus enhancing the body's own defense system against cancer-causing chemicals.
In animal studies, administration of sulforaphane blocked tumor development, reducing incidence, multiplicity, and size of carcinogen-induced mammary tumors. (see Broccoli sprouts: An exceptionally rich source of inducers of enzymes that protect against chemical carcinogens)
In general, Brassica family plants such as broccoli are rich in sulforaphane in its glucosinolate precursor form. However, the evidence suggests that broccoli must be eaten in large quantities to substantially reduce the risk of cancer. In addition, supermarket broccoli varies considerably in sulforaphane content, whereas certain varieties of young broccoli sprouts, grown under standardized conditions, contain large and highly uniform quantities of the compound.
Talalay and his colleagues identified the specific varieties of three-day-old broccoli sprouts containing 20 times the concentration of sulforaphane glucosinolate found in mature broccoli.
More importantly, small quantities of broccoli sprout extracts reduced the incidence and size of mammary tumors in animals. Clinical studies are underway to further explore the effects of broccoli sprouts on protective biomarkers against human cancer.
The Bottom Line
Chemoprotection has great promise as a way to use the diet to reduce the risk of some cancers. Chemoprotection can be accomplished by activating the body's Phase 2 "defense" enzymes. Cruciferous plants, such as broccoli, contain a natural precursor, sulforaphane glucosinolate (SGS), which is readily converted to sulforaphane. Sulforaphane acts by raising the activity of these enzymes. Research into the chemoprotective powers of sulforaphane is promising and exciting. While more research is needed, supplementing a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help maintain the body's natural defenses.
According to the website, www.broccosprouts.com, these powerful little plants can be found at both Kroger and Wal-Mart Supercenters.
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