Bovine Colostrum

What is the acai berry?

The acai berry is awesome! But seriously the acai berry is similar to a grape in its size and color but it does have less pulp. The fruit has a single seed which is 7-10mm in diameter.

While Mona Vie does have 19 different fruits the acai is essentially the celebrity fruit of the cast. It stands out among the other for its proven health benefits and also is intriguing for its mystery. The acai berry is not very well known because it is harvested in one region, the Amazon, in Brazil.

As far as health goes 100g of the acai berry powder equals 533.9 calories, 52.2 carbohydrates, 8.1 protein and 32.5 g total fat. The carbohydrate portion is made up of 44.2 g of fiber. One third of it’s mass is dietary fiber making the acai berry an excellent source for this important macronutrient.

The acai berry is also high in antioxidants. Studies have shown that the freeze dried powder of the fruit showed high movement against super oxide. Superoxide is what is called a free radical. Superoxide is considered to be the original producer of other more potent reactive oxygen species. Protection against this superoxide is super important because antioxidants are a first line of defense fro the body.

An antioxidant is a molecule able to stop or slow down the oxidation of other molecules. Oxidation is a chemical reaction that transports electrons from a substance to an oxidizing agent. Oxidation can produce what are called free radicals such as the superoxide which can damage cells. Antioxidants are useful because they work to eliminate harmful free radicals. Although oxidation reactions are vital for life they can also be harmful as well. This is the irony when it comes to our bodies and oxygen. While we are reliant on oxygen to sutain our life it can just as well be detrimental to us just by being such a highly reactive molecule which can damage our cells. Antioxidants basically prevent oxygen from becoming harmful or battle against it if it does.

There are two major categories when it comes to antioxidants, you have the ones that are soluble in water or the in lipids. It was found that the antioxidant activity was against both peroxynitrite and hydroxyl radicals although the effects were milder than that seen against peroxyl radical and superoxide. Acai also has a high antioxidant effect against peroxynitrite, and a slightly restrained capacity against hydroxyl radical when compared with other fruit and vegetable juices.

Mona Vie is celebrated for its ability to help fight free radicals using antioxidants.

Cucumber is a native plant of India and other tropical regions; it is used as a popular fresh vegetable in a variety of salads and sandwiches and is a mainstay of many of today’s lunches. Whether it’s cucumber wedges tossed in a garden salad, slices on a sandwich, or used as an appetizer for parties, the cucumber is a nutritious and healthful pick.

Cucumber is an important health food. It provides a very healthy juice beneficial for increasing the flow of urine. For rheumatic conditions, it complements the effects of celery and carrot juice. Its juice is a soothing skin lotion. In fact, it is the best skin lotion. The peel, like lemon peel, is good to be used on the hands most especially after it's been in a strong detergent or in a very hot water.

Wash cucumbers just before using. Unless the skin is waxed, the cucumber doesn’t require peeling; for more flavor, score the skin with the tines of a fork before slicing. The seeds become bitter as the cucumber ages, so remove the seeds from larger cucumbers. Add cucumbers to any tossed salad, or combine cucumber slices with thinly sliced red onion, fat-free yogurt, and fresh dill. For a fresh pickle, slice and combine with water, vinegar, and a little salt.

Cucumber has cleaning properties that removes accumulated waste and toxins from our body. It may improve arthritis since it eliminates uric acid.

Cucumber juice is certainly beneficial the treatment of rheumatic conditions. It does not matter too much that the reason for this effect is not clear. What is important is that it helps many sufferers.

Cucumber is also good to reduce heat and inflammation. It is very useful to treat tired eyes and remove the eye bags under your eyes by placing a slice of cucumber over closed eyes. It also helps lung, stomach and chest problems, gout, and tapeworm. Fresh cucumber juice is good to reduce heartburn or sooth stomach acid, also for those suffering from gastritis or ulcer.

If your cucumbers are organic and unwaxed, you can eat them unpeeled. Just wash them thoroughly under running water. Serve them sliced or diced in a salad or by themselves with a vinaigrette, garlic, mint or sesame seeds.You can add a few slices in a sandwich or you can even juice it along with other vegetables. You can cook the cucumber like you would do for a squash: steaming, boiling, braising... but you would lose its vitamins and minerals.

If you want a happy skin, then cucumber is the answer. As cucumber and the skin share the same level of hydrogen, it becomes easier for cucumber to mask all the problem areas. It helps in soothing and softening your skin which can get you relaxed in no time.

With so many useful ingredients in cucumber it can help you in treating so many skin problems. It has become part of daily beauty product into face packs, facials, juice and many other things which can affect your skin. Due to its cooling effect it can be termed as a magic wand for all your skin problems.

Fish oils exept during pregnancy have long been known to be benefical to human health. During pregnancy, however its always wise to consider what health advice is best for mother and unborn baby. So in your opinion, should pregnant woman take fish oil supplements?

It is very important to note that the cod liver oil which many of us were forced to take by our parents when we were children is not the same as omega 3 fish oil. Cod liver oil and other oils made from fish livers contain Vitamins A and D, which are not found in pure fish oil. Pregnant women are much better off supplementing with fish oil that doesn't have any A or D in it.

Fish oil supplements derived from fish meat are suitable for pregnant women to take. This type of oil has even been demonstrated to have a positive impact on the health of both the fetus and the expectant mother. The oil omega 3 in particular is a good supplement to take during pregnancy.

It is important that expectant mothers have a good intake of omega 3 during the last three months of pregnancy. It has been shown that about 8% of the human brain is composed of these fatty acids. They are especially important for the proper development of the unborn child's brain and eyes. Some studies have linked a low intake of omega 3 during pregnancy to lower IQ's in children, poor hand-eye coordination and difficulties in making friends.

Omega 3 essential fatty acids are very popular in health literature these days. It is called essential because the human body is unable to make it and so it must be taken in through food or in the form of dietary supplements. The beneficial substances in omega 3 are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Diets high is fish such as sardines, salmon and mackerel will provide lots of omega 3. However, there have been health-scares associated with eating lots of fish during pregnancy since some fish can have high concentrations of heavy metals in their flesh.

Some plants, in particular flax and pumpkin seeds, contain ALA, which is an omega 3 fatty acid, but the body is not able to convert the ALA into a usable form in the amount that meets the recommended intake for pregnant women. In order to ensure that expectant mothers are getting enough it is advisable to take supplements made form the flesh of fish which contain the oils.

Omega 3 fats from fish can benefit not only a fetus but the mother as well. Research has shown that these fish oils can alleviate post partum depression which is an increasingly common affliction among pregnant women who have recently given birth. There are a variety of vitamin companies that sell fish oil supplements targeted directly to pregnant women. The difference is that the fish oils have been process to be more readily absorbed into the bloodstream. The benefits of omega 3 supplements during pregnancy have the potential to outweigh any negative side effects.

The omega 3 fatty acids that are found in fish oil are a great supplement for your overall health needs, especially for functioning of the brain and joints. These are special kinds of fatty acids that are imperative for human health and growth and are found primarily in fish oil.

Majority of the food we consume would have a mixture of omega 6, 9 and 3. Studies conducted by scientists revealed that though all the omega fatty acids are vital for growth, a higher content of omega 3 to 6 and 9 that are in our food would result to better mental and physical health. Research indicated that omega 3 are connected to depression, anxiety, and mental decline due to age.

Because of the popularity of red meat and grains consumed in the diet of Western countries, the diet of most people in these countries is filled with omega 6 and omega 9. However, in Eastern countries such as China and Japan, it is just the opposite, with the diet being extremely rich in omega 3 because of the popularity of fish being eaten.

It turns out that eating fish, seafood, and fish oil is the best way to boost the proportion of omega threes in our diet. People who eat a diet rich in omega threes have been shown to have better overall health, as well as sharper mental function, less age-related decline, better joints, and better cardiovascular health.

The best source of increasing omega threes in the diet is through taking a fish oil supplement every day. You won't taste anything "fishy" as the supplements are packed in gelatin capsules that are impermeable. Showing no side effects, these supplements can be taken every day along with your vitamins.

Your diet can be improved by increasing the amount of fish, seafood and flax you consume. However, most people find that including a supplement helps them achieve the perfect omega three ratio. Adding a fish oil supplement to your daily routine will benefit your ration. This allows you to eat your normal and preferred foods without worrying about omega three consumption. Those who seek natural arthritis cures or a more stable mental attitude should also consider supplements, especially, if those people dislike seafood.

In the last 25 years I have been asked thousands and thousands of fitness related questions. Invariably the most prominent question is, with their hand patting their tummy, how do I lose this? My answer is the same every-time. Eat less (portion size in each setting), eat more often with protein and carbs combined together, and eat higher quality less processed foods.

Eating higher quality food on the surface seems easy. No junk food, right. That's not enough anymore we must have more information because the quality of the food we are eating is at an all time low. The big food companies have laced everything with chemicals and preservatives so it will last longer so they can make more money. God did not intend for all those altered substances to be in our body. Thus, we are seeing many new diseases that seem to have no cause. I will tell you what the cause is; it's the artificial sweeteners, artificial fats, chemicals and preservatives that we are putting in our mouth. We are what we eat.

When you understand that your body is in a constant state of regeneration, then the term "you are what you eat" takes on a whole different meaning.

Bear with me if this is old info, but it is very important. Every cell in your body will be dead and gone in approximately one year. Your skin, your bones, your muscles, your organs, and even the atoms and cells that make up your DNA are in a constant state of degeneration and regeneration. Common sense will tell you that when we put in a higher quality nutrients, the by product will be higher quality regenerating cells.

It has even been proven that the cells that make up a diseased part of the body like a tumor or a cancer are totally dead and gone within 14 months. So, if we can take in a very high quality nutrition, lower our stress levels, and visualize healing, there is a chance to regenerate healthy cells to replace diseased cells. This is a very touchy subject as I believe there is a time and a place for western medicine which tends to use pharmaceuticals as a band aid to cover up the symptoms of a sickness or disease. But I think that they should be used as a last resort only after more holistic approaches have been exhausted. If you are at these crossroads, I highly suggest that you consult with a specialist like Deepak Chopra in Toronto (1.800.333.4453)

Is expensive organic food worth it? On the surface, it does not seem that the extra cost and the inconvenience of purchasing more often (because quality organic food spoils faster) is worth it. But I ask you, how much does it costs to get cancer, or to have a heart attack.
It totally amazes me that we are so driven that we lose our health to make money and then we turn around and spend all our money trying to get our health back. It does not have to be this way.

Some of the latest groundbreaking medical information out from some of the leading holistic practitioners in the world are realizing that the traditional western medical professionals have totally missed the boat. And I firmly agree with this new info that has all kinds of proof showing us that 95% of all disease and illness is environmental. We bring it on ourselves by lowering our immune system with an unhealthy lifestyle.

Even the American Cancer Society (ACS) is finally conceding that cancer is 60% environmentally inflicted. Which means it is our lifestyle. This is important stuff because cancer has recently passed heart disease as the #1 killer in Americans under the age of 85.

This is amazing information considering that the ACS's ties to the pharmaceutical industry runs very deep. Obviously there is more money in treating cancer than preventing it. But even the ACS can not ignore the obvious.

Modern medicine is a platform for profit, not health. I know I could get myself into trouble on this topic (and I have in our local newspapers), but this is a topic close to my heart. I know that there are a lot of well intentioned MD's out there, but for the most part, their hands are tied. The corruption happens much higher up.

Example- Diabetes is such a profitable business that physicians will put pre-diabetic patients, with only marginally high blood sugar, onto diabetes drugs before even trying weight loss and exercise. As discussed in chapter 1, Type II Adult onset diabetes is one of the easiest cured diseases when the individual is given the correct information.

The American Institute of Cancer's most recent press release (Nov. of 2007) reports clear evidence that excess body-weight drastically increases the risk of most cancers.
The report also found that there are certain lifestyle changes that will reduce your risk of getting cancer. Some of the health benefits of organic foods is below:

• Be as lean as possible within the normal range of body weight
  
• Be physically active as part of everyday life
  
• Limit consumption of "energy-dense foods," foods that are high in calories, fat and sugar. Avoid sugary drinks
  
• Eat mostly foods of plant origin, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans
  
• Limit intake of red meat and avoid ALL processed meat
  
• Aim to meet nutritional needs through diet alone, without dietary supplement

Please read the last line again.

YES, ORGANIC FOOD IS WORTH IT! LOOK AT IT AS AN INVESTMENT IN YOUR VITALITY.

When you eat food that is not organic, what you are eating is loaded with poisons and chemicals. Companies that produce food for the masses have one thing in mind, quantity not quality. They will do what ever they have to do to get as much food as they can from point A (the ground that is depleted of ) to point B (your mouth). They are trying to prolong the shelf life of the natural food so that you have a chance to purchase it.

The longer the shelf life of the food that you eat, the shorter your shelf life will be. If it came out of the ground and rots, it is good for you!

These companies are loading there foods with toxins and poisons, it has been sprayed with pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides. Most of the foods on the shelves of a traditional grocery store have been injected with chemicals. The fertilizers that their farmers use are all poisons and chemicals. The fertilizers get into the roots of the plants and end up inside the fruit, and the fruit itself can't even bare fruit. Most of the fruit now days is made from hybrid seeds that produce fruit that can't even germinate and reproduce its own kind. It can't even sustain its own, how is it going to sustain you in the long run. Bottom line, when you eat the cheaper food that is produced for the masses, it is like eating an apple that has been sprayed with Raid. And no, washing it off doesn't help because it is inside the apple and in the skin. The chemicals and preservatives that the national food companies use are 100's of times more powerful than Raid.

IS ORGANIC FOOD REALLY BETTER?

Yes! I am not going to bore you with the details of the most recent tests that are coming in (but they are coming in) showing that genuinely grown organic food has 50% more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants than foods produced for the masses. You should buy organic foods!

I realize that it may not be realistic to eat organic food 100% of the time. But at least now you have some food for thought (J). My experience is that it is something that you must grow into. What has worked for my family is a commitment to organic food 25% of the time. Once you can prove to yourself that you can feel the difference than you can grow into eating organic food more often.

The organic food industry is now a $14 Billion dollar a year business in the United States so big business is getting more involved. The quality and meaning of the organic label is undergoing a fast decline. Companies like Wal-Mart are pushing the limits on what can be called organic and are even trying to deceive people with organic signs and stickers in their stores.

BUY LOCAL! If you want the freshest, most nutrient rich foods available, buy close to home. Farmers markets, community supported agriculture programs, food coops are your best bet. I highly suggest that you google search "high quality organic food/farmers market/your city and state" and go visit these farms or markets. Some of these farmers may not be able to afford or want to get certified to sell organic but just because they are not certified does not mean that their produce is not the highest quality. With a little bit of leg work, you will soon be able to find high quality organic food close to home. Like I have done you may be able to set up delivery points with a couple of farmers to add a little bit of convenience.

Finding high quality organic food close to your home is not as difficult as it sounds. The bottom line is look for farmers who are practicing sound organic farming principles and are producing small amounts of food.