Studies show that blueberries can help balance blood sugar to prevent glucose-related health problems (pre-diabetes, diabetes and its complications). Blueberry concentrate, used in Sunkist Blueberry Greens, also supports circulation to the eyes and brain, protecting vision and preventing dementia. The medicinal effects of blueberry are largely due to anthocyanins-the antioxidant pigment that makes these berries blue. Heart health, high cholesterol and high blood pressure can be improved with increased antioxidant intake.

Cranberry is known to prevent and treat urinary tract infections. A compound in cranberry makes the walls of the urinary tract “slippery” so bacteria (especially E. coli) cannot adhere. Men and women can both use Sunkist Cranberry Greens 36:1 concentrate (1 gram of concentrate equals 36 grams of fresh cranberry) for relief and antioxidant support.

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by Dr. Joyce Tellier Johnson, ND

Eating lots of healthy fruits and vegetables is so important that governments around the world are implementing programs to encourage their citizens to eat more of these foods. Plant foods support all major body systems and can provide energy, slow down the effects of aging and help prevent illness. But getting enough fresh fruits and vegetables year-round can be a challenge.

Nutritional experts recommend 5 to 13 servings of fruits and vegetables every day! The average North American eats only 1 to 3 servings per day. The need for an easy, concentrated way to increase fruit and vegetable intake inspired the nutritionists and scientists at Sunkist Vitamins to develop Berry Greens, Cranberry Greens and Blueberry Greens supplements. One Sunkist Greens serving has the antioxidant value of approximately 3 fresh fruit/vegetable servings.

What’s in it for you?

Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, protein, carbohydrates, nutrient-rich phyto (plant) chemicals and fibre. Sunkist Greens (Berry Greens, Blueberry Greens and Cranberry Greens), are made from a premium blend of nutrient-dense plant foods. The concentrated powder is created using a carefully controlled dehydration process, that guarantees optimum levels of active ingredients from the source fruits and vegetables.

Nutritional “green” supplements often contain organic alfalfa, barley, wheat grass juice powder, organic ocean greens (Hawaiian spirulina pacifica and CGF chlorella). These are very concentrated nutrient sources. It is also possible to enjoy the benefits of berries, even out of season, with blueberry and cranberry concentrated powders. With food supplements like these, you can consume a broad spectrum of vitamins, minerals, trace minerals and enzymes, blended in a delicious shake, or simply mixed with water, or “pick” Berry Greens capsules for convenience.

Get the goodness of fruits and veggies even in the middle of winter, for good health year-round!

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Antioxidants are the heroes of cell preservation. They work by slowing or preventing the oxidative process caused by free radicals that can lead to cell damage and the onset of problems like heart disease and diabetes. Recent research has found that mushrooms contain a powerful antioxidant called l-ergothioneine.

. Researchers at the Pennsylvania State Mushroom Research Laboratory found that mushrooms contain significant levels of ergothioneine, which has shown antioxidant properties as a scavenger of strong oxidants.

. Antioxidant activity is enhanced by the presence of selenium. A half-cup serving of cooked sliced white mushrooms provides 11% of the Daily Value for selenium.

. Ergothioneine is heat-stable, meaning it is present in both raw and cooked mushrooms.

. Portabella and crimini mushrooms have the most ergothioneine, followed closely by white mushrooms.

. Exotic mushrooms, such as maitake, oyster and shiitake, have the highest amounts of ergothioneine.

Including versatile and delicious mushrooms in the diet is a good way to boost antioxidants.

For references and more information about the health benefits of mushrooms visit Mushrooms Canada at www.mushrooms.ca.

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Research Continues to Illustrate Heart Health Benefits of Almonds

(NC)-According to a number of studies, almonds have been shown to positively impact heart health on a variety of levels.

Almonds Are a Key Component in a Cholesterol-Lowering Eating Plan

According to researchers at the University of Toronto, a dietary plan that includes almonds, plant sterols, soy protein and viscous fiber working in combination is as effective in lowering cholesterol as taking a starting dose of cholesterol-lowering drugs.

This is the first study to directly compare a dietary approach with statins for cholesterol reduction. Patients following this dietary approach, known as the “PortfolioEatingPlan,” lowered their LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol by more than 20 per cent, and in some cases more than 35 per cent. (more…)

(NC)-Omega-3 fatty acids, found in seafood such as canned tuna and salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines can offer important health benefits:

. Lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

. Decrease the risk of heart disease, stroke and blood clots.

. Reduce the risk of macular degeneration, the leading cause of age-related vision loss in Canada.

. Aid in fetal and infant brain, eye and nervous system development. (more…)

(NC)-Rarely does a week go by without another study praising the cardiovascular, developmental and other health benefits of omega-3s grabbing headlines.

So what exactly are omega-3 fatty acids and how can they benefit your health? According to registered dietitian Andrea Holwegner, omega-3 fatty acids are a type of “essential fat” that must be consumed from food since your body is unable to produce them.

Omega-3s have been linked to a significant variety of health benefits throughout the life cycle - from brain, eye and nervous system development in fetuses and infants and maintenance of cognitive function in the elderly, to their anti-inflammatory effect on people with disorders like macular degeneration, rheumatoid arthritis and several cancers. On the heart-health front, these fats reduce levels of the artery-clogging blood fat, triglycerides. Omega-3 fatty acids also help decrease the “stickiness” of blood, thus lowering the risk of blood clots that can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Most recently, a study by the Harvard School of Public Health, considered the most comprehensive of its kind, concluded that the consumption of one to two servings of fish per week reduces the risk of death from coronary heart disease by 36 per cent and death from any health-related cause by 17 per cent.

“The best source of omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fatty cold-water fish such as salmon, herring, mackerel and sardines,” says Andrea, who counsels her clients to eat seafood at least twice a week.

In addition to seafood, omega-3 fatty acids are also found in plant-based foods such as flaxseeds, walnuts and soybean oil and canola oil. However it’s important to keep in mind that not all omega-3s are created equal.

“While all types of omega-3 fatty acids offer health benefits, research suggests that the most reliable form is found exclusively in fish and fish oils,” says Andrea. “This is because seafood contains the EPA and DHA forms of omega-3s, which are easier for the body to process than the ALA form of omega-3s found in plant-based foods.”

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EPA - Eicosapentaenoic acid - A form of omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood, that is readily usable by the body. EPA is responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3 fatty acids.

DHA - Docosahexaenoic acid - Another form of omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood, also readily usable by the body. DHA is used in membranes especially in the brain and the eye.

ALA - Alpha-linolenic acid - This is the vegetable form of an omega-3 fatty acids found in ground flaxseeds, canola/soybean oil, omega-3 eggs, and walnuts. ALAs need to be converted to the EPA or DHA form before they can be used by the body.

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(NC)-It’s easy to add omega-3s to your diet. registered dietitian Andrea Holwegner offers the following tips:

. Instead of white bread, choose whole grain bread containing flaxseed.

. Enjoy fish such as grilled salmon or mackerel as part of a meal at least twice a week.

. Sprinkle a tablespoon of ground flaxseed over cereal, oatmeal or yogurt.

. Most people don’t realize that canned tuna contains omega-3s. To jazz up a classic tuna sandwich, consider using flavoured tuna (such as lemon pepper or sundried tomato & basil) as an alternative.

. Add half a can of light tuna or a few walnuts to your garden salad for a healthy boost of omega-3s.

. Make your own balsamic vinagrette using flaxseed, canola or soybean oil.

. Whip up an omelette using omega-3 enriched eggs with your choice of veggies and enjoy with a side of toast for a speedy lunch or dinner.

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Omega-3 supplements used to prevent heart disease

(NC)-Omega-3 is an essential amino acid in short supply in American diets but is soaring in popularity as a nutrient supplement thanks to its ability to treat a wide range of ailments.

Cardiologists, neurologists and psychiatrists are using these naturally safe amino acids to prevent and treat a wide variety of medical problems including heart disease.

According to Dr. Walter Willett, chairman of the Department of Nutrition of the Harvard School of Public Health, several studies confirm that the daily consumption of Omega-3 fatty acids is an effective way of helping to prevent cardiovascular disease and reduce the risk of cardiac arrest. Omega-3 is credited with reducing the risk of malignant ventricular arrhythmia and fatal and non-fatal infraction. (more…)

Part two of Scott’s article about fruit.

Fruits are great cures for what ails you. There are many fruits that you can use; this article takes a look at only a few of them. The fuzzy brown exterior of the kiwi fruit gives way to a bright green interior which is an excellent cancer fighter. Kiwis contain a lot of vitamin C and fiber. Vitamin C is believed to play an integral role in preventing cataracts.

Grapes are a tremendous source of boron, which is a type of mineral that may be connected to a lower risk of osteoporosis. Grapes when turned into red grape juice are full of not just boron but also something known as reservatrol. Reservatrol is a chemical that is believed to be able to ward off heart disease by inhibiting the clumping action of blood cells. (more…)