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Saturday 13 August 2011
Tuesday 9 August 2011
Attack of the seasonal allergies
If you are one of the many people who suffer from seasonal allergies, and are tired of relying on drugstore antihistamines, read on! There are many natural alternatives that will help treat common allergy symptoms, help reduce inflammation, and help with prevention as well!
Stinging Nettle: This herb has been used since ancient times, for reducing congestion, controlling coughs, and relieving asthma symptoms. It is very effective in treating hayfever and other seasonal allergies, with just one daily dose during allergy season or as needed.
Quercetin: A powerful antioxidant which has been shown to inhibit the release of inflammatory compounds like histamine, without the side effects of pharmaceutical antihistamines. Quercetin helps calm the allergic response by reducing the inflammation caused by the immune system.
Antioxidants: There are many antioxidants that will strengthen the immune system, and actually help to prevent allergy flare-ups and symptoms from occurring. This includes grape seed, bilberry, black currant, bitter orange, and rutin to name a few. If your goal is to prevent your allergies entirely, you would have to start taking these antioxidants in advance. A daily dose before allergy season starts works very well for most people. Combining quercetin with other antioxidants is a great way to keep allergy symptoms under control.
All of these herbs are available either alone or in combination formulas specifically targeting allergies. They are available in liquid tinctures, or capsules and tablets from a few different bands. We have a section in the store dedicated to natural allergy solutions.We carry a wide variety of products, both herbal and homeopathic. You might just find the alternative you are looking for!
Michelle:)
Stinging Nettle: This herb has been used since ancient times, for reducing congestion, controlling coughs, and relieving asthma symptoms. It is very effective in treating hayfever and other seasonal allergies, with just one daily dose during allergy season or as needed.
Quercetin: A powerful antioxidant which has been shown to inhibit the release of inflammatory compounds like histamine, without the side effects of pharmaceutical antihistamines. Quercetin helps calm the allergic response by reducing the inflammation caused by the immune system.
Antioxidants: There are many antioxidants that will strengthen the immune system, and actually help to prevent allergy flare-ups and symptoms from occurring. This includes grape seed, bilberry, black currant, bitter orange, and rutin to name a few. If your goal is to prevent your allergies entirely, you would have to start taking these antioxidants in advance. A daily dose before allergy season starts works very well for most people. Combining quercetin with other antioxidants is a great way to keep allergy symptoms under control.
All of these herbs are available either alone or in combination formulas specifically targeting allergies. They are available in liquid tinctures, or capsules and tablets from a few different bands. We have a section in the store dedicated to natural allergy solutions.We carry a wide variety of products, both herbal and homeopathic. You might just find the alternative you are looking for!
Michelle:)
Wednesday 3 August 2011
Spotlight on...Seabuckthorn
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 ace.
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.
If you would like more information on the recent info on seabuckthorn, check out this website for more details. If you are interested in trying seabuckthorn we do have samples and testers in the store, so come try out this incredible berry!
Yours Vibrantly,
Michelle
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 ace.
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.
If you would like more information on the recent info on seabuckthorn, check out this website for more details. If you are interested in trying seabuckthorn we do have samples and testers in the store, so come try out this incredible berry!
Yours Vibrantly,
Michelle
Wednesday 13 July 2011
Do you know what is in your food? Part 2
So after a long list of not so good ingredients that we should all try to avoid in our food, here are some of the better ones! You may recognize some of these ingredients, which are found in a lot of packaged health foods. Some of the other common ingredients usually need some decoding.
Acacia Gum (also known as guar gum and gum arabic): This natural ingredient is made from the hardened sap of the acacia tree; it helps stick stuff together and adds important fiber.
Chicory Root Fiber: This is used to hold different ingredients together and also contains the naturally occurring fiber inulin.
Evaporated Cane Juice Syrup: A minimally processed sugar, this amber coloured liquid retains a slight golden colour and a subtle taste from the original cane juice.
Oligofructose: Oligosaccharide is an alternative sweetener derived from inulin, which is found naturally in chicory root. Often used to help provide a thicker texture.
Expeller-Pressed Ingredients (also known as Cold-Pressed): In this process, natural oils are extracted from seeds by mechanical pressure without the use or addition of chemicals, colourings, or preservatives.
Glutamate (also known as glutamic acid): Free glutamate is naturally occurring in some foods such as cheese, milk, tomatoes, mushrooms, yeast, and soy. This is different from MSG, the artificial flavour enhancer, a compound of sodium plus glutamate.
Vegetable Glycerin: This colourless liquid helps ingredients of different water content get along together (so dry ingredients such as grains stay dry, and moist ingredients like fruit stay moist.
Non-Irradiated Spices: Unless specifically stated as "non-irradiated," spices undergo a process of ionizing radiation to increase shelf life and kill bacteria. While this may sound good, many believe using gamma radiation from nuclear material goes beyond the level of processing necessary to make natural foods.
Casein (also known as sodium caseinate): This dairy protein can help hold different foods together.
Sodium Phosphates: These are normal and essential salts for the body that work as a natural leavening agents, helping make baked goods light and fluffy.
Tartaric Acid: This organic acid can be found in plants and is used to provide tartness in foods.
Hope you found this information helpful!
Michelle:)
Acacia Gum (also known as guar gum and gum arabic): This natural ingredient is made from the hardened sap of the acacia tree; it helps stick stuff together and adds important fiber.
Chicory Root Fiber: This is used to hold different ingredients together and also contains the naturally occurring fiber inulin.
Evaporated Cane Juice Syrup: A minimally processed sugar, this amber coloured liquid retains a slight golden colour and a subtle taste from the original cane juice.
Oligofructose: Oligosaccharide is an alternative sweetener derived from inulin, which is found naturally in chicory root. Often used to help provide a thicker texture.
Expeller-Pressed Ingredients (also known as Cold-Pressed): In this process, natural oils are extracted from seeds by mechanical pressure without the use or addition of chemicals, colourings, or preservatives.
Glutamate (also known as glutamic acid): Free glutamate is naturally occurring in some foods such as cheese, milk, tomatoes, mushrooms, yeast, and soy. This is different from MSG, the artificial flavour enhancer, a compound of sodium plus glutamate.
Vegetable Glycerin: This colourless liquid helps ingredients of different water content get along together (so dry ingredients such as grains stay dry, and moist ingredients like fruit stay moist.
Non-Irradiated Spices: Unless specifically stated as "non-irradiated," spices undergo a process of ionizing radiation to increase shelf life and kill bacteria. While this may sound good, many believe using gamma radiation from nuclear material goes beyond the level of processing necessary to make natural foods.
Casein (also known as sodium caseinate): This dairy protein can help hold different foods together.
Sodium Phosphates: These are normal and essential salts for the body that work as a natural leavening agents, helping make baked goods light and fluffy.
Tartaric Acid: This organic acid can be found in plants and is used to provide tartness in foods.
Hope you found this information helpful!
Michelle:)
Tuesday 5 July 2011
Do you know what is in your food? PART 1
Do ever look at the ingredient list on packaged food and think, "What is that?"
Whether it's a box of cereal, package of granola bars, can of soup, or any type of snack or drink, the ingredients list can often look a bit scary. It is important to be aware of what is hiding in your food, so let's take a look at some common ingredients that we should really try to avoid.
Bleached Flour: After it's milled and bleached white with chemicals like chlorine, this baking flour loses many of its original whole-grain nutrients.
Calcium Peroxide: This agent is used to bleach flour and improve dough strength, grain, and texture.
High Fructose Corn Syrup: This highly processed liquid sweetener and preservative consists mainly of glucose; it has been a common ingredient in many manufactured foods and drinks.
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): This controversial flavour enhancer is commonly used in Chinese food, canned vegetables, soups, and processed meats.
Disodium Guanylate: This flavour enhancer is 50 to 100 times more potent than MSG and helps enhance flavours in snacks, sauces, and canned foods.
BHA (butylated hydroxytoluene): This chemical is used as a preservative in cereals and snack foods.
BHT (butylated hydroxyanisole): This chemical is added to foods to preserve fats and keep them from turning rancid.
Aspartame: This artificial sweetener used in diet soft drinks and chewing gum is 180 times sweeter than sugar.
Partially Hydrogenated Oil: This oil has been partially hardened through chemical means and contributes trans fats to foods.
Polydextrose: This chemically created additive is used as a sugar replacement and a fiber supplement in many foods.
Potassium Sorbate: This food preservative is used to hinder the growth of mold and yeast.
Silicon Dioxide: A synthetic substance used to keep powdered foods flowing smoothly without congealing.
Sodium Benzoate: This chemical preservative is used most prevalently in acidic foods like salad dressings, carbonated drinks, fruit juices, and condiments.
This was a brief overview of some bad ingredients and preservatives that we should all try to avoid.
Part 2 of "Do you know what is in your food?" will try and decode some of the good ingredients that are safe and available in many health foods on the market.
Michelle:)
Whether it's a box of cereal, package of granola bars, can of soup, or any type of snack or drink, the ingredients list can often look a bit scary. It is important to be aware of what is hiding in your food, so let's take a look at some common ingredients that we should really try to avoid.
Bleached Flour: After it's milled and bleached white with chemicals like chlorine, this baking flour loses many of its original whole-grain nutrients.
Calcium Peroxide: This agent is used to bleach flour and improve dough strength, grain, and texture.
High Fructose Corn Syrup: This highly processed liquid sweetener and preservative consists mainly of glucose; it has been a common ingredient in many manufactured foods and drinks.
Monosodium Glutamate (MSG): This controversial flavour enhancer is commonly used in Chinese food, canned vegetables, soups, and processed meats.
Disodium Guanylate: This flavour enhancer is 50 to 100 times more potent than MSG and helps enhance flavours in snacks, sauces, and canned foods.
BHA (butylated hydroxytoluene): This chemical is used as a preservative in cereals and snack foods.
BHT (butylated hydroxyanisole): This chemical is added to foods to preserve fats and keep them from turning rancid.
Aspartame: This artificial sweetener used in diet soft drinks and chewing gum is 180 times sweeter than sugar.
Partially Hydrogenated Oil: This oil has been partially hardened through chemical means and contributes trans fats to foods.
Polydextrose: This chemically created additive is used as a sugar replacement and a fiber supplement in many foods.
Potassium Sorbate: This food preservative is used to hinder the growth of mold and yeast.
Silicon Dioxide: A synthetic substance used to keep powdered foods flowing smoothly without congealing.
Sodium Benzoate: This chemical preservative is used most prevalently in acidic foods like salad dressings, carbonated drinks, fruit juices, and condiments.
This was a brief overview of some bad ingredients and preservatives that we should all try to avoid.
Part 2 of "Do you know what is in your food?" will try and decode some of the good ingredients that are safe and available in many health foods on the market.
Michelle:)
Thursday 23 June 2011
Everyone's talking about coconut oil....
There has been a lot of buzz these days on all things coconut. Coconut milk, coconut water, coconut butter, coconut oil.... The focus has primarily been on the coconut oil, which you can get in capsule form, but is most commonly found in a container as a solid form. Coconut oil contains MGT (medium-chain triglycerides), which has been reported may assist in weight reduction and many other health benefits. Read on to learn more about coconut oil.
Why coconut is "special" among saturated fats?
Coconut oil is a rare gem among saturated fats, with numerous health benefits. First, did you know that multiple studies on Pacific Island populations who get 30-60 percent of their total caloric intact from fully saturated coconut oil have all shown nearly non-existent rates of cardiovascular disease? Coconut oil can be helpful for pregnant women, nursing moms, the elderly, those concerned about digestive health, athletes (even weekend warriors), and those of you who just want to enhance your overall health. One of the explanations for its broad health applications is because it's rich in lauric acid, which converts in your body to monolaurin – a compound also found in breast milk that strengthens a baby's immunity. Its medium chain fatty acids, or triglycerides (MCT's), also impart a number of health benefits, including raising your body's metabolism and fighting off pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and fungi. Capric acid, another coconut fatty acid present in smaller amounts, is another antimicrobial component.
Are you ready to make the switch?
Try using use organic coconut oil for all your cooking needs. It is far superior to any other cooking oil and is loaded with health benefits. Make sure you choose an organic coconut oil that is unrefined, unbleached, made without heat processing or chemicals, and does not contain GM ingredients.
*Vibrant Lifestyle carries a wide selection of high quality, coconut oil for all your cooking and baking needs*
Why coconut is "special" among saturated fats?
Coconut oil is a rare gem among saturated fats, with numerous health benefits. First, did you know that multiple studies on Pacific Island populations who get 30-60 percent of their total caloric intact from fully saturated coconut oil have all shown nearly non-existent rates of cardiovascular disease? Coconut oil can be helpful for pregnant women, nursing moms, the elderly, those concerned about digestive health, athletes (even weekend warriors), and those of you who just want to enhance your overall health. One of the explanations for its broad health applications is because it's rich in lauric acid, which converts in your body to monolaurin – a compound also found in breast milk that strengthens a baby's immunity. Its medium chain fatty acids, or triglycerides (MCT's), also impart a number of health benefits, including raising your body's metabolism and fighting off pathogens such as viruses, bacteria and fungi. Capric acid, another coconut fatty acid present in smaller amounts, is another antimicrobial component.
Are you ready to make the switch?
Try using use organic coconut oil for all your cooking needs. It is far superior to any other cooking oil and is loaded with health benefits. Make sure you choose an organic coconut oil that is unrefined, unbleached, made without heat processing or chemicals, and does not contain GM ingredients.
*Vibrant Lifestyle carries a wide selection of high quality, coconut oil for all your cooking and baking needs*
Tuesday 21 June 2011
The Antioxidant you have never heard of....
Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant that up until now has not received the attention it deserves. What if you could…
-Reduce the appearance of wrinkles, dry skin, age spots, and freckles?
-Boost your brain and nervous system protection from free radicals?
-Help reduce the visible signs of aging?
-Promote your joint and skeletal system health?
-Potentially enhance your skin protection from sun-induced free radicals?
And if you’re an athlete, or even a weekend warrior, what if you could…
-Increase your strength and stamina?
-Improve your endurance?
-Enable faster recovery from exercise?
-Reduce joint and muscle soreness after a vigorous workout?
-Enhance your visual acuity and depth perception?
Something you might be interested in, but sounds almost too good to be true? Astaxanthin is a natural super-antioxidant nutrient that can help you do all this… and more. And it’s not just based on ‘hear-say.’ Clinical trials have researched the solid benefits of this powerful lipid soluble antioxidant.
If you would like more information about this amazing antioxidant, click here to read Dr. Mercola's entire article. Vibrant Lifestyle carries Astaxanthin by AOR as well as Krill Oil supplements which naturally contain astaxanthin.
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