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Honey to the Bee
Tuesday, 21 February 2012 13:54
Superfoods are getting a lot of buzz these days. Superfoods refer to nutritionally dense foods from around the world. For the most part, they are foods that have been traditionally eaten for their great health benefits and healing properties by the people and civilizations where they are grown. One superfood that we all have in our cupboard but probably do not give much thought to is honey. Honey is one of the oldest agriculture products that goes back millions of years. Egyptians farmed honey and considered it sacred over 3 000 years ago. Raw honey is considered a superfood because it provides antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, and phytonutrients.
So what exactly is raw honey? This refers to honey that has not been processed or heated. You will recognize raw honey from its thick creamy appearance and texture, and incredible rich taste. If the honey in your cupboard looks more like a caramel syrup or comes in a bear, it is NOT raw honey. It has been highly processed-destroying beneficial enzymes and minerals, and is more like refined white sugaror corn syrup than real honey. Raw honey can be used to sweeten anything you would normally use sugar in.
Raw honey is loaded with vitamins and is particularly high in calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, copper,chromium, manganese and selenium. Raw honey also contains amino acids and plant compoundsthat work to support the body's immune system. Raw honey is full of enzymes, which are essential for absorbing food, cellular health, and almost all other biological processes. Remember, once honey is heated and pasteurized, all of the beneficial enzymes are completely destroyed.
Honey is also packed with antioxidants. Raw honey can help to fight free radicals, it contains many ofthe same antioxidants that are in leafy green vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and kale. Flavonoids in honey help to increase energy and boost overall wellbeing. A unique flavonoid called Pinocembrin is found in raw honey, and has been shown to improve cognitive function.
Raw honey also has an antimicrobial effect against bacteria, and is a powerful natural healer, proven to work in healing many types of wounds. There are even more benefits to honey that may surprise you! Raw honey can offer relief from diarrhea, insomnia, sunburn, and sore throats. It can help to increase energy levels and boost the immune system -fighting off colds and flu. Honey also promotes the growth of good bacteria in your intestinal tract.
Once you try pure raw, unpasteurized honey, you will not be able to go back to your average processed grocery store honey. Besides straight from the honeycomb itself, the next best thing is the pure raw honey available at farmers markets and health stores. So put down that bear, and try the real stuff!
The Magic of Chlorophyll
Monday, 30 January 2012 12:47
Last month we went over the amazing health benefits of wheatgrass. One of the reasons wheatgrass juice is so great is because it consists of 70 percent chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is a unique substance found in all plant life. It is the pigment that gives plants their rich, green colour.
Chlorophyll is usually found as a supplement form in liquid, and can be added to drinking water. It is often flavoured with spearmint and is very refreshing when mixed with water.
The following are some of the many benefits of Chlorophyll:
- Makes the body more alkaline.
- Builds a high red blood cell count.
- Provides iron to organs.
- Cleans and deodorizes bowel tissues.
- Helps purify the liver
.- Eliminates body odour and bad breath.
- Reduces pain cause by inflammation.
We could all add some more green to our day, so maybe next time give chlorophyll a try. It can also be found in the variety of green drinks and powders that are available too.
Spotlight on Seabuckthorn
Monday, 30 January 2012 11:54
Seabuckthorn is a small, bright orange fruit that has a very long history in Asia, Russia and Europe, being used for more than 1 500 years. The berries are incredibly nutrient dense, containing more than 190 biologically active compounds including vitamins A, B1, B2, C, D, K, P, and amino acids, folic acid. tocopherols, flavonoids, terpenes, phenols, and more! The berries are also a source of Omegas 3, 6, 7, and 9, extremely rare in any plant.
More exciting facts about Seabuckthorn: the berries contain 3 times the vitamin A of carrots and have 10 times the vitamin C of oranges! They are one of the highest sources of vitamin E and a rich source of beta carotene. Seabuckthorn is indicated for many different ailments, including digestive issues, and helping to aid weight loss. It is also very effective for keeping skin healthy and glowing. It is used for treating and healing many skin disorders, such as rosacea and acne.
While seabuckthorn has been around for ages and used therapeutically for many issues, it has recently been garnering lots of attention. More research studies have been conducted using seabuckthorn, and proving its effectiveness. The great thing about this berry is that it can be taken in many different ways. You can pick it from your health store as a supplement in capsules, a high concentration juice to drink, and a full skin care line with pure seabuckthorn oils and creams.
Wheatgrass 101
Tuesday, 10 January 2012 13:54
Vibrant Lifestyle is a big fan of wheatgrass. A lot of people have heard of wheatgrass and know that it is good for them, but do not really know too much else. So let's go over a few interesting facts.
Wheatgrass contains high amounts of chlorophyll, amino acids, enzymes, vitamins and minerals. In addition to drinking wheatgrass juice, it can be taken in tablet or powder form. People sensitive, or allergic to wheat (usually to the gluten), have no problems with wheatgrass juice, as it contains no gluten in this form. The following is excerpt from the information that can be found on Hippocrates Health Institute (www.hippocratesinst.org/benefits-of-wheatgrass)
Benefits of Wheatgrass
1. Increases red blood-cell count and lowers blood pressure. It cleanses the blood, organs and gastrointestinal tract of debris.
2. Restores alkalinity to the blood. It can be used to relieve many internal pains, and has been used successfully to treat peptic ulcers, ulcerative colitis, constipation, diarrhea, and other complaints of the gastrointestinal tract.
3. Is a powerful detoxifier. It strengthens our cells, cleanses the liver and bloodstream, and chemically neutralizes environmental pollutants.
4. Externally applied to the skin can help eliminate itching almost immediately. Will soothe sunburned skin and act as a disinfectant.
5. Sweetens the breath and firms up and tightens gums. Just gargle with the juice.
6. Turns gray hair to its natural color again and greatly increases energy levels when consumed daily.
7. One enzyme found in wheatgrass (SOD) lessens the effects of radiation and acts as an anti-inflammatory compound that may prevent cellular damage following heart attacks or exposureto irritants.
Eat Right, Sleep Tight
Tuesday, 10 January 2012 13:51
One of the most commonly asked questions is, "What will help me fall asleep and STAY asleep?" Insomnia and sleep disturbances are an issue affecting many people. There are many different supplements available to help aid you in those sleepless nights. There are also all of the little things we should practice more often, like going to bed at a regular time each night, avoiding caffeinated beverages in the late afternoon, and not eating foods high in carbohydrates before bed.
Another way to address the issue of insomnia, is by looking at our diet. There are certain raw foods that can actually promote healthy sleep patterns. The following are a list of raw foods that have been directly linked to better sleep quality.
1. Cherries - Increase the production of melatonin.
2. Guava - Packed full of the amino acid tryptophan (a precursor to melatonin) which aids insleepiness.
3. Almonds, Sesame Seeds & Sunflower Seeds - These nuts and seeds are also high in tryptophan.
4. Pumpkin Seeds - Contain magnesium which relaxes muscles, and also high amounts oftryptophan.
5. Green Leafy Vegetables - Contain key co-factors for the synthesis of sleep hormones.
6. Kelp - This seaweed is one of natures’ highest sources of calcium, which has been shown to promote sleep.
This is a whole foods way to look at improving our sleep. My next blog post will cover the many herbalsupplements that are available, and go over in detail how they work.
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