Fibre and Fermented Foods support Intestinal Health

The average western diet high in refined foods, sugar, and red meats has led to an increase in digestive problems, especially those to do with the lower intestinal tract – large intestine (colon) and rectum. Disease like Irritable Bowel Syndrome, colon cancer, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence and haemorrhoids are all linked to the food we eat.

Two factors greatly influence the health of the digestive tract – fibre and fermented foods.

Fibre – natures intestinal loofah

Fibre used to be considered a useless non-nutrient that should be removed from food mostly because it seemed it was not needed by the body – it isn’t absorbed into the body like other food components. Fiber is frequently removed from food – either to make it taste better or to make it easier to eat – think of a fast food chain burger bun – there is negligible fiber in that form of bread. Much the same can be said for the average white bread loaf you buy in the supermarket.

Fiber is sourced exclusively from plant meterial – it is the skeleton of a plant – the bit that gives it structure whether it be the seeds, stems or leaves. In fruit, vegetables, seeds, grains or nuts the fiber is generally found on the outside surface of the food. Unlike other food componnents eg fats or protein which are absorbed in the small intetstine, fiber travels through the large intestine largely unchanged providing bulk to waste matter. Fiber protects the colon wall from being harmed because it inhibits the formation of toxins and the proliferation of harmful bacteria. Nice bulky dense stools that move through quickly also decrease the chances of the colon wall getting twisted or forming pockets where waste accumulates. Fiber is a bit like a big intestinal loofah, it gently scrubs away the waste and keeps the muscles and walls of the colon in good shape.

Fermented Foods

The second step to intestinal health is keeping the friendly mircobes or gut flora happy. The food we eat not only nourishes us (hopefully) but it also nourishes the huge population of micobes that live in our digestive tract. These friendly bacteria (eg Lactobacillus acidophilus) fight the nasty toxic bacteria in our systems to keep us healthy. Eating whole grains, vegetables and fermented foods like yoghurt, fermented vegetables – sauerkraut or kimchi, miso and kombucha tea keeps the good bacteria happy. Consuming fermented foods leads to the production of lactic acid within the colon which corrects the balance between the good and bad microbes and gently tones the colon. It is believed that fermentation can magnify the benefits of all food up to 500%- this includes vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and phyto-nutrients.

Two types of fermentation

Food can be fermented two ways – by the action of fungi or bacteria. Generally fermentation fungi like yeast are used to produce alcohol which is considered biologically dead. By contrast bacteria “lower pH and ultimately produce
lactic acid, effectively preserving the food while producing
otherwise unavailable flavors and nutritional compounds” giving us in the end a biologically active food. (see http://www.humanecologyreview.org/pastissues/her151/scottandsullivan.pdf)

Most modern westerners don’t eat a great deal of fermented foods unless you include alcohol, yoghurt or the occasional pickle. Yoghurt is by far the most mainstream popular choice but of course not everybody can happily digest yoghurt due to dairy intolerance.

Increasing your intake of fibre and fermented foods is a healthy choice. If you aren’t too keen on fermented vegies or miso consider adding Digest-Ease to your diet. It’s a powerful probiotic which provides a bounty of predigested, functional food. It involves the fermentation of wheat grass, barley grass and alfalfa grass. and contains an impressive amino acid profile whilst providing a huge number of beneficial organisms (both probiotic and prebiotic) in each serve.

Sources – Staying Healthy with Nutrition – Elson M Haas; The Macrobiotic Way by Michio Kushi; Readers Digest Guide to Drugs and Supplements

Good Health starts with a health digestive system. The body cannot function optimally – building new cells, providing energy and resisting sickness if it does not have the fuel it needs to function. You can eat the healthiest food available but it is of little use if you can’t digest it.

Digestion is the process by which complex chemicals in food are broken down into simpler chemicals that can be asbsorbed and used by the body. Digestion begins in the mouth, through the oesphagus, stomach, small and large intestines and ends with waste being expelled by the anus. The liver, gallbladder and pancreas each play a role in facilaitating digestion.

Digestive enzymes are the substances that break down the proteins, sugars and fats we eat so our bodies can use them.

Digestive enzymes come from three main sources.

• Raw vegetables and fruit. These must be eaten raw as their enzymes are destroyed by heat.
• The liver and pancreas manufacture digestive enzymes, but according to Sandra Cabot, author of the best-selling ‘The Liver Cleansing Diet’, a fully functioning liver has become a rare commodity. Not only does the liver provide the vast majority of the chemicals required for good digestion , it also deals with toxins (such as alcohol) rendering them less harmful.
• The third source of digestive enzymes are the beneficial gut organisms. 100 trillion of these creatures should inhabit the full length of the 30ft digestive tract from mouth to anus, proliferating in the large intestine.

Beneficial gut organisms are those friendly bacteria like acidophilus and other probiotics. A Probiotic is a microbe that protects its host and prevents disease. These friendly bacteria supply vitmains like B12, K, thiamine and folic acid as well as fighting harmful bacteria. Probiotics often require the presence of prebiotics to function optimally. Prebiotics are anon-digestible food ingredients that stimulate the growth or activity of bacteria in the digestive system which are beneficial to the health of the body.

You can increase the number of beneficial gut organisms by eating certain foods. For example yoghurt, fermented vegetables – sauerkraut or kimchi, and kombucha tea. You can also supplement with various probiotic products available on the market today. One of these includes Digest-Ease, a Human Health Product by NTS. Digest-Ease is a powerful probiotic which provides a bounty of predigested, functional food. It contains an impressive amino acid profile and provides a huge number of beneficial organisms (both probitic and prebiotic) in each serve.

]]> http://ahealthychoice.wordpress.com/2009/07/17/food-health-and-digestion/feed/ 0 ianmacleod http://ahealthychoice.wordpress.com/2009/07/16/we-have-added-6-unique-and-nutrient-packed-nts-human-health-products-to-out-healthy-choices-range/ http://ahealthychoice.wordpress.com/2009/07/16/we-have-added-6-unique-and-nutrient-packed-nts-human-health-products-to-out-healthy-choices-range/#comments Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:32:42 +0000 ianmacleod http://ahealthychoice.wordpress.com/?p=31 Continue reading →]]> We are really excited to be stocking the Human Health Products range from Nutri-Tech Solutions.

Nutri-Tech Solutions are an Australian company formed in June 1994 to achieve the goal of improving nutrition from the soil up. For the last 15 years they have pioneered a range of innovative strategies in biological agriculture. In fact, NTS is now regarded as a world leader in this field.Recently, the focus has expanded to include animal and human health solutions and their associated product developments in these arenas have proven both potent and unique. NTS remain passionately committed to the concept of improving the nutrient density of the food we eat whilst reducing the immune assault associated with farm chemicals.

NTS are leading the way in providing nutrient packed foods that assist health and vitality. The NTS philosophy focuses upon the proactive maintenance of optimal wellness rather than just treating the symptoms of dis-ease. This is acheived through addressing key issues like digestive health, immune support and detoxification.

We have added 6 unique and nutrient packed NTS Human Health Products to out Healthy Choices range – they are Digest-Ease, Vita-Green Defence, MagSorb Magnesium Oil, ProGlow Prostate Support, Nutri-Salt and Sweet Health Xylitol.

Pleasure Puss™ cloth mentrual pads and panty liners are specifically designed to be comfortable, absorbent and leakproof. Essentially you get all the features you would expect from a disposable sanitary pad with the advantages of many extra benefits.

• No irritation or chafing – Because Pleasure Puss™ cloth pads have natural cotton outer layers (the layers close to your sensitive skin) you are not exposing yourself to the myriad of chemicals contained with disposable paper (and plastic) pads.
• Super slim designs – Each Pleasure Puss™ pad is superslim making them comfortable to wear and discreet. You don’t have to put up with any extra bulges where you don’t need them.
• Superabsorbent – The ultra thin core and stay dry comfort layer make sure you stay drier even on your heaviest days.

  

  Reusable organic cotton menstrual pads

• Leakproof – Pleasure Puss™ cloth pads incorporate a special leakproof layer that runs the whole length and breadth of each pad ~ so you know you can rely on them.
• Easy to Wash – Just soak, wash and dry.
  
• Variety of colors and sizes - Say goodbye to boring old white pads, now you can choose your pad colour or pattern to suit your mood.
• Secure fastening – for all types of underwear, from bikini briefs to larger styles. Pleasure Puss™ panty liners are width adjustable ensuring that your panty liner stays in one place.
• Simple one piece design – unlike other cloth pads, you don’t have to waste time searching for all the bits or figuring out how to put the pad together.
• Economical – You will save money – to see how much – discover what you are currently spending on disposable products.
• 100% money back guarantee. Try our pads for yourself for 3 months – if you aren’t completely satisfied with their performance – return your pads for a 100% refund (excludes postage).

• Long Lasting – you can expect your Pleasure Puss pads to last for up to 3 – 5 years following care instructions.

Learn More about Pleasure Puss Cloth Pads (takes you to their website)

The Chia seed (Salvia hispanica) is the highest known plant source of anti-inflammatory Omega-3 (8 times higher than Salmon), and unlike other sources of this important fatty acid, eg, flaxseed, hemp or fish, it is highly stable due to its powerfully naturally occurring anti-oxidants.

Both Black and white chia seeds are combined to maximise the nutritional benefits of each.

Chia is packed full of the following nutrients.

• 8 x more Omega-3 EFA’s than salmon
• 7 x more Vitamin C than oranges
• 6 x more fibre than oat bran (soluble and insoluble fibre for bowel, cholesterol and blood sugar regulation.
• 5 x more calcium than milk
• 4 x higher ORAC value than blueberries
• 3 x more iron than spinach
• 2 x more potassium than bananas
• 15 x more magnesium than broccoli
• 18 amino acids
• Vitamin A and B12
• complete protein (23%)

All adds up to 100% healthy nutrition.

How to use Chia Seeds

Sprinkle these flavourless black and white seeds on slads, muesli, stirfrys or cereal. Grind into smoothies or add to muffin or bread batter. Or make a gel mixing 1 tablespoon with 1 cup water, wait 10 mins and consume 1 tspn (may refrigerate for up to 3 weeks).

BUY Chia Seeds Now

Black and White Chia Seeds Nutrition Information

This plant has been used traditionally:

• as an aphrodisiac for both men and women
• to encourage vitality, energy, stamina and endurance in athletes
• encourage mental clarity
  
• Nutritional support to encourage optimal body sytems eg, menstrual cycles and pre-conception preparation.

The Maca plant is prized for its roots, which contain both medicinal and nutritional properties. In it’s native South America, it has been used for thousands of years. In fact, it was a staple of Incan medicine, much like antibiotics are a staple of western medicine today. It is only recently however that the amount of variety of nutrients in the Maca root are becoming known. It is this recent discovery that is greatly increasing Maca demand around the world!

So what exactly is in Maca? Well, here are some of the body-needed “ingredients” in the Maca root: zinc, potassium, iron, more calcium than milk, and several B vitamins. For those who want a stronger immune system, it has plenty of vitamin C, and even protein for muscle health. Since it’s a root, fiber is aplenty, and it has essential fatty acids which aid in mental functioning.

But the benefits of Maca do not end there…it is also known to increase fertility and libido, both for men, and women! Now, this is not without saying there are no possible side effects…however, it has been used for hundreds of years, and since it is all natural, there have been no known side effects. But as always, consult a doctor before you start popping maca root in your system.

Maca also may contribute to regulating the proper hormone levels in people. So, for couples looking to conceive, it it may increase fertility levels in couples. Also it has a positive effect on the endocrine system, and therefore the immune system.

One of the biggest beneficiaries of the Maca root is our nervous system and memory. The nutrients in Maca are very effective in increasing nervous system and brain activity. This is one reason that many Maca users are fans of this herb.

Last but not least, many athletes take Maca as a healthy alternative to steroids. Maca has the ability to increase muscular development and strength. Maca based pills or supplementation is becoming well known in the athletic and body building communities.

Some women choose eat Maca Powder as an alternative to taking artificial hormones. What makes Maca so effective is that rather than introducing hormones from outside (whether chemical or natural) Maca nutritionally supports the glands in the body to optimal function according to the individuals unique requirements.

For those of you overwhelmed with what Maca is able to do, this is exactly why it’s called a superfood! Not only does it have a wide array of physical health benefits, it helps mental health as well. This is why it’s not just Peruvians these days who are taking Maca. It is gaining large followings in the U.S. Europe, and Asia as well.

Although fresh Maca root may still be a challenge to find, it is generally easy to find Maca supplements. This is a welcome herbal supplement to anyone’s daily vitamin and dietary plan.

The beauty of Maca is that it is a whole food – unadulterated and pure just as nature intended food to be. With this in mind – when you buy your Maca – use the guidelines below to ensure you are getting the best quality product available.

Maca available in powder and capsules

Get your premium grade Guaranteed Organic Maca Powder or Capsules delivered straight to your door for much less

Click here to check our most current Maca prices

Maca Guidelines:

1. Non-irradiated
2. Guaranteed Organic
3. Careful temperature control during processing/drying means nutrient preservation, lighter colour & sweeter taste
4. Free of grain contamination (exclusive milling facility)
5. Organic farming methods
6. Processed-to-order (arrives fresh milled from Peru within weeks)
7. High protein content
8. Grown in specially suited soils at required altitude in traditional growing region.

]]> http://ahealthychoice.wordpress.com/2009/06/29/so-what-exactly-is-in-maca-apart-from-a-superfood/feed/ 0 ianmacleod Buy Maca Now http://ahealthychoice.wordpress.com/2009/06/29/acai-berry-is-one-of-the-planet%e2%80%99s-top-ten-antioxidant-superfruits/ http://ahealthychoice.wordpress.com/2009/06/29/acai-berry-is-one-of-the-planet%e2%80%99s-top-ten-antioxidant-superfruits/#comments Mon, 29 Jun 2009 01:57:58 +0000 ianmacleod http://ahealthychoice.wordpress.com/?p=15 Continue reading →]]> Certified Organic Acai Berry Powder

This royal purple fruit with the rich cocoa-berry taste is consistently named as one of the planet’s Top Ten Antioxidant Superfruits!

This super healthy superfood from a wild and vigorous Brazillian tropical palm growing abundantly over 2.5 million acres of Amazon River floodplains is harvested by local tribes then freeze-dried immediately to preserve its amazing nutritional properties including:

• Essential Fatty Acids (Omegas 6 & 9)
• 19 Amino Acids (proteins)
• Vitamins A, B1, B2, C, E, & P (flavonoids)
• Fibre (30+%)
• Minerals (potassium, iron, phosphorous, calcium)
• Trace elements (chromium, cobalt, molybdenum)
• Phytosterols (cholesterol-busting)
• Polyphenols (free-radical-scavenging)

Acai is a secret weapon of many famous athletes who love the very low sugar content and Low Glycemic Index (GI), & 2x more antioxidants than blueberries, 10x more than red grapes, 30x more than red wine, and ORAC values higher than pomegranate, cranberries and even Goji, what’s not to love ?

Buy Certified Organic Acai Berry Powder Now

How to eat Acai Berry Powder

Serving suggestion: Add to yoghurt, smoothies, ice cream, fruit juice, water, milkshakes, muesli, or margaritas!

BEST KEPT REFRIGERATED

The serving size is about 3g or 1 teaspoon (it’s on the pack with the nutrition panel). As it is just a food, you can eat as much as you like, but common sense should prevail.

Personally I add a good heaped teaspoon to my smoothies which I have pretty much every day.

Acai Berry and Weight Loss

There is a huge amount of hype all over the media about the acai berry and weightloss. Acai Berry Powder is just a food – albeit a highly nutritious superfood.

Most people eat processed and de-natured foods which essentially leaves the body feeling starved. The body is looking to meet its nutrient needs which is why people keep feeling hungry and wanting to eat more.

Adding Acai Powder to your diet is a great way to catch up on nutrients missing in the average modern diet. By feeding your body highly nutritious foods you will crave other foods less.

The human body is healthier, and craves food less if it is being properly nourished.

How to pronounce Acai?

Acai is pronounced ‘ah-sigh-ee’.

Certified Organic Acai Berry Nutrition Information

Pure Organic Cacao is packed full of nutrients like antioxidants, magnesium, and bliss chemicals but without the sugar and chemicals found in your average chocolate bar.

Unsweetened Organic Cacao Nibs

The Cacao beans are selected carefully and processed at low temperatures so that all the nutrients are preserved. Once the beans are extracted from their fruit casing they are washed in purified water and then partially ground to create yummy cacao nibs.

Sweetened Organic Cacao Crunch

To create cacao crunch the nibs are rolled in a paste of liquefied chocolatey nibs then rolled in panela. Panela is a unrefined evaporated sugar cane juice popular in South America. These sweetened organic cacao nibs are a rich chocolate treat with a lightly smoked, coffee flavour.

Which Cacao treat should you choose?

If you prefer a dark chocolate rich flavour with no added sweeteners then choose the Organic Nibs.

Buy Organic Cacao Nibs

If you prefer your chololate treats sweeter then cacao crunch is for you. You get the same cacao goodness packed full of nutrients in a sweeter package.

Buy Organic Cacao Crunch.

How to eat cacao nibs and cacao crunch.

Eat as is or grind with coffee, add to smoothies, coffee, icecream, muesli, cakes, muffins, cheesecakes, blissballs, cookie batter or trail mix. You can use them as you would choc chips.

Raw Cacao Nutritional Facts

• Chocolate has 400 distinct flavour compounds – that’s 200% more than any other food! .
• Cacao Power Organic Cacoa foods have an anti-oxidant (ORAC) score of 95,500. To put that into perspective, that’s 14 times more antioxidant flavonoids than red wine, 21 times more than green tea, and 7 times more than even dark chocolate!
• Magnesium is the most common deficient major mineral even following a balanced diet – it is estimated that over 80% of Australians are chronically lacking.

  Cacao contains high levels of magnesium – possibly being the best food source for magnesium available.

  Magnesium aids the absorption of calcium in the body assisting the formation of teeth and bones. It is useful for maintaining healthy heart health – stabilising heart rhythm and blood pressure and preventing abnormal clotting. Magnesium aids healthy muscle function helping muscles relax and preventing cramping – for women magnesium can help to reduce premenstrual and menstrual cramps.

• Phenylethylamine (PEA) found in cacao products is an adrenal-related chemical that is created within the brain and released when we fall in love, and also help increase focus and alertness.
• Pure raw cacao seems to diminish appetite – likely as a result of it’s unusual MAO inhibitors that allow more serotonin and other neurotransmittors like anandamide (the bliss chemical) to circulate in the brain, precipitating a rejuvenating effect.
• Cacao nibs contain no sugar and have a fat content lower than most other nuts.
  
• The Kuna Indians of the Panamanian Islands consume significant amounts of high-flavonol cacao; they also have extremely low blood pressure that doesn’t climb as they age.

Some facts about the way mass produced chocolate is made

Cacao is often sourced from cheap tropical countries like Africa that have the dreaded Capra beetle. When this cacao arrives in Australia, quarantine treats that cacao aggressively with methylbromide gas fumigation and irradiation to kill any remnants of the insects.

Pure Cacao Power products are sourced from South America which does not have this pestilent insect and is CERTIFIED ORGANIC by Australian Leader ACO , ensuring that you get what you’re paying for in a superfood.

It’s a guaranteed premium product with:

• NO heavy metals
• NON irradiated
• NO petrochemical fertilizers
• NO genetically modified organisms (GMO’s)

Click here to buy Cacao Nibs or Crunch Now

Who loves Cacao?

• Raw Foodies
• Chocoholics
• Vegetarians
• Yoginis
• Athletes
• PMS/PMT sufferers

Wakame is a kelp or seaweed and can be used in soups, stews and salads.

Sea Power™ Wakame Leaf is sourced from the incredibly pristine, icy cold waters flowing around Tasmania – and Certified by the most recognised Australian leader in Organics!

Where is your seaweed sourced? Japanese imports were actually banned from Australia and NZ in the 80′s due to dangerously high levels of heavy metals (lead & cadmium).

Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida) is a good source of -

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B1
• Vitamin B2
• Vitamin B3
• Vitamin B5
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K
• folate
• soluble/insoluble fibre,

and has among the very highest nutrient-to-calorie ratios from a vegetarian source of anti-inflammatory Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acid (EPA). It makes sense to supplement your diet with this nutrient rich seaweed.

Click here to buy Wakame Leaf Now

Sea vegetables help alkalise our bodies from the over-acidity of the modern diet and contain 10 to 20 times MORE bioavailable minerals & vitamins than land vegetables, with no fat and low calories.

The salty taste is not just salt but a balanced, chelated combination of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, iron & trace minerals. High levels of potassium in the blood are associated with a reduced risk of high blood pressure – and all seaweeds have extraordinary levels of this mineral.

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Organic Wakame Leaf Nutrition Information

The Incan Goldenberry (Physalis peruviana) is native to South America, but cultivated and known more commonly around the world as Cape Gooseberries – in fact, it was one of the few non-native fresh fruits available to the early Western settlers of east coast Australia. Fresh berries are bright yellow and very sweet when ripe, and in their lantern-like husks are used in decorative gourmet dessert garnishes.

Goldenberries have a delicious tangy flavour and are a source of Vitamins A, C, B1, B2, B6, B12, fibre, phosphorous, calcium, cleansing pectin and interestingly for a fruit, they have a high protein count.

They are also a good source of bioflavonoids (Vitamin P) – considered to have anti-inflamatory, anti-oxidant and anti-viral properties.

Serving suggestion: Delicious straight out of the bag, or add to trail mix, yoghurt, muesli, lunch boxes, jams, fruit cakes, muffin or cookie batter.

Go to Shop and Buy Goldenberries

Goldenberry – Cape Gooseberry Nutrition Information