Here’s a quick article to cover some of my favorite green drink recipes. Modify these basic ideas in any way you see fit…and remember that each green drink tastes different. These all work well with neutral-tasting drinks and I’ve made notes for mixing with green drinks that have more “flavor” to them.
Enjoy and send me your ideas!
Chocolate, Peanut Butter Smoothie
Mix 12oz of vanilla almond milk with 2 tablespoons of pure cacao powder, one small ripe banana, and two tablespoons of organic peanut butter. Add your green drink powder (your normal serving size) and honey or unrefined sugar to taste. I also add liquid B complex (half dropper), olive leaf extract (half dropper), mushroom powder (or extract), and dandelion extract (full dropper). If you have some bee pollen, throw a teaspoon in too. This does not work well with green drinks that have a strong fruit flavor.
Fruit Smoothie
Mix 6oz of vanilla almond milk, 6oz of fruit juice (grape, pomegranate, or apple are best) with frozen berries. I prefer a mix of blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, but use whatever suits you. Add your green drink powder and a packet of Emergen-C or equivalent, a teaspoon of bee pollen, liquid B complex (half dropper), olive leaf extract (half dropper), and dandelion extract (full dropper). This does not work well with chocolate or mint-flavored powders, but can work well with vanilla-flavored powders.
Healthy Mary
If you like spicy tomato juice, then this mix is for you! Add 12oz of tomato juice (not vegetable juice) and double your normal green drink powder. Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon of tumeric, 1 teaspoon of celery root powder, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, the juice of 1/2 freshly-squeezed lemon or lime and salt to taste. Extras: olive leaf extract, dandelion extract, liquid B complex, and mushroom powder or extract. If it gets too thick, you can add a little water and shake well.
May 6th, 2009
by Annmarie Kostyk
Chocolate is good for your heart! Surprised? Among its many healthy attributes, chocolate is rich in flavonoids, just like apples, cranberries, peanuts, onions, tea and red wine. Dr. Carl Keen’s research at the University of California Davis says that the best way to get benefits from the heart enhancing effects of chocolate are to consume cocoa powder and a moderate amount of dark chocolate. Dark chocolate gives the highest amount of chocolate solids in a bar and possesses the lowest percentage of both fat and sugar. Dark chocolate is a natural heart protector.
In comparing dark chocolate with red wine, both full of rich phenols for your heart, Dr. Andrew Waterhouse finds that one and a half ounces of dark chocolate is the equivalent of phenols found in a glass of red wine. You get similar results from cocoa powder which contains 75 percent the amount of phenols found in red wine. Chocolate protects the development of heart disease by oxidizing LDLs (bad cholesterol) which protects them from damaging artery walls and helps reduce the chance of heart disease.
Dr. Joe Vinson, a chemistry professor at the University of Scranton says that one cup of black tea is the equivalent of antioxidants to one dark chocolate bar. Pennsylvania State’s nutrition department shows that even after elimination of other foods rich in flavonoids such as tea, coffee, onions, apples, wine, beans, soy, and apple and grape juices, both cocoa powder and dark chocolate has a significant effect on the LDL levels.
Don’t forget about the cocoa when you incorporate this incredible food into your diet. Studies are further supported by The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment in Bilthoven, Amsterdam. The research studies how cocoa affected the mortality of 1,000 elderly Dutch male subjects. The men who consume the highest amount of cocoa had a 50 percent less chance risk of cardiovascular diseased than those consuming less cocoa. Researchers at Cornell University found that the highest antioxidant levels are in the hot chocolate. It is almost two times stronger than the red wine, two to three times stronger than green tea, and four to five times stronger than black tea. Avoid the extra sugar and calories found in hot chocolate by using skim or soy milk for regular milk and using an artificial sweetener. Another option is to use water and flavorings such as cloves, vanilla and a spot of honey the way the ancients liked to drink theirs. Cocoa can be consumed either hot or cold, but hot chocolate releases more antioxidants than cold chocolate.
Chocolate reduces blood pressure too! Dr. Dirk Taubert and his colleagues of the University Hospital of Cologne in Germany finds that dark chocolate consumption reduced the average systolic blood pressure by -2.9 and diastolic blood pressure by -1.9. There are no changes in the participants’ body weight, plasma levels or glucose. Hypertension declines from 86 percent to 68 percent. The participants in the white chocolate group have no changes in either the systolic or diastolic reading. The conclusion of this study shows that eating about 30 calories a day of dark chocolate can lower blood pressure without any side effects. How fantastic is that? Dark chocolate and cocoa can lessen your chance of cardiovascular disease through lower LDLs, bad cholesterol, bring more flavanols into your diet and lower your blood pressure.
Even though chocolate has a high fat content and most of that fat comes from saturated fat, chocolate is still good for your heart in healthy people with a balanced diet. It doesn’t raise cholesterol levels, actually helps decrease bad cholesterol and keeps those arteries running clear by thinning the blood. Cocoa and chocolate have the same life saving properties as an aspirin a day. To keep your diet balanced, the University of Michigan Integrative Medicine Department recommends up to seven ounces of dark chocolate per week averaging one ounce per day. Don’t forget, you can also get your servings from pure, unsweetened cocoa powder. So eat up! Dark chocolate and cocoa are considered a great addition to a balanced diet to help your heart.
Want to get 72% or 88% pure chocolate and help save endangered species at the same time? Make your next chocolate purchase from Endangered Species Chocolates. You’ll feel good about eating it on soooo many levels!
November 17th, 2008
Cupuaçu (pronounced koo-poo-ah-soo) is a fruit that grows in the Amazon region from a tree that often exceeds 50 feet and is related to the cacao tree (from which chocolate is derived). Like the cacao, the seeds of the cupuaçu are often ground into a fine powder and used in drinks and baked goods. The fruit produces an oil that is used in both the natural health and cosmetics industries. The fruit has even been used as a substitute for cacao in the production of chocolate. Like cacao, the cupuaçu tree is quite sensitive and prone to disease.
The smell of the cupuaçu fruit is strong…so strong that many consider it to be overbearing, but the taste is unlike anything else. It has a tangy, berry-like flavor, but with a hint of chocolate. It is my brother-in-law’s favorite flavor of ice cream and it can now be found in superfood and antioxidant products in the United States and Europe.
The cupuaçu fruit can be found all over Brazil, but is mostly encountered in the northern regions. It’s not as sweet as some other tropical fruits, but is nevertheless used in baked goods, juices, ice cream and even alcoholic beverages. It’s high in fat and vitamins B1, B2, and C. Plus, it has protein, calcium, and iron. It is used as a natural energy enhancement due to its caffeine content (which is less than chocolate).
The aboriginal people of the Amazon Region have used cupuaçu for centuries to treat abdominal pain and it’s used today in cosmetics in skin creams, hydrating lotions, lipstick, bath oils, soap, and natural sun screen lotions. It is already being produced and commercialized in Japan for use in cosmetics and could well become the next craze for juices and healthfood drinks. I’m waiting for the cupuaçu ice cream to arrive!
March 29th, 2008
How to Judge the Quality of a Green Superfood Product
There are more and more green superfood products hitting the market all the time. What you should know as a consumer of these products is that the quality of these products varies greatly and it can be difficult to judge one from another just by looking at the label.
There are two things that affect quality of a green superfood product. The first is the quality of the ingredients themselves:
- Are they organic?
- Do they come from reliable sources?
- Are they handled and stored properly?
- Are they fresh?
Second, the formulation of the product — that is, the mixture of ingredients — can greatly affect its quality:
- Are there any additives or artificial ingredients?
- Are there any fillers or bulking ingredients?
- Are the majority of ingredients the ones with the highest nutrient values?
- Are there any ingredients that are added in “token amounts” just to get them onto the label?
- Is there a variety of ingredients and is the variety well planned and executed?
These are the questions I’ll answer in this article…and give you an idea of how to read between the lines when looking at the labels. In fact, the first thing to look for when studying a label is the way ingredients are listed. Are they listed one by one or are they listed in groups. If they are listed one by one, then you can assume that they appear in order of quantity in the mixture (based on percent of the total mixture). If they appear in groups (Land Vegetable Blend, Fruit Blend, Etc.), then you can assume that the groups are listed in order of quantity of the mixture they represent and within the groups themselves, the ingredients are listed in quantity order. Between one group and another, it’s impossible to know how much of each ingredient is part of the mixture — only that the mixture higher on the list represents more of the product.
Tip: Make special note of the ingredient that appears first within any group or blend. It’s quite likely that this represent up to 80 percent of the group.
So, a fruit blend that lists banana or apple first, is probably hiding the fact that the blend is mostly banana or apple. Why? Because banana and apple are two of the least expensive fruit ingredients and most formulators will bulk up the blend with the cheapest ingredients. If berries and exotic fruits are last in the list, then you can bet that these are added in small or even token amounts.
A land vegetable blend that lists grasses first is probably giving you a good helping of the cheap stuff. If vegetables like tomato powder, spinach powder, dandelion juice and broccoli powder are high on the list, then you’re getting a lot of the good stuff.
Caveat: Placement on the list is not always a perfect indicator of value, due to the potency of certain ingredients. For example, Blueberries are very potent in antioxidants and it does not take a lot them to make a difference in a blend. So even if blueberries appears lower in the “Fruit Blend” list, it could be sufficient to make a valuable contribution to the product.
The bottom line is that you need to know a bit about each of these ingredients to know what you’re getting — even when you read between the lines of the label. So, here’s a little summary for you. Here are the ingredients that add super nutrition to a blend…
- All berries including gogi and Acai
- Kelp and seaweeds (kelp more so than exotic seaweeds like laver)
- Nettles
- Dandelion juice
- Horsetail
- Vegetables like broccoli, spinach, parsley, and kale
- Spirulina
- Green tea powder or extract
Now here’s a list of ingredients that should not be too high on anyone’s list…
- Apple pectin
- Banana powder
- Brown rice solids or juice
- Whey or Soy protein
- Lecithin
Ingredients that are average in terms of nutritional value and are perfectly ok to have in fairly large quantities include…
- Grasses
- Exotic kelps and seaweeds
- Flaxseed meal
- Fruits like grape, papaya, mango, and citrus
- Maca root
So, I hope that helps you make better decisions about the quality of your super green drink formula. Don’t forget to check the Green Superfood Comparison Chart regularly for updates to the listings. Also, be sure to read the recently updated article Comparing Green Superfood Products. I’ll be updating it again soon.
photo credits
March 8th, 2008
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the latest buzz in the natural health world, you’ve certainly heard about the new super-juice coming from Hawaii, Tahiti and other tropical regions. Like many natural products that have received a lot of attention for their health benefits (and claims), Noni has been the subject of a lot of controversy, including a series of FDA warnings regarding health claims made about the juice.
So what’s the truth about the juice? Noni comes from a tropical fruit common to Hawaii and has been used for centuries by native populations on the islands. It is rich in carbohydrates, calcium, vitamin C, and sodium. It is full of polysaccharides, which are known to have antibacterial, anti-tumor and anticancer effects. They also stimulate the immune system. Noni also has a compound, known as skopoletin, which studies show is an antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antihistamine. It also helps regulate blood pressure and is a calmative substance, good for combating stress and aiding sleep. Noni is a dark purple fruit and all fruit of this color is known to have high quantities of flavonoid antioxidants. Noni is no exception. These antioxidants are excellent for combating free radicals and boosting cellular health.
Does that sound too good to be true? Of course not. Blueberries are every bit as wonderful and maybe more so. There’s nothing all that special about Noni juice, except that it’s new to the market. Noni is just another great fruit of the dark purple variety with some special qualities of its own.
Are people making false claims about it? Well, yes, probably. When anything catches fire like Noni has, some people just want to get rich by selling it. In the fever of money grubbing and promoting, they will often make exaggerated claims. The FDA is particularly fond of hammering companies that step over the line with natural nutritional products. Don’t worry that most pharmaceutical drugs cause horrific side effects and often don’t cure the problems they are promoted to cure. That’s part of our accepted health care system. But make claims that a fruit or plant may have curative powers and the FDA is all over you for making false claims. If you say that apple juice can cure digestive problems or help restore liver health…and if you say that on the apple juice literature you use to sell the juice, then the FDA will make you put apple juice through standard drug tests like any pharmaceutical drug.
The bottom line? Noni juice is healthy and provides some great vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. But don’t be taken in by exaggerated claims, exorbitant prices, or money-making schemes. Any berry juice made with dark purple berries will offer as much or more than Noni juice, so pay accordingly and drink to your health (financial and otherwise).
Noni fruit photo byhttp://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User_talk:Marshman
March 9th, 2007
Nuts and seeds are becoming immensely popular due to their health benefits. They provide a wealth of healthy fatty acids, which help to recude bad cholesterol. They are also full of vitamins and minerals and make a great alternative to meat. Here is a terrific recipe for a meatloaf alternative that you may like even better than meatloaf itself. And your body will definitely get a kick out of it.
It’s easy to make and you can use it for sandwiches or in any way meatloaf is used.
- 1 cup almonds (vitamin E, magnesium, potassium, vitamin B2, minerals, healthy fats)
- 1 cup raw peanuts (protein, magnesium, calcium, minerals, vitamin E, vitamin B3)
- 1 cup walnuts (tannin antioxidants, iodine for healthy thyroid, omega-3 fatty acids helps reduce cholesterol levels, vitamins B and E)
- ¼ cup flax seeds or sesame seeds (calcium, magnesium, phytosterols to reduce cholesterol)
- ¼ cup lecithin granules (regulates cholesterol, aids arteries)
- 2 cups cooked brown rice (vitamin B, magnesium, iron, fiber, manganese for energy and protein assimilation, selenium for thyroid health and combines well with vitamin E)
- 2 cups tomato paste (vitamins C and A, potassium, iron, betacarotene and lycopene antioxidants, cancer-fighting chlorogenic acids)
- 4 cloves garlic (blood cleanser, liver tonic, vitamins C and B6, selenium)
- ¼ cup fresh thyme (promotes perspiration which cleanses the body, antiseptic, relieves coughs and congestion, omega-3 fatty acids, flavonoid antioxidants, iron, magnesium, calcium, vitamin K)
- 1/8 cup oregano (flavonoid antioxidants, antibacterial, antiviral)
- 1 Ts fresh rosemary (improves digestions, stimulates immune system, increases circulation, anti-inflammatory and bronchial dilator)
- 1 ts Cayenne pepper (anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, circulation stimulator)
- 1 chopped onion (flavonoid antioxidants, blood cleanser)
- ¼ cup olive oil (oleic acid and other fatty acids help control cholesterol, vitamin E, phenol antioxidants, benefits for colon, heart, and liver)
- 2 eggs (beta carotene)
- Salt and pepper to taste
To prepare, begin by mixing the nuts and spices (including garlic) in a food processor to a course grind. There should be some small pieces of nuts remaining. Cook the onion in olive oil until it is slightly carmelized, then add the cooked onion, cooked rice, two-thirds of the tomoto paste and the eggs to the nut and spice mixture in a large bowl. Transfer to a baking pan and cover the top with the remaining tomato paste. Bake uncovered for one hour at 425 degrees or until the sides begin to brown. Remove and let cool for 20 minutes before serving.
Almond photo by http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Koyaanis_Qatsi
December 29th, 2006
Studies show that chicken soup, if made properly, does contain healing properties that help combat colds, flu, and general malaise. A healthy chicken soup has antibacterial and antiviral properties, boosts the immune system, builds energy, cleanses the blood, reduces mucus, provides healthy vitamins and minerals and helps reduce inflammation. Here’s a recipe that will ensure excellent results and great taste:
- 1 small (5lb) chicken* with bones and skin (protein, amino acids)
- 1 medium lime, washed and cut in half (vitamin C and A)
- 2 ts curry powder (circulation and metabolism enhancer, antibacterial, antiviral)
- 1 ts tumeric (anti-inflammatory, improves circulation)
- 4 cloves minced garlic (blood cleanser, liver tonic, vitamins C and B6, selenium)
- 1/4 cup fresh thyme (promotes perspiration which cleanses the body, antiseptic, relieves coughs and congestion, omega-3 fatty acids, flavonoid antioxidants, iron, magnesium, calcium, vitamin K)
- 1/8 cup fresh dill (cancer-fighting properties, anti-bacterial, calcium, digestive aid)
- 1/8 cup olive oil (oleic acid and other fatty acids help control cholesterol, vitamin E, phenol antioxidants, benefits for colon, heart, and liver)
- 3 cups grated carrots (alpha- and beta-carotene, vitamin A, fiber)
- 1 large onion, chopped (flavonoid antioxidants, blood cleanser)
- 2 cups chopped red potatoes (B vitamins, carbs, potassium)
- Salt & pepper to taste
Cut chicken into two or four pieces, place in a large pot and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil and remove the fat that accumulates on top. Add the lime halves, spices, garlic, onion, and potatoes. Cook on medium-low for about 1.5 hours. Remove the chicken and pull the white meat off of the bones with a fork (remove the skin and any skin remaining inside the pot). Return the white meat to the pot and keep the dark meat for future use. Add carrots and cook another 20 minutes. Removed lime peels, squeezing any extra juice out. Pour a little olive oil on top before serving.
* Please try to find an organically grown chicken, since studies show that most commerically grown chickens are loaded with bacteria.
December 9th, 2006
Walnut and Spinach Stuffed Grape Leaves
Here’s a delicious recipe that is not just acceptable for diabetics, but actually helps combat diabetes and many side effects resulting from diabetes and high blood sugar. The combination of the antioxidants, live probiotic cultures and LA (lipoic acid) combats diabetes and helps maintain healthy immune and digestive systems. Garlic, onions and other ingredients help purify the blood, while walnuts, brown rice, and selenium sources work on the thyroid.
But this is not just for diabetics. The health benefits from this dish are great for anyone. Don’t let the quantity of different ingredients scare you off. This recipe is not difficult to put together.
- 1 jar of grape leaves (about ½ lb) (vitamins C, E, A, K and B6, niacin, iron, fiber, riboflavin, folate, calcium, magnesium, copper and manganese)
- 1 large bunch of spinach chopped (lipoic acid purifies the blood and enhances insulin activity and glucose-insulin response, carotene antioxidants, iron, potassium, calcium, folate, vitamins C and E)
- 1 cup chopped red tomatoes (vitamins C and A, potassium, iron, betacarotene and lycopene antioxidants, cancer-fighting chlorogenic acids)
- 1 chopped onion (flavonoid antioxidants, blood cleanser)
- 1 cup of ground walnuts (tannin antioxidants, iodine for healthy thyroid, omega-3 fatty acids helps reduce cholesterol levels, vitamins B and E)
- ¼ cup raw sesame seeds (calcium, magnesium, phytosterols to reduce cholesterol)
- 1 cup medium grain brown rice (vitamin B, magnesium, iron, fiber, manganese for energy and protein assimilation, selenium for thyroid health and combines well with vitamin E)
- 1 cup green olives (vitamin E, flavonoids)
- 3 cloves minced garlic (blood cleanser, liver tonic, vitamins C and B6, selenium)
- ¼ cup of chopped, fresh dill (cancer-fighting properties, anti-bacterial, calcium, digestive aid)
- ¼ cup of chopped, fresh parsley (kidney and blood cleanser)
- 3 Ts sesame oil (calcium, copper, helps reduce hypertension)
- 1/2 cup olive oil (oleic acid and other fatty acids help control cholesterol, vitamin E, phenol antioxidants, benefits for colon, heart, and liver)
- 2 cups white wine (the alcohol will mostly cook out of the wine, leaving just the flavor)
- 2 cups yogurt, Indian Dahi, or kefir with live cultures (probiotic cultures aid digestion and combat yeast infection, constipation, and diabetes).
- 1/8 cup finely chopped fresh peppermint leaves (digestive aid, anti-depressant)
- Sea salt and pepper to taste
Instructions: Heat the rice (dry) in a large pan with a little bit of the olive oil for about 10 minutes. Add ¼ cup of water and cook for another 10 minutes. Add onion, tomato, garlic, dill, and parseley and spinach. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 10 minutes. Let cool while you prepare the grape leaves.
Prepare grape leaves by boiling them for 5 minutes to soften. Trim off any excess stem and place face-down (smooth side down) for stuffing with the mixture. Add the olive oil, sesame seeds, olives and ground walnuts to the mixture, then spoon out a portion onto a leaf, fold the sides in, and roll it up. Stack these two or three layers deep in a glass pan and pour in the white wine and water until the sides are covered. Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, then remove foil and bake another 15 minutes or until the liquid is mostly gone and the rice is cooked. Remove and serve on a platter with sesame oil drizzled on top.
Combine chopped peppermint leaves with yogurt and serve as a dip for the grape leaves.
November 26th, 2006
A tasty way to cure the blues
Here’s a recipe for a tasty chocolate smoothie that combats depression. The ingredients in this concoction are selected for their antidepressant qualities and for their ability to work together in this mixture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 capsule of dry St. Johns wort (anti-anxiety, mood enhancer, antiviral, antibacterial)
- 1 capsule of Unha de Gato (Cat’s Claw) (circulation enhancer, blood purifier, immune system enhancer)
- 1 capsule of powdered DHEA (mood control through brain cell membranes)
- 1 tsp glutamine powder (stimulates metabolism, growth hormone and protein assimilation)
- 1 tsp powdered cinnamon (circulation stimulator)
- 1/8 cup pure, unsweetened chocolate or cocoa (antioxidants, endorphin stimulation, circulation regulator)
- 1/8 cup chopped mint leaves or 20 drops of mint essential oil (antispasmotic and anti-anxiety)
- 1/8 cup chilled flaxseed oil (omega-3 fatty acids)
- 1/4 cup walnuts (tannins, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids)
- 2 cups crushed ice
- honey or sugar to taste
Mix all ingredients in a blender (emptying the powder from the supplement capsules into the blender) and liquefy until fully mixed and smooth. Drink immediately.
Chocolate photo byhttp://www.flickr.com/photos/whitewizard_studio/147401275
November 7th, 2006
Remember Willard Water? Back in 1980, Dr. Willard appeared on 60 Minutes, demonstrating his special Catalyst Activated Water (CAW), which, he said, was water that had been altered on a molecular level (through a natural process) to be more absorbent…in lay terms…wetter water.
His water was said to be more effective in quenching thirst, fighting dehydration, treating burns, and is just better water in most applications. But as much as Willard may want to get a lock on the activated water market, the fact is, nature has been altering the molecular structure of water since the beginning of our planet. And the secret of manually “activating” water by adding a natural catalyst has been around for thousands of years. The main substance used in enhanced water is activated carbon.
Yes carbon. Like the carbon from burnt wood. In fact, wood carbon is one of the many carbons commonly used to activate water for purification and enhancement. Another common carbon source is lignite, which is a carbon that comes from fossilized plant and animal matter. This is said to be one of the worst carbon sources due to its high ash content and relatively low “surface area” of the molecules. The best carbon sources for water activation come from coal and coconut shells.
The idea is that the carbon adds particles to the water that increase the surface area of the molecules, thereby adding more absorptive powers. This means that the water can bring into the body more minerals and other elements, giving you a cleaner water and a more potent source of nutrients.
Carbon Activated Water (CAW) is used by most large livestock producers for healthier animals and it has been found to stimulate the growth of plants. Seems our feed animals get better treatment than we do. So far, only a handful of municipalities in the United States have started using CAW for water treatment. But you can find carbon sources for your own water enhancement. Just look around on the Internet…and be prepared to buy enough for a large herd.
Water photo by http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benutzer:W.J.Pilsak
October 30th, 2006
Researchers have found that papaya pulp not only tastes good, but has curative powers for minor wounds like blisters, burns and bee stings. The powerful papain enzymes in the fruit have antisceptic properties while helping break down poisons in bee stings and bug bites. For burns, the pulp also cleans the burned area and hydrates the wounded skin tissue, which speeds healing and minimizes blistering and scarring. Doctors in Africa and Indonesia have been using papaya with success in cleaning and dressing open wounds.
Putting the fruit into your mouth isn’t so bad either. Papaya is rich in beta carotine, a powerful antioxidant, vitamins, and enzymes to help with digestion.
October 3rd, 2006
There are many great foods that are high in nutrients, antioxidants, or other substances and they all deserve their day in the sun. But these are my all-time favorites, foods that are really special—not just for health, but for many reasons. Check up on these power foods:
Bee Pollen 
Pollen is one of the natures most amazing products. These little globules contain more nutrients than almost any other food source. They have many times more protein than meat, being almost 30% protein. Pollen contains over 16 different vitamins and minerals (including trace minerals), and is rich in enzymes and amino acids. It is also extremely low in fat. In fact, pollen enhances the production of HDL cholesterol (the good fat) and decreases the production of LDL cholesterol (the bad fat). It acts as a powerful antioxidant (containing flavonoids, rutin in particular), has antibacterial and antiviral qualities, and helps to increase the production of blood cells (both white and red), while balancing white/red blood counts. Is it even necessary to go on?
Bee pollen goes great in so many things. Sprinkle it on your cereal or peanut butter toast, add it to juices or just eat it plain. I do.
Pure Cocoa 
Cocoa is primarily a powerful antioxidant, being extremely high in flavonoids. Flavonoids reduce risk of heart disease and help clean the bloodstream and arteries of fat and other toxins. Cocoa also helps keep blood pressure down and regulates blood flow, not unlike a low dose of aspirin. One of its sexier qualities is that it helps the body process nitric oxide, which give it its famous aphrodisiac qualities. For a comparison, Viagra achieves its special erectile effects by blocking a chemical that inhibits nitric oxide in the system. Cocoa encourages production of nitric oxide. Either way, you end up with the right substance in the right place. Plus, cocoa is found to promote the brain’s production of endorphins and natural opiates.
Of course, sweetened cocoa, or chocolate, contains much of these benefits, but pure cocoa is, by far, the best. You can add pure, unsweetened cocoa to your breakfast oatmeal, or hot coffee. Try adding it to the already chocolaty Mexican Mole sauce.
Spirulina & Chlorella
I put these together, because they are often sold together. But it’s important to note that spirulina is “blue-green algae” and chlorella is “green algae.” Spirulina is rich in carotenoids (including beta-carotene), which are among the most important antioxidants around, and high in vitamins and minerals (including B vitamins and iron). Chlorophyll is just one of the many phyto-chemicals found in spirulina and it is high in protein and essential fatty acids (particularly GLA, a fatty acid that is more difficult to find). Chlorella, also rich in enzymes, minerals and chlorophyll, is also found to chelate certain heavy metals from the blood, liver and intestines, including aluminum and mercury. The combination of spirulina and chlorella is a winner!
September 27th, 2006
Antioxidants are not just for older adults trying to slow the aging process. Antioxidants combat the negative effects of oxidation in your system — a chemical process that occurs when your body converts food into energy. The negative effects include the production of free radicals, electrons that fly off of atoms and into cell walls, causing diminished cell functioning which leads to aging, sickness, heart disease, and countless types of ailments. If you smoke, drink, eat too much, or consume or breathe harmful toxins (such as those in many food products and household chemicals), you increase the amount of free radicals and speed up the damage they do.
Antioxidants buffer the cell walls from free radicals and even inhibit the creation of certain free radicals. Used in combination, they are perhaps the single most important natural cure in existence. Everyone should increase their intake of antioxidants! Here’s how:
- Drink more green tea.
- Drink an antioxidant-rich juice. You can make your own from berries and carrots or buy one of the pre-mixed concoctions, such as “Berry Young Juice” from Young Living. There are others.
- Eat more antioxidant-rich foods, such as tomatoes, dark green leafy vegetables, deep-colored fruit, nuts (especially walnuts and hazelnuts), and pure cocoa powder (not sweetened or processed). An excellent pre-mixed antioxidant-rich food is “Maharishi Amrit Kalash.” Other combinations of Indian and Ayurvedic herbs are also available.
September 7th, 2006
