Newsletter |
Water!
Drinking pure water is considered to be one of the most important elements for overall health. We can't survive without it for more than a few days. Because it is what we put most of in and on our bodies, it deserves thorough consideration.
Clean water is vital to the following:
- Function of vital organs
- Strong immune system to resist disease
- Level of energy
- Mood and mental clarity
- Detoxification of the body
Most water available today (tap and bottled) is far from being considered pure and is not the same water we were drinking 100 years or even 20 years ago. It is simply too contaminated with chlorine, fluoride, lead, mercury, pesticides, and bacteria to provide the benefits as mentioned above to the full potential....thus explaining why perhaps we get sick more than we think we should, or develop allergies due to a weak immune system, or often feel just OK instead of energized and really alive. Many of the different contaminants in water which is numbering in the hundreds have been linked to be health compromising themselves. For example, Fluoride has been named the cause of several types of cancer. For this reason many water districts in the US stopped putting fluoride in the water. However, the fluoride still remains in our water as it is difficult and expensive to remove.
How to get pure water...
Good quality water filters in your home should now be considered basic household amenities in order to assure that you get the very cleanest water available. It is also important to be discerning with which types of filters to use. For example, a simple "Brita" filter or similar carbon filter that hooks onto the faucet can only do so much. It is most likely removing large sediment and chlorine. However there are many more health compromising contaminates including viruses that are not removed from water by these types of filters, making them inadequate or only a temporary solution at best.
From the research that I've done on the various types of filters, I've found two types that clean your water to sufficient purity in order to be health creating. One is a reverse osmosis purifier and the other is a distiller. I recommend the reverse osmosis filter as they are more common, less expensive, and smaller. The reverse osmosis filter works by squeezing the water through a pressurized filter membrane. Natural minerals are removed from the water too, but these are in our water in trace amounts compared to our fruits and veggies...so no need for concern with missing minerals. The pores in the membrane are the size of a water molecule allowing only pure water molecules to pass through. This system generally has three carbon pre-filters to remove the larger contaminants first. The filters generally need to be changed once a year and otherwise generally do not require any other maintenance. The cost to purchase a R.O system is generally between $300 and $1000. The RO system can also be rented for about $30 a month which includes the annual changing of filters. There are many companies offering installation and service all over the country. Culligan is a reputable and well-known plumbing company offering the RO service nationally, and the web site is culligan.com. What ever the company, the reverse osmosis system is good one. I recommend renting since you are paying for regular service of the system. Installation involves drilling a separate faucet for drinking water into your kitchen counter top next to your regular tap. The rest of the system including filters and 1-3 gallon size water tank are installed under the sink. Do a little research yourself to see just what you'll be getting. Regardless, it is completely worth the investment....because it's your health! Buy a filter or be a filter....I opt for buying one.
What about bottled water?
There is the option of buying bottled water also. It is important to be discerning between the different bottled waters. Testing has sh
own that many bottled waters are little better than water out of the tap. This is due contaminated springs where the water is collected or low grade plastics used for bottling. One important note is that any water that is filtered and then bottled can easily become contaminated from the plastic even if it is a high grade plastic. This is because the water is demineralized from filtering thus allowing the water molecules to be small enough to penetrate the plastic and leach chemicals. In spring water the water molecules are still bonded to the minerals making most plastic a safe choice for storage. Filtered water is best stored in glass or metal. So if you are regularly filling water bottles from your home RO filter when you head out on the road or for a hike, it's best to avoid plastic. Glass of course is not practical, thus making metal an ideal choice. "Sigg" water bottles are metal and are available from most outdoor shops. If plastic is your only choice, at the very least keep the bottle away from direct sunlight and heat. Heat softens the plastic leaching even more contaminants into your water....thus why your water tastes like plastic after sitting in your car. Yuck!
Enjoy the effects of pure water!
Once you have a high quality RO filter installed you will immediately notice that you drink more water. This is because the water tastes far better and you body intuitive sense recognizes the water as health creating. It is best to hydrate most in the early part of the day. Drink a tall glass of warm water (body temperature) first thing after waking and you will notice how this causes the bowels to move...thus starting your day with little mini-detox. You will find the effects of your pure water on tap to be most health creating! Enjoy!!!
The importance of clean water on the body too...
In addition to your RO filter it is important to consider filters for your shower heads. These are simple carbon filters mainly to remove chlorine. When unfiltered hot water is sprayed from a faucet, chlorine quickly turns to a gas. This chlorine gas is then inhaled. More chlorine is absorbed by the body during a ten minute shower than by drinking chlorinated water all day. Chlorine is damaging to the skin and immune system and dissolves the body's natural vitamin c and other antioxidant reserves. The shower filters are inexpensive and can be purchased and installed by Culligan as well. Another option is a whole house carbon filter that does just that....it's a basic filter that is installed where the water feeds into your home. They cost between $400 and $1500 dollars and some require maintenance only once every 12 years. This will also preserve the life of your RO filter. A very good choice (better than individual shower filters) in my opinion. They also preserve the life of your appliances...ie. dishwasher, washing machine, ice maker, ect...
Drinking pure water is considered to be one of the most important elements for overall health. We can't survive without it for more than a few days. Because it is what we put most of in and on our bodies, it deserves thorough consideration.
Clean water is vital to the following:
- Function of vital organs
- Strong immune system to resist disease
- Level of energy
- Mood and mental clarity
- Detoxification of the body
Most water available today (tap and bottled) is far from being considered pure and is not the same water we were drinking 100 years or even 20 years ago. It is simply too contaminated with chlorine, fluoride, lead, mercury, pesticides, and bacteria to provide the benefits as mentioned above to the full potential....thus explaining why perhaps we get sick more than we think we should, or develop allergies due to a weak immune system, or often feel just OK instead of energized and really alive. Many of the different contaminants in water which is numbering in the hundreds have been linked to be health compromising themselves. For example, Fluoride has been named the cause of several types of cancer. For this reason many water districts in the US stopped putting fluoride in the water. However, the fluoride still remains in our water as it is difficult and expensive to remove.
How to get pure water...
Good quality water filters in your home should now be considered basic household amenities in order to assure that you get the very cleanest water available. It is also important to be discerning with which types of filters to use. For example, a simple "Brita" filter or similar carbon filter that hooks onto the faucet can only do so much. It is most likely removing large sediment and chlorine. However there are many more health compromising contaminates including viruses that are not removed from water by these types of filters, making them inadequate or only a temporary solution at best.
From the research that I've done on the various types of filters, I've found two types that clean your water to sufficient purity in order to be health creating. One is a reverse osmosis purifier and the other is a distiller. I recommend the reverse osmosis filter as they are more common, less expensive, and smaller. The reverse osmosis filter works by squeezing the water through a pressurized filter membrane. Natural minerals are removed from the water too, but these are in our water in trace amounts compared to our fruits and veggies...so no need for concern with missing minerals. The pores in the membrane are the size of a water molecule allowing only pure water molecules to pass through. This system generally has three carbon pre-filters to remove the larger contaminants first. The filters generally need to be changed once a year and otherwise generally do not require any other maintenance. The cost to purchase a R.O system is generally between $300 and $1000. The RO system can also be rented for about $30 a month which includes the annual changing of filters. There are many companies offering installation and service all over the country. Culligan is a reputable and well-known plumbing company offering the RO service nationally, and the web site is culligan.com. What ever the company, the reverse osmosis system is good one. I recommend renting since you are paying for regular service of the system. Installation involves drilling a separate faucet for drinking water into your kitchen counter top next to your regular tap. The rest of the system including filters and 1-3 gallon size water tank are installed under the sink. Do a little research yourself to see just what you'll be getting. Regardless, it is completely worth the investment....because it's your health! Buy a filter or be a filter....I opt for buying one.
What about bottled water?
There is the option of buying bottled water also. It is important to be discerning between the different bottled waters. Testing has sh
own that many bottled waters are little better than water out of the tap. This is due contaminated springs where the water is collected or low grade plastics used for bottling. One important note is that any water that is filtered and then bottled can easily become contaminated from the plastic even if it is a high grade plastic. This is because the water is demineralized from filtering thus allowing the water molecules to be small enough to penetrate the plastic and leach chemicals. In spring water the water molecules are still bonded to the minerals making most plastic a safe choice for storage. Filtered water is best stored in glass or metal. So if you are regularly filling water bottles from your home RO filter when you head out on the road or for a hike, it's best to avoid plastic. Glass of course is not practical, thus making metal an ideal choice. "Sigg" water bottles are metal and are available from most outdoor shops. If plastic is your only choice, at the very least keep the bottle away from direct sunlight and heat. Heat softens the plastic leaching even more contaminants into your water....thus why your water tastes like plastic after sitting in your car. Yuck!
Enjoy the effects of pure water!
Once you have a high quality RO filter installed you will immediately notice that you drink more water. This is because the water tastes far better and you body intuitive sense recognizes the water as health creating. It is best to hydrate most in the early part of the day. Drink a tall glass of warm water (body temperature) first thing after waking and you will notice how this causes the bowels to move...thus starting your day with little mini-detox. You will find the effects of your pure water on tap to be most health creating! Enjoy!!!
The importance of clean water on the body too...
In addition to your RO filter it is important to consider filters for your shower heads. These are simple carbon filters mainly to remove chlorine. When unfiltered hot water is sprayed from a faucet, chlorine quickly turns to a gas. This chlorine gas is then inhaled. More chlorine is absorbed by the body during a ten minute shower than by drinking chlorinated water all day. Chlorine is damaging to the skin and immune system and dissolves the body's natural vitamin c and other antioxidant reserves. The shower filters are inexpensive and can be purchased and installed by Culligan as well. Another option is a whole house carbon filter that does just that....it's a basic filter that is installed where the water feeds into your home. They cost between $400 and $1500 dollars and some require maintenance only once every 12 years. This will also preserve the life of your RO filter. A very good choice (better than individual shower filters) in my opinion. They also preserve the life of your appliances...ie. dishwasher, washing machine, ice maker, ect...
Nutrition of Algae
Superfoods are increasingly touted by nutritionists as being the most nourishing and health~forming food sources available. The term "superfood" ... has a fairly broad definition depending upon whom you talk to or what you read. In essence, however, it generally refers to any food with a high concentration of phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are plant-derived compounds that are acclaimed for their health-promoting benefits by nutritionists and scientific researchers alike.
Commonly recognized superfoods include organic berries, dark leafy greens, sprouts, and broccoli. Other well-known and often-written-about superfoods include maca root, aloe vera, goji berries and flax seeds, to mention a few.
Notably, some of the superfoods that have garnered the most attention over the past few decades are green superfoods ... particularly algaes: spirulina, blue-green algae, and chlorella. Each of these foods is extremely high in protein, chlorophyll and other transformative nutrients.
Here are some details about what each of these algae can offer in terms of nutrition and health benefits:
1. Spirulina: Spirulina contains an unusually high amount of protein - between 55% and 77% by dry weight, depending upon where it was grown and harvested. In fact, spirulina contains more protein per gram than any other food! Furthermore, spirulina contains a complete form of protein, meaning that it contains all of the essential amino acids. It is considered to offer protein that is superior to typical plant proteins, like that of legumes.
Spirulina is also one of the richest sources of beta-carotene known. Beta carotene is an organic compound that is a precursor to Vitamin A, an essential nutrient important for vision and bone health. And it is the highest source of the B vitamin complex, B12 included, thus why this one is known as a real energizer.
2. Blue-Green Algae: Blue-green algae is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, containing glycoproteins. Blue-green algae is harvested in pristine lakes such as Upper Klamath Lake in south-central Oregon.
Blue-green algae also contains one of the most concentrated forms of phenylethylamine, which is an important component of neurotransmitters in the brain and contributes toward balancing and soothing the neurological system.
3. Chlorella: Chlorella is a single-cell algae that can contain up to 50% protein, and is the richest source of chlorophyll of any food, that names chlorella as the ultimate detox food. Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in most plants and algae. It is known to have a number of health benefits, including growth and repair of tissues, neutralization of pollutants in the body, assisting the blood in carrying oxygen to cells and tissues, and neutralizing free radicals that do damage to healthy cells.
Together these three green superfoods: spirulina, blue-green algae, and chlorella represent a robust and powerful source of nutrients for the body. Together, they offer an abundance of protein for healthy muscles, phenylethylamine for a balanced neurological system, beta-carotene for eye and bone health, and chlorophyll for tissue repair and overall detoxification. When looking for a power-punch green food combination for your health, an algae-based formula is the most promising option for wonderfully effective nourishment.
We all know that what we consume is directly correlated with how we feel: to feel our best, we have to eat well. Many people often complain about feeling drained and sluggish half way through the day, which can be a direct result of having skipped a wholesome breakfast.
Neglecting breakfast has become the norm for most people. Most of us become extremely busy as we prepare for our day. As a crutch, we often go for the quick and simple solution in an effort to save time, making choices that favor convenience over health. Anything less than a super~nutritious breakfast can lead to overeating during sna
cking, lunch, and dinner - which if sustained is then of course reflected in our overall health.
Breakfast is our first meal after a long night's rest, so taking the time to choose the best energy sources is a wise and prudent thing. By having a healthy breakfast, you will provide yourself with the fuel necessary to maintain a high~energy day. A good breakfast also means better concentration and mood.
This fall, for a healthy alternative, try a superfood smoothie to jumpstart your day. Superfood smoothies are easy to make and can be conveniently stored for later during work, school or play.
Superfoods are increasingly touted by nutritionists as being the most nourishing and health~forming food sources available. The term "superfood" ... has a fairly broad definition depending upon whom you talk to or what you read. In essence, however, it generally refers to any food with a high concentration of phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are plant-derived compounds that are acclaimed for their health-promoting benefits by nutritionists and scientific researchers alike.
Commonly recognized superfoods include organic berries, dark leafy greens, sprouts, and broccoli. Other well-known and often-written-about superfoods include maca root, aloe vera, goji berries and flax seeds, to mention a few.
Notably, some of the superfoods that have garnered the most attention over the past few decades are green superfoods ... particularly algaes: spirulina, blue-green algae, and chlorella. Each of these foods is extremely high in protein, chlorophyll and other transformative nutrients.
Here are some details about what each of these algae can offer in terms of nutrition and health benefits:
1. Spirulina: Spirulina contains an unusually high amount of protein - between 55% and 77% by dry weight, depending upon where it was grown and harvested. In fact, spirulina contains more protein per gram than any other food! Furthermore, spirulina contains a complete form of protein, meaning that it contains all of the essential amino acids. It is considered to offer protein that is superior to typical plant proteins, like that of legumes.
Spirulina is also one of the richest sources of beta-carotene known. Beta carotene is an organic compound that is a precursor to Vitamin A, an essential nutrient important for vision and bone health. And it is the highest source of the B vitamin complex, B12 included, thus why this one is known as a real energizer.
2. Blue-Green Algae: Blue-green algae is one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, containing glycoproteins. Blue-green algae is harvested in pristine lakes such as Upper Klamath Lake in south-central Oregon.
Blue-green algae also contains one of the most concentrated forms of phenylethylamine, which is an important component of neurotransmitters in the brain and contributes toward balancing and soothing the neurological system.
3. Chlorella: Chlorella is a single-cell algae that can contain up to 50% protein, and is the richest source of chlorophyll of any food, that names chlorella as the ultimate detox food. Chlorophyll is a green pigment found in most plants and algae. It is known to have a number of health benefits, including growth and repair of tissues, neutralization of pollutants in the body, assisting the blood in carrying oxygen to cells and tissues, and neutralizing free radicals that do damage to healthy cells.
Together these three green superfoods: spirulina, blue-green algae, and chlorella represent a robust and powerful source of nutrients for the body. Together, they offer an abundance of protein for healthy muscles, phenylethylamine for a balanced neurological system, beta-carotene for eye and bone health, and chlorophyll for tissue repair and overall detoxification. When looking for a power-punch green food combination for your health, an algae-based formula is the most promising option for wonderfully effective nourishment.
We all know that what we consume is directly correlated with how we feel: to feel our best, we have to eat well. Many people often complain about feeling drained and sluggish half way through the day, which can be a direct result of having skipped a wholesome breakfast.
Neglecting breakfast has become the norm for most people. Most of us become extremely busy as we prepare for our day. As a crutch, we often go for the quick and simple solution in an effort to save time, making choices that favor convenience over health. Anything less than a super~nutritious breakfast can lead to overeating during sna
cking, lunch, and dinner - which if sustained is then of course reflected in our overall health.
Breakfast is our first meal after a long night's rest, so taking the time to choose the best energy sources is a wise and prudent thing. By having a healthy breakfast, you will provide yourself with the fuel necessary to maintain a high~energy day. A good breakfast also means better concentration and mood.
This fall, for a healthy alternative, try a superfood smoothie to jumpstart your day. Superfood smoothies are easy to make and can be conveniently stored for later during work, school or play.
Optimal Spring Nutrition
4/28/09
This health tip can be considered timely because the spring season is here...
Increase the content of raw foods in your diet! Why? Well, remember in the past how I talk about eating right for the particular season and climate. The principle in a nutshell is simply this: Cooked foods have a warming effect on the body's temperature, and raw foods have a cooling effect. And for optimal nutrition, we need to have the correct balance of raw and cooked foods depending on the outdoor temperatures. This is a timeless piece of wisdom from Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic nutrition. And it can help you to appropriately gauge how much raw versus cooked food to have in your diet.
Now that we are coming into a warmer season we need to increase our intake of raw fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, and cold-pressed oils. First, let's talk about what the benefits will be.
1) Consider that you will be consuming more nutrients with raw foods. When we cook foods many nutrients are lost, particularly with vegetables. And so eating more raw fruits and vegetables will deliver more of the crucial nutrients that make a difference in your health that you can see and feel. You've heard me talk about how nutrient rich foods deeply satisfy our bodies with the vitamins and minerals that our bodies are truly hungry for.
2) Raw fruits and vegetables are high water content foods and are rich in enzymes. This quality makes them cleansing for the body, especially the gastro-intestinal tract.
3) More raw, unheated fats from nuts, seeds, and cold-pressed oils helps with weight loss. Remember that many cooked fats suppress the thyroid function, which in turn slows the metabolism. So as we add more of these raw fats, it will naturally displace so many cooked fats(ie. fried foods, cooked oils, cooked meats). I have some wonderful salad dressing recipes that will help with this and I will include them below.
As for how much raw versus cooked foods to have in your diet, it needs to be an individualized thing. First consider the outdoor temperatures. If you're in Southern California, Texas or Florida and the daytime temperatures are in the 70's and 80's, then your diet could be 80% raw or more. However if you're in Montana or North Dakota and daytime tempertatures are in the 40s and 50s, then too many raw foods could be a disadvantage. Raw foods that have a cooling reaction with the body in cold environment can dampen the spleen and lower the body's metabolism.
So how do we personalize it and figure out what is right for each individual need? You gotta feel it! I believe that we have an instinctive sense of what is best. Here's how it works. If you're often cold (ie. cold hands, feet, get cold easy outside, ect) then you likely need more cooked foods that have a warming reaction with the body. And so naturally the opposite is true if you're often too hot... more raw foods is the answer for you.
A consideration when transitioning to more raw foods...
Using the Infinity Greens superfood formula intensively can be extremely helpful.
Here's how...
1) Probiotics and enzymes help to more effectively digest otherwise tough to digest raw foods and are the building blocks of a healthy digestive system.
2) The chlorophyll content from Spirulina, Klamath Algae, and Chlorella is revered as the ultimate detoxifier. Any time we transition to a healthier diet/lifestyle the body releases old toxins stored in fat cells; this is often accompanied by a temporary unpleasant detox sensation. This is where chlorophyll is so effective. It absorbs and eliminates these toxins from the body without that unpleasant feeling often associated with detoxification.
3) The nutrient density of the stinging nettles, kelp, dulse, and antioxidant blend from the formula deeply nourishes the body with the crucial nutrients, which tend to be deficient in many diets. This helps to mor
e thoroughly satisfy the appetite and protect the body from overeating.
4) Maca, Ginger and Cayenne rev up the spleen which helps boost the metabolism. Naturally, metabolism slows down during the colder seasons and this powerful trio brings it back up to speed for healthy metabolic rate.
5) Nopal cactus and aloe vera are vital for gastrointestinal health when making changes in the diet. They lubricate the intestines to assure that digested foods are properly eliminated.
6) The Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids from Flax and Chia Seed reduce low-density-lipids and cholesterols in the body that are produced from cooked fats often consumed in colder climates.
This information is will show to be extremely effective, and it is my sincere hope that it is applicable for you. Please visit my website below for more information and cutting edge products that are intended to make a real difference in your health. It is always a pleasure to support you on your continued journey of well being!
Wishing you the very best!
3 super easy recipes that can make a real difference!
The Ultimate Spring Shake...a perfect breakfast
Blend in Blender
1 pear (sliced)
1 handful of ice
1 cup water
3 round teaspoons Infinity Greens...enough to make a real difference!
1 tablespoon hemp seeds
1 tablespoon flax seed oil
1 tablespoon raw honey
Lemon Ginger Dressing
Blend in Blender
1/2 cup lemon juice
3/4 cup olive oil
teaspoon sea salt...or add to taste
round tablespoon hemps seeds for added creaminess
2 round teaspoons Infinity Greens
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
Raw Thai Coconut Curry Soup
Blend in Blender
1 thai coconut (1 cup water and all of meat scooped out from coconut)
2 leaves collard greens
juice from half lemon
round teaspoon Infinity Greens
sea salt to taste
round teaspoon thai curry paste
This one is delicious! Many raw vegetables can be tough for the body to digest because of the tough and course nature of cell walls in plants. And one of my favorite strategies is to puree raw vegetables into dip, sauces and soups. That way it makes them easy to digest and very palatable and also maintains that nutrient/enzyme rich quality.
If you enjoy these recipes, then please check out more on my website.
http://www.infinitygreens.com
4/28/09
This health tip can be considered timely because the spring season is here...
Increase the content of raw foods in your diet! Why? Well, remember in the past how I talk about eating right for the particular season and climate. The principle in a nutshell is simply this: Cooked foods have a warming effect on the body's temperature, and raw foods have a cooling effect. And for optimal nutrition, we need to have the correct balance of raw and cooked foods depending on the outdoor temperatures. This is a timeless piece of wisdom from Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic nutrition. And it can help you to appropriately gauge how much raw versus cooked food to have in your diet.
Now that we are coming into a warmer season we need to increase our intake of raw fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, and cold-pressed oils. First, let's talk about what the benefits will be.
1) Consider that you will be consuming more nutrients with raw foods. When we cook foods many nutrients are lost, particularly with vegetables. And so eating more raw fruits and vegetables will deliver more of the crucial nutrients that make a difference in your health that you can see and feel. You've heard me talk about how nutrient rich foods deeply satisfy our bodies with the vitamins and minerals that our bodies are truly hungry for.
2) Raw fruits and vegetables are high water content foods and are rich in enzymes. This quality makes them cleansing for the body, especially the gastro-intestinal tract.
3) More raw, unheated fats from nuts, seeds, and cold-pressed oils helps with weight loss. Remember that many cooked fats suppress the thyroid function, which in turn slows the metabolism. So as we add more of these raw fats, it will naturally displace so many cooked fats(ie. fried foods, cooked oils, cooked meats). I have some wonderful salad dressing recipes that will help with this and I will include them below.
As for how much raw versus cooked foods to have in your diet, it needs to be an individualized thing. First consider the outdoor temperatures. If you're in Southern California, Texas or Florida and the daytime temperatures are in the 70's and 80's, then your diet could be 80% raw or more. However if you're in Montana or North Dakota and daytime tempertatures are in the 40s and 50s, then too many raw foods could be a disadvantage. Raw foods that have a cooling reaction with the body in cold environment can dampen the spleen and lower the body's metabolism.
So how do we personalize it and figure out what is right for each individual need? You gotta feel it! I believe that we have an instinctive sense of what is best. Here's how it works. If you're often cold (ie. cold hands, feet, get cold easy outside, ect) then you likely need more cooked foods that have a warming reaction with the body. And so naturally the opposite is true if you're often too hot... more raw foods is the answer for you.
A consideration when transitioning to more raw foods...
Using the Infinity Greens superfood formula intensively can be extremely helpful.
Here's how...
1) Probiotics and enzymes help to more effectively digest otherwise tough to digest raw foods and are the building blocks of a healthy digestive system.
2) The chlorophyll content from Spirulina, Klamath Algae, and Chlorella is revered as the ultimate detoxifier. Any time we transition to a healthier diet/lifestyle the body releases old toxins stored in fat cells; this is often accompanied by a temporary unpleasant detox sensation. This is where chlorophyll is so effective. It absorbs and eliminates these toxins from the body without that unpleasant feeling often associated with detoxification.
3) The nutrient density of the stinging nettles, kelp, dulse, and antioxidant blend from the formula deeply nourishes the body with the crucial nutrients, which tend to be deficient in many diets. This helps to mor
e thoroughly satisfy the appetite and protect the body from overeating.
4) Maca, Ginger and Cayenne rev up the spleen which helps boost the metabolism. Naturally, metabolism slows down during the colder seasons and this powerful trio brings it back up to speed for healthy metabolic rate.
5) Nopal cactus and aloe vera are vital for gastrointestinal health when making changes in the diet. They lubricate the intestines to assure that digested foods are properly eliminated.
6) The Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids from Flax and Chia Seed reduce low-density-lipids and cholesterols in the body that are produced from cooked fats often consumed in colder climates.
This information is will show to be extremely effective, and it is my sincere hope that it is applicable for you. Please visit my website below for more information and cutting edge products that are intended to make a real difference in your health. It is always a pleasure to support you on your continued journey of well being!
Wishing you the very best!
3 super easy recipes that can make a real difference!
The Ultimate Spring Shake...a perfect breakfast
Blend in Blender
1 pear (sliced)
1 handful of ice
1 cup water
3 round teaspoons Infinity Greens...enough to make a real difference!
1 tablespoon hemp seeds
1 tablespoon flax seed oil
1 tablespoon raw honey
Lemon Ginger Dressing
Blend in Blender
1/2 cup lemon juice
3/4 cup olive oil
teaspoon sea salt...or add to taste
round tablespoon hemps seeds for added creaminess
2 round teaspoons Infinity Greens
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
Raw Thai Coconut Curry Soup
Blend in Blender
1 thai coconut (1 cup water and all of meat scooped out from coconut)
2 leaves collard greens
juice from half lemon
round teaspoon Infinity Greens
sea salt to taste
round teaspoon thai curry paste
This one is delicious! Many raw vegetables can be tough for the body to digest because of the tough and course nature of cell walls in plants. And one of my favorite strategies is to puree raw vegetables into dip, sauces and soups. That way it makes them easy to digest and very palatable and also maintains that nutrient/enzyme rich quality.
If you enjoy these recipes, then please check out more on my website.
http://www.infinitygreens.com
Understanding Fats!!!
Fat in the diet is essential for life. It is vital to many of the body's functions. Fat is needed in order for the body to absorb many nutrients, commonly referred to as fat-soluble nutrients. Fats are needed for healthy joints and strong connective tissues. Consider that the human brain is 80% fat; this alone makes proper fats in the diet critical. Most importantly, fat is needed for fueling the body and balancing the your metabolism.
However fat has also been named the "culprit" of obesity and other diseases. This certainly can be true, but truly it's the lack of understanding fats that is the real problem. As a general rule, excessive cooked fats tend to the primary cause of excessive weight gain. This is because most fats break down under high temperatures. Even at room temperature, fats break down over time, and heating the fat simply accelerates this process. Some fats are more heat stable than others, thus making them more suitable for cooking, and I'll discuss that later. As a simple law of nature, when any fat is heated whether nut, seed, meat or pure oil, electrons break off of atoms that are referred to as free radicals. We ingest free radicals constantly as they are produced from many sources other than food including direct sunlight, environmental toxicity, and even stress. Our bodies can deal with these free radicals via antioxidants in the diet, fresh air, pure water, and rest. However in general we consume too many fats containing these free radicals. The excess of free radicals in the body is costly to one's health in several ways. One, it suppresses the immune system. It can also be the cause of mutated cell growth leading to cancer. But mainly, free radicals suppress the body's thyroid function, which is a primary cause of obesity.
We can easily reduce our intake of these free radicals by being more discerning of what kinds of fats we consume. The basic principle is to add more raw fats to the diet thus consuming less cooked fats. Examples: avocados, raw nuts and seeds, and cold-pressed oils. It is especially important to reduce intake of hydrogenated vegetable oils. Food production companies selling products at conventional grocery stores use this oil in nearly everything as a cheap butter alternative. The hydrogenated vegetable oil is produced by heating the oil to 700 degrees and then mixing it with hydrogen gas. The oil becoming unstable at such high temperatures allows the hydrogen atoms to bond with the oil. The oil now becomes a solid at room temperature like butter. Any time we consume hydrogenated oils we are essentially ingesting buckets of health compromising free radicals. Yuck! Become a food label reader and protect yourself from consuming this low grade product.
The best oils are cold-pressed organic oils. Cold-pressing means what the name implies; the oil is extracted under cool temperatures, thus protecting the potential health creating quality of the oil. In general the healthiest oils are oils high in essential fatty acids. This is fatty molecule in the oil that literally dissolves excess saturated fat out of the body. Some of these oils include: olive, flax, hemp, and almond. These oils are not at all heat stable and quickly lose their healthy qualities once heated that feels too hot to touch with your hand. And since all oils break down slowly even at room temperature, no oil has a shelf life longer than a few months. After such time the oil will be rancid (although undetectable by smell) and should be thrown away.
Coconut oil and ghee (also known as clarified butter) are the two exceptions to the heating rule. These oils are far more heat stable than all others making them the best choice for any cooking. Ghee is a pure oil made from butter that is completely heat stable making it perfect for stir frying. And it contains much less cholesterol than butter. Ghee is generally available at any natural food store. Coconut oil deserves special attention as well as a place in
every kitchen pantry. In addition to being very heat stable, it has a tremendous healing effect on the Thyroid. If you suspect that you are overweight due in part to a suppressed Thyroid, then try taking raw, cold pressed, organic coconut oil. It may sound counter-intuitive that a saturated fat such as coconut can help with weight loss, so try it for yourself! Take 1-2 tablespoons daily in a smoothie or by melting the oil into a warm bowl of food. It also lubricates the joints, helps the bowels move, and is an anti-inflammatory to all the body's tissues.
Implement more raw, cold-pressed, organic oils in place of cooked oils and fats and feel the amazing difference for yourself!
Fat in the diet is essential for life. It is vital to many of the body's functions. Fat is needed in order for the body to absorb many nutrients, commonly referred to as fat-soluble nutrients. Fats are needed for healthy joints and strong connective tissues. Consider that the human brain is 80% fat; this alone makes proper fats in the diet critical. Most importantly, fat is needed for fueling the body and balancing the your metabolism.
However fat has also been named the "culprit" of obesity and other diseases. This certainly can be true, but truly it's the lack of understanding fats that is the real problem. As a general rule, excessive cooked fats tend to the primary cause of excessive weight gain. This is because most fats break down under high temperatures. Even at room temperature, fats break down over time, and heating the fat simply accelerates this process. Some fats are more heat stable than others, thus making them more suitable for cooking, and I'll discuss that later. As a simple law of nature, when any fat is heated whether nut, seed, meat or pure oil, electrons break off of atoms that are referred to as free radicals. We ingest free radicals constantly as they are produced from many sources other than food including direct sunlight, environmental toxicity, and even stress. Our bodies can deal with these free radicals via antioxidants in the diet, fresh air, pure water, and rest. However in general we consume too many fats containing these free radicals. The excess of free radicals in the body is costly to one's health in several ways. One, it suppresses the immune system. It can also be the cause of mutated cell growth leading to cancer. But mainly, free radicals suppress the body's thyroid function, which is a primary cause of obesity.
We can easily reduce our intake of these free radicals by being more discerning of what kinds of fats we consume. The basic principle is to add more raw fats to the diet thus consuming less cooked fats. Examples: avocados, raw nuts and seeds, and cold-pressed oils. It is especially important to reduce intake of hydrogenated vegetable oils. Food production companies selling products at conventional grocery stores use this oil in nearly everything as a cheap butter alternative. The hydrogenated vegetable oil is produced by heating the oil to 700 degrees and then mixing it with hydrogen gas. The oil becoming unstable at such high temperatures allows the hydrogen atoms to bond with the oil. The oil now becomes a solid at room temperature like butter. Any time we consume hydrogenated oils we are essentially ingesting buckets of health compromising free radicals. Yuck! Become a food label reader and protect yourself from consuming this low grade product.
The best oils are cold-pressed organic oils. Cold-pressing means what the name implies; the oil is extracted under cool temperatures, thus protecting the potential health creating quality of the oil. In general the healthiest oils are oils high in essential fatty acids. This is fatty molecule in the oil that literally dissolves excess saturated fat out of the body. Some of these oils include: olive, flax, hemp, and almond. These oils are not at all heat stable and quickly lose their healthy qualities once heated that feels too hot to touch with your hand. And since all oils break down slowly even at room temperature, no oil has a shelf life longer than a few months. After such time the oil will be rancid (although undetectable by smell) and should be thrown away.
Coconut oil and ghee (also known as clarified butter) are the two exceptions to the heating rule. These oils are far more heat stable than all others making them the best choice for any cooking. Ghee is a pure oil made from butter that is completely heat stable making it perfect for stir frying. And it contains much less cholesterol than butter. Ghee is generally available at any natural food store. Coconut oil deserves special attention as well as a place in
every kitchen pantry. In addition to being very heat stable, it has a tremendous healing effect on the Thyroid. If you suspect that you are overweight due in part to a suppressed Thyroid, then try taking raw, cold pressed, organic coconut oil. It may sound counter-intuitive that a saturated fat such as coconut can help with weight loss, so try it for yourself! Take 1-2 tablespoons daily in a smoothie or by melting the oil into a warm bowl of food. It also lubricates the joints, helps the bowels move, and is an anti-inflammatory to all the body's tissues.
Implement more raw, cold-pressed, organic oils in place of cooked oils and fats and feel the amazing difference for yourself!
Optimal Winter Nutrition
A classic tip that I have emphasized again and again is adding more nutrient dense foods to the diet... ie. raw veggies, whole grains, superfoods. Highly nutritious/enzyme rich foods will absolutely be reflected through better overall health. You may remember from my newsletters or classes that I explain how highly nutritious foods really give the body a satisfied feeling and abate cravings that help to protect us from overeating.
Since I have explained this one before, I'll keep this point brief. However, it is an extremely effective principle, and reflecting back on this idea from time to time will prove to be helpful. The principle that I want you to understand here is very simple and is a good one to understand as we are getting into the colder season. And it's simply this...have the right cooked foods in the diet that have a warming effect on the body. This idea may be a surprise to some of you....you likely remember how I emphasize adding more raw (uncooked) foods to your lifestyle. And so it would seem there is a little conflict here. but here's the bottom line.... raw foods in general have a cooling effect on the body, and cooked foods have a warming effect. This is a timeless piece of wisdom from Chinese medicine and deserves to be considered. And keep in mind that a large percentage of those eating a primarily raw diet live in warmer climates like southern California, Arizona, and Hawaii. Naturally a diet that is cooling for the body works better in a warm climate.
If you're in a colder climate, having some warming cooked foods in the diet is important. And we're definitely not talking burgers, fried chicken, pizza, and potato chips...no! Yes, they may be warming but it would come with a price,... other elements of your health, like your waistline.
We're talking organic whole grains (like quinoa, brown rice, millet, oats) and organic veggies (winter favorites: pumpkin, squash, sweet potato, kale, spinach, broccoli). Essentially what happens is these cooked foods fire up the spleen, which boosts the metabolic function, thus enabling the body to more effectively generate heat. And it goes far beyond just feeling warm too! As mentioned it keeps the metabolism up which is helpful as the metabolism generally slows down in the cooler season. Keeping a healthy warm temperature also keeps the immune system strong and energy levels up.
We're looking for a healthy balance here. In general many people need to be adding more raw fruits and vegetables to their lifestyle. But we can have more of both.. raw foods and the right cooked foods. And changing the diet with the changing of seasons to give ourselves what feels good in the body is natural and easy.
One important consideration is that certain nutrients are lost in the heating/cooking process that could be especially beneficial this time of year like immune boosting vitamin C, beta-carotene, and enzymes. But also some nutrients are heat stable and can actually become more available, particularly minerals. And especially having the green superfood formula on a daily basis assures that any potential gaps in your nutrition are thoroughly filled.
More good news. I've got some wonderful new recipes for you to try. These are designed to satisfy the winter palate by keeping you warm and cozy, yet still maintain optimal nutrient content. Enjoy!
Sending warm wishes~
Billy Merritt
SOME OF MY FAVORITE WINTER RECIPES:
Chillied Red Quinoa with Spinach Salsa Dressing
Ingredients:
Red Quinoa (regular quinoa is fine also)
1/2 pound spinach
shelled edemame
chili powder blend
coconut oil
3 lemons
celtic sea salt
olive oil
1 jalapeno pepper
bunch of cilantro
2 juicy roma tomatoes
Into pot:
1 cup red quinoa
3 cups water
~best if you do this first step earlier in the day..
then it can just
sit at room temperature, and the Quinoa partially sprouts and becomes more
protein available, and it cooks faster.
1/2 cup shelled edemame
Cook covered at low boil for 10-12 minutes are until water is nearly absorbed. Do not stir.
Sprinkle into pot heaping tablespoon chili powder blend, teaspoon sea salt, round tablespoon coconut oil. Cook for 2-3 more minutes. Squeeze half of lemon into pot, give it a stir and turn of heat.
Into Blender: 1/2 pound spinach
1/4 cup olive oil
juice o' 3 lemons
slightly round teaspoon celtic sea salt
2 tomatoes. squeeze some of the juice out first and salsa will be thicker.
1/2 onion
1 jalapeno pepper with seeds removed (otherwise will be too spicy!)
1/4 cup cilantro leaves
Blend until smooth. This is also a great dip!
Serve quinoa and drizzle desired amount of green salsa over top.
This could be your new favorite dish. Serves 3.
Curried Kale Soup:
This one is super simple and it always satisfies!
Ingredients:
2 tomatoes
1 sweet potato
2 cloves garlic
1 lemon
3 green kale leaves
1 head broccoli
Indian curry powder
Coconut oil
Celtic sea salt
Blend in blender:
3 tomatoes and 2 cloves garlic
Add to pot with:
cubed sweet potato
chopped broccoli flowers
3 kale leaves finely chopped (first remove stems)
round tablespoon Indian curry powder
round tablespoon cold-pressed coconut oil
slightly round teaspoon celtic sea salt or salt to taste
Cook at low boil for 10 minutes Add juice of 1 lemon. Scoop 1.5 cups of soup into blender and blend until smooth
*Important!.hold dish towel over top of lid on blender. The steam from
soup can potentially pop the lid off when you hit blend. Also helps to
start on low speed.
Add blended soup back to pot and stir.
Add water if needed.
Serves 2.
Classic Oatmeal:
A timeless favorite!
Into pot: 1 cup rolled oats, 2 cups water, sprinkle celtic sea salt.
Cook at low boil for 5 to 10 minutes. Do not stir.
Add 2 tablespoons maple syrup and 1 round tablespoon coconut oil
Sprinkle o' cinnamon
Turn off heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
Stir, serve, and then sprinkle Billy's Sprouted Almonds on top.
This is pure comfort in a bowl.
Ginger Lemon Honey Tea. a warming health tonic.
Into Blender:
Piece o' fresh ginger.like the size of your thumb.
Heaping tablespoon unfiltered raw honey
Juice of 1 lemon
4 cups water
* or you can just chop or grate the ginger and stir all the ingredients.
Blend, strain, heat, serve.
Serves 3.
Enjoy!
A classic tip that I have emphasized again and again is adding more nutrient dense foods to the diet... ie. raw veggies, whole grains, superfoods. Highly nutritious/enzyme rich foods will absolutely be reflected through better overall health. You may remember from my newsletters or classes that I explain how highly nutritious foods really give the body a satisfied feeling and abate cravings that help to protect us from overeating.
Since I have explained this one before, I'll keep this point brief. However, it is an extremely effective principle, and reflecting back on this idea from time to time will prove to be helpful. The principle that I want you to understand here is very simple and is a good one to understand as we are getting into the colder season. And it's simply this...have the right cooked foods in the diet that have a warming effect on the body. This idea may be a surprise to some of you....you likely remember how I emphasize adding more raw (uncooked) foods to your lifestyle. And so it would seem there is a little conflict here. but here's the bottom line.... raw foods in general have a cooling effect on the body, and cooked foods have a warming effect. This is a timeless piece of wisdom from Chinese medicine and deserves to be considered. And keep in mind that a large percentage of those eating a primarily raw diet live in warmer climates like southern California, Arizona, and Hawaii. Naturally a diet that is cooling for the body works better in a warm climate.
If you're in a colder climate, having some warming cooked foods in the diet is important. And we're definitely not talking burgers, fried chicken, pizza, and potato chips...no! Yes, they may be warming but it would come with a price,... other elements of your health, like your waistline.
We're talking organic whole grains (like quinoa, brown rice, millet, oats) and organic veggies (winter favorites: pumpkin, squash, sweet potato, kale, spinach, broccoli). Essentially what happens is these cooked foods fire up the spleen, which boosts the metabolic function, thus enabling the body to more effectively generate heat. And it goes far beyond just feeling warm too! As mentioned it keeps the metabolism up which is helpful as the metabolism generally slows down in the cooler season. Keeping a healthy warm temperature also keeps the immune system strong and energy levels up.
We're looking for a healthy balance here. In general many people need to be adding more raw fruits and vegetables to their lifestyle. But we can have more of both.. raw foods and the right cooked foods. And changing the diet with the changing of seasons to give ourselves what feels good in the body is natural and easy.
One important consideration is that certain nutrients are lost in the heating/cooking process that could be especially beneficial this time of year like immune boosting vitamin C, beta-carotene, and enzymes. But also some nutrients are heat stable and can actually become more available, particularly minerals. And especially having the green superfood formula on a daily basis assures that any potential gaps in your nutrition are thoroughly filled.
More good news. I've got some wonderful new recipes for you to try. These are designed to satisfy the winter palate by keeping you warm and cozy, yet still maintain optimal nutrient content. Enjoy!
Sending warm wishes~
Billy Merritt
SOME OF MY FAVORITE WINTER RECIPES:
Chillied Red Quinoa with Spinach Salsa Dressing
Ingredients:
Red Quinoa (regular quinoa is fine also)
1/2 pound spinach
shelled edemame
chili powder blend
coconut oil
3 lemons
celtic sea salt
olive oil
1 jalapeno pepper
bunch of cilantro
2 juicy roma tomatoes
Into pot:
1 cup red quinoa
3 cups water
~best if you do this first step earlier in the day..
then it can just
sit at room temperature, and the Quinoa partially sprouts and becomes more
protein available, and it cooks faster.
1/2 cup shelled edemame
Cook covered at low boil for 10-12 minutes are until water is nearly absorbed. Do not stir.
Sprinkle into pot heaping tablespoon chili powder blend, teaspoon sea salt, round tablespoon coconut oil. Cook for 2-3 more minutes. Squeeze half of lemon into pot, give it a stir and turn of heat.
Into Blender: 1/2 pound spinach
1/4 cup olive oil
juice o' 3 lemons
slightly round teaspoon celtic sea salt
2 tomatoes. squeeze some of the juice out first and salsa will be thicker.
1/2 onion
1 jalapeno pepper with seeds removed (otherwise will be too spicy!)
1/4 cup cilantro leaves
Blend until smooth. This is also a great dip!
Serve quinoa and drizzle desired amount of green salsa over top.
This could be your new favorite dish. Serves 3.
Curried Kale Soup:
This one is super simple and it always satisfies!
Ingredients:
2 tomatoes
1 sweet potato
2 cloves garlic
1 lemon
3 green kale leaves
1 head broccoli
Indian curry powder
Coconut oil
Celtic sea salt
Blend in blender:
3 tomatoes and 2 cloves garlic
Add to pot with:
cubed sweet potato
chopped broccoli flowers
3 kale leaves finely chopped (first remove stems)
round tablespoon Indian curry powder
round tablespoon cold-pressed coconut oil
slightly round teaspoon celtic sea salt or salt to taste
Cook at low boil for 10 minutes Add juice of 1 lemon. Scoop 1.5 cups of soup into blender and blend until smooth
*Important!.hold dish towel over top of lid on blender. The steam from
soup can potentially pop the lid off when you hit blend. Also helps to
start on low speed.
Add blended soup back to pot and stir.
Add water if needed.
Serves 2.
Classic Oatmeal:
A timeless favorite!
Into pot: 1 cup rolled oats, 2 cups water, sprinkle celtic sea salt.
Cook at low boil for 5 to 10 minutes. Do not stir.
Add 2 tablespoons maple syrup and 1 round tablespoon coconut oil
Sprinkle o' cinnamon
Turn off heat and let stand for 5 minutes.
Stir, serve, and then sprinkle Billy's Sprouted Almonds on top.
This is pure comfort in a bowl.
Ginger Lemon Honey Tea. a warming health tonic.
Into Blender:
Piece o' fresh ginger.like the size of your thumb.
Heaping tablespoon unfiltered raw honey
Juice of 1 lemon
4 cups water
* or you can just chop or grate the ginger and stir all the ingredients.
Blend, strain, heat, serve.
Serves 3.
Enjoy!
