Monday, October 20, 2008

GREEN CHAI TEA AND MATCHA

We have now talked about GREENS COD LIVER OIL RAW HONEY HEMP HEARTS CHIA SEED GOJI BERRIES PSYLLIUM SEED and CELTIC SEA SALT.

Next on the list of the BASICS is Green Chai Tea. I am also going to talk about another form of green tea called Matcha in this blog.

As I said many writings ago, I believe there are a few very important items that we would all do well to include in our lives either daily or a few times a month or a couple of times a year. I have called these items THE BASICS. There is a complete list in one of my first blog writings. What I have written about so far are included in the DAILY LIST! Green Chai Tea and Matcha are a part of that DAILY LIST as well.
I drink between 3&5 cups of Green Chai Tea a day, sometimes mixing in Matcha. The following will explain to you why.

Tea consumption had its origin in China almost 5,000 years ago. Green tea has been used as traditional medicine in areas such as China, Japan, India, and Thailand to help everything from controlling bleeding and helping heal wounds to regulating body temperature, blood sugar and promoting digestion.

The Kissa Yojoki (Book of Tea) written by Zen priest Eisai in 1191, describes how drinking green tea can have a positive effect on the five vital organs, especially the heart. The book discusses tea's medicinal qualities, which include easing the effects of alcohol, acting as a stimulant, curing blotchiness, quenching thirst, eliminating indigestion, curing beriberi disease, preventing fatigue, and improving urinary and brain function.

How does Green Tea work?
Green Tea is rich in catechin polyphenols, particuarly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant: besides inhibiting the growth of cancer cells, it kills cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. the reason Green Tea and White Tea have more polyphenol antioxidants than other teas is because of the way they are processed. The process prevents the degradation of the cell membranes by neutralizing the spread of free radicals (which occurs during the process of oxidation.).
The health benefits of these teas are derived from the light processing of the leaves which maintain the ingredients like Catechin that research is now demonstrating to be beneficial. White and Green tea are often steamed or pan fired rather than being semi-fermented (oolong) or fermented (black tea). Fermentation leaches out some of these beneficial ingredients in the same way that frying food tends to reduce nutrient value that steaming does not. It should be no surprise that steamed green tea also maintains more of its polyphenol antioxidant profile than pan-fired green tea as well.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)has rejected claims of health benefits for green tea!
"There is no credible scientific evidence that drinking green tea reduces the risk of heart disease".
The FDA previously has said that green tea likely does not reduce breast, prostate or any other type of cancer risk.

In spite of the FDA's claims, Green Tea's medicinal benefits have been described for over 1000 years. Objectively speaking, skepticism of green tea's medical benefits would not be the first time an ancient medical remedy practised successfully in Asia was initially called into question by the Western Medical establishment.

RISKS: To date the only negative side effect reported from drinking green tea is insomnia due to the fact that it contains caffeine.
However, green tea contains less caffeine than coffee, there are approximately thirty to sixty mg. of caffeine in six to eight ounces of tea compared to over one hundred mg. in eight ounces of coffee.
I am quite caffeine sensitive and cannot drink stimulating beverages past early afternoon. I do not have a problem going to sleep when I drink Green Chai Tea in the evening, which I do most evenings.

Chinese Green Tea has been researched and linked to help all of the following conditions.

* rheumatoid arthritis
* high cholesterol levels
* cardiovascular disease
* infection
* impaired immune function
* cognition ( a study in the February edition of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition concluded "A higher consumption of green tea is associated with a lower prevalence of cognitive impairment in humans.")
* stopping certain neurodegenerative illnesses such as Alzheimers
* treating arthritis
* treating MS

Preventing lowered T-Cells due to HIV
In lab tests, EGCG found in green tea, was found to prevent HIV from attacking T-Cells. Scientists in Japan have found a component of green tea can stop HIV from binding to healthy immune cells, which is how the virus spreads. Their laboratory tests suggest a chemical called Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) protects cells. Writing in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, the scientists said the discovery would lead to new treatments to fight the disease. It is not known if this has any effect on humans yet.

Cancer
In 1994 the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of an epidemiological study indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent. University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. In fact they said many laboratory studies have demonstrated inhibitory effects of tea preparations and tea polyphenols against tumor formation and growth. This inhibitory activity is believed to be mainly due to the anti-oxidative and possible anti-proliferative effects of the polyphenolic compounds in green and black tea.

Weight Loss
New evidence is emerging that green tea can even help dieters. In November 1999, the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition published the results of a study at the University of Geneva Switzerland. Researchers found that men who were given a combination of caffeine and green tea extract burned more calories than those given only caffeine or a placebo. Green Tea increases fat oxidation (helps the body use fat as an energy source) and raises metabolism. These two things are predictive of weight loss.

Teeth and Skin
Meanwhile skin preparations containing green tea- from deodorants to creams, are starting to appear on the market. Scientists have even discovered that applying green tea to the skin can help cure and prevent some forms of skin cancer and other skin disorders, protect the skin from long and short term damage from the suns ultraviolet rays and act as an antibacterial agent when applied to skin infections. Many of the broad health benefits of green tea are derived from its rich supply of plant nutraceuticals called polyphenols, of which EGCG is the most powerful.
The consumption of green tea has been linked to reduced incidence of tooth decay.

WHY CHAI GREEN TEA ???

For one thing CHAI turns wonderful for you GREEN TEA into WONDERFUL GREEN TEA!

The CHAI ingredients individually offer their own health benefits. There is an amazing synergy when you put them all together. I will give you my own recipe.
I buy ground organic spices and mix them together in large batches in order to have lots on hand for my household and for sharing.

Traditional Chia Spice Mix:

CARDAMON- This spice relieves indigestion and aids in the digestive process as a whole as well as cleansing the kidneys and bladder. Cardamon is so good for the colon.

CINNAMON- I have spoken at great length in a previous blog called HONEY EVERYWHERE about the benefits of cinnamon. Cinnamon is another natural health booster! Studies have shown that 1/2 a teaspoon of cinnamon per day can help to lower "bad" cholesterol and may help to regulate blood sugar levels. Cinnamon is also believed to have an anti-clotting effect on the blood and a study from Denmark showed that when combined with honey (another ingredient in traditional Chai Tea), it can reduce the pain caused by arthritis. Cinnamon is good for the bones.

CLOVES- 'eugenol' is the active compound in cloves and it may help to prevent digestive tract cancers and joint inflammation as it is a natural anti-inflammatory substance. Cloves are also a source of anti-oxidants. Cloves is also noted for its benefit to the nervous system.

GINGER- For thousands of years, ginger has been used in alternative medicine. It is known to be beneficial for the digestive system and to help reduce nausea, motion sickness and morning sickness in pregnancy. Ginger is also believed to improve cardiovascular and artery health as well as helping to fight the common cold and flu.

NUTMEG- This spice is believed to be able to lower blood pressure, soothe upset stomachs, relieve stress and help remove toxins from the liver. Nutmeg can help relieve gas in the digestive system. Nutmeg can be toxic in large amounts but you would have to drink a lot of Chai Tea to reach that level!

PEPPER- Another spice that is beneficial for the digestive system. In addition pepper contains several powerful antioxidants which fight free radicals with in the body. Pepper is a known blood purifier.

HONEY- I have shared at great length on my site regarding the benefits of honey, please feel free to go back and read from the archives if you haven't had a chance to already. The proven health benefits of honey are growing all the time and it contains many ingredients we should not live without. We use abundant honey in our Green Chai Tea!!

CHAI SPICE RECIPE:

Cardamon 50 g
Cinnamon 50 g
Cloves 25 g
Ginger 30 g
Nutmeg 50 g
Pepper 10 g

Purchase non-irridated spice powder, organic if you are able to.
Mix spice powders together and seal in jars or bags.

For each pot of CHAI SPICE GREEN TEA:
2-3 teaspoons of green tea leaves
1 teaspoon of spice mix
1 tablespoon or more of raw honey
Put leaves and spice in a mesh basket. Steep tea for 10 minutes or more with honey in pot as well. Stir a couple of times while it steeps. Enjoy!!!

ABOUT MATCHA

Matcha Green Tea contains 137 times more EGCGs than normal green tea. Remember EGCGs are potent anti-oxidants that promote good health and longevity.
Unlike normal tea leaves, Matcha tea is prepared by grinding full tea leaves into a fine powder. When you drink a cup of Matcha tea, you're drinking the entire nutrient -rich leaf! In other words, you ae getting ALL of the health benefits that tea leaves have to offer.
MATCHA green tea is the healthiest tea on the planet.

One cup of Matcha tea has about half the caffeine of one cup of coffee.

Green tea contains a compound called tannin. Tannin slows down the absorption of caffeine into the blood. This means that the caffeine from green tea is gradually released over the course of 6-8 hours, unlike the short burst from coffee.
ON top of that, green tea also contains L-theanine, which has a relaxing effect that reduces stress. L-theanine has been shown to promote alpha brain-wave activity, a sign of relaxation.

Thanks to the combined effects of caffeine, tannin, and L-theanine, Matcha tea provides:
+ Improved alertness and focus
+ Improved mood
+ Relaxation and reduced stress
+ Increased feeling of well being
+ Cleansing of toxins from the rich chlorophyll

How to use Matcha-

I actually whisk a teaspoon into my cup of Green Chai Tea on occasion.
Other than that, a simple way to use it is to put a teaspoon or more into a drinking dish or cup and whisk or stir hot water into it. Add milk and honey to make it yummy.
There are actually lots of wonderful smoothie recipes and other ways to use Matcha out there. I will consider adding them to my blog sometime!

Ancient Chinese Proverb:

BETTER TO BE DEPRIVED OF FOOD FOR THREE DAYS THAN TEA FOR ONE

Sunday, October 19, 2008

SALT IN ABUNDANCE!!!

Believe me I LOVE SALT !!!

How hard it is to be told that salt is the ENEMY. It is wrong to fear salt.
In fact it is down right DANGEROUS to believe to that we should limit our salt intake.

How very grateful I am for the knowledge that came to me a few years ago about SEA SALT. Salt is VITAL for our survival as human beings and also for the survival of all living creatures. Water and salt regulate the water content of the body. Water itself regulates the water content of the interior of the cell by working its way into all of the cells it reaches. It has to get there to cleanse and extract toxic wastes of cell metabolisms. Salt forces some water to stay outside the cells. It balances the amount of water that stays outside the cells. There are two oceans of water in the body; one ocean is held inside the cells of the body, and the other ocean is held outside the cells. Good health depends on a most delicate balance between the volume of these oceans, and this balance is achieved by unrefined salt!

Refined salt causes salt cravings, because the need for real salt is not met. Ordinary table salt has been stripped of its companion elements and it contains additive elements such as aluminum silicate, sugar, or yellow prussiate of soda to keep it powdery and porous, plus different bleaches added to the final salt formula.

Natural sea salt allows liquids to freely cross body membranes, the kidney's glomerulus's and blood vessels walls. Whenever the sodium chloride concentration rises in the blood, the water in neighboring tissues is attracted to that salt-rich blood and the cells then re-absorb the enriched inter-cellular fluid. If the kidney's are functioning properly,they remove the saline fluids easily. In fact there are 92 essential minerals in unrefined sea salt that the body very much needs.

I have read that "The Belgian historian Henri Pirenne observed that during the High Middle Ages, the whole of Europe suffered from a salt famine that was to last almost 500 years. The entire continent was thrown into a Dark Age of human under-development, creating an epidemic of crazed people many of whom died from dehydration and madness.Though mined salt from the depths of the earth was substituted, the lack of live, balanced trace elements in rock salt lowered the mental equilibrium and intellect level almost as much as the absence of salt had."

Dr. Jacques de Langre, Ph.D, who wrote the book "Sea Salt's Hidden Powers", states that naturally and properly SUNSHINE-PRESERVED sea salt is the difference between life and death, health and illness, social sanity and planetary panic and its elements are vital for proper body functions. That natural hand-harvested Celtic ocean salt alone helps to maintain life, neutralizes toxins and detrimental bacteria and enhances all our organic function.

Salt is the single element required for the proper breakdown of plant carbohydrates into usable human food.
In ancient Celts times, salt was used to treat major physical and mental disturbances, severe burns, and other aliments. Today biologists attest that seawater (also called "mother liquor') restores hydro-electrolytic imbalances, a disorder that causes loss of immune response, creates allergies and causes many health problems.

WHY EAT CELTIC SEA SALT???

Quote from Dr. Batmanghelidj, M.D.: ABC of Asthma, Allergies & Lupus

According to Dr. Batmanghelidj salt has many functions other than regulating the water content in the body.

* Salt is a strong natural antihistamine. It can be used to relieve asthma by putting it on the tongue after drinking a glass or two of water.
* Salt is vital for extracting excess acidity from inside the cells, particularly the brain cells. If you don't want Alzheimer's disease, don't go salt free.
* Salt is the best diuretic that exists.
* Salt is vital for the kidneys to clear excess acidity and pass the acidity into the urine.With out sufficient salt, the body will become more and more acidic.
* Salt is essential in the treatment of emotional and affective disorders.
* Salt is essential for preserving the serotonin and melatonin levels in the brain. When water and salt perform their natural antioxidant duties and clear the toxic waste from the body, essential amino acids will not be sacrificed as chemical antioxidants.
* Salt in my opinion, is vital for the prevention and treatment of cancer. Cancer cells are killed by oxygen; they are anaerobic "organisms" dehydration- shortage of water and salt, suppresses the immune system and its disease -fighting cells' activity.
* Salt is vital for maintaining muscles tone and strength. Lack of bladder control in those who suffer from involuntary leakage of urine could be a consequence of low salt intake.
* Salt is effective in stabilizing irregular heartbeats and contrary to the misconception that it causes high blood pressure, it is actually essential for the regulation of blood pressure--in conjunction with water.
* Salt is vital for sleep regulation.
* Salt is a vitally needed element in the treatment of diabetics. It helps balance the sugar levels in the blood and reduces the need for injected insulin.
* Salt is vital to the communication and information processing of nerve sells the entire time that the brain cells work--from the moment of conception to death.
* Salt is essential for the absorption of food particles through the intestinal tract.
* Salt is vital for clearing the lungs of mucus plugs and sticky phlegm, particularly in asthma, emphysema and cystic fibrosis sufferers.
* Salt on the tongue will stop persistent coughs.
* Salt is vital for clearing up catarrh and sinus congestion.
* Salt is essential for the prevention of muscle cramps.
* Osteoporosis, in a major way is the result of salt and water shortage in the body.
* Salt is absolutely vital to making the structure of the bones firm.
* Salt is vital for maintaining sexuality and libido.
* Salt is vital for preventing varicose veins and spider veins on the legs and thighs.
According to Dr. Batmanghelidj "As a rule of thumb, you need about 3 grams of salt -half a teaspoon for every 10 glasses of water or a quarter teaspoon for each quart of water.

The Celtic Sea Salt that we use is awesome!! Truly the SALT OF LIFE.

Le Paludier (Salt Farmer) sea salt has a pleasing natural taste.
It is harvested ecologically from a pristine clean shore and dried without artificial heat. All the trace minerals found in nature's own salt have been left undisturbed and in delicate balance.
Le Paludier salt chemically resembles almost exactly amniotic fluid, the 'mini-ocean' for the human fetus.
Le Paludier salt comes from the region of Guerande-Brittany, on the North West coast of France. It is cultivated and harvested without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides and packed under pharmaceutical conditions.
Paludiers, or salt farmers, use wooden tools and follow the ancient tradition of the early Celtic people, allowing the sea water in a series of canals to evaporate on natural clay beds. It is then gently raked into piles and allowed to dry slowly in the sun.
The Le Paludier salt contains about 80 mineral elements that the body needs. Some of these elements are needed in trace amounts.
The following is a partial chemical analysis carried out by the University of Bordeaux. Per 100g of salt

Mineral Matter: Trace Elements

Sodium 37.2g Iron 2.5mg
Magnesium 550mg Manganese 0.55mg
Calcium 40mg Zinc 0.44mg
Potassium 160mg Copper 0.4mg
Sulphur 125mg Cadmium 0.02mg Iodine trace

Unrefined sea salt is a better choice of salt than all other types of salt on the market. It is packaged in coarse and fine ground. It is grey in color and slightly damp. It is vital that the salt retain its natural moisture to hold the magnesium salts. The magnesium salts hold the other minerals in balance.
To use the fine salt requires a dish and spoon or a large holed shaker such as one used for spices. There are some wonderful coarse salt grinders available for the coarse sea salt.

A WORD OF CAUTION !!
Some supermarket or health food store "SEA SALT" has been totally refined. At its origin, it may have come from the sea, but:
* It has been harvested mechanically from dirt or concrete basins with bulldozers and piped through metal conduits
* It has been put through many degrading artificial processes
* It has been heated under extreme heat levels in order to crack its molecular structure
* It has been robbed of all of its essential minerals that are essential to our physiology- these elements are extracted and sold separately to industry, bringing more profit than the salt itself
* It is further adulterated by chemical additives to make it free-flowing , bleached and iodized.
To call what remains "SEA SALT" would be quite misleading!

If you are in need of help to access the salt please feel free to email me.

Monday, September 29, 2008

FLEA SEED ??????

This is just another name for PSYLLIUM!

The word Psyllium originated from a Greek word for flea.
I have been ingesting these "fleas" for over 35 years in the form of BLONDE PSYLLIUM SEED. They are amazing. Before I found them, I had constant issues with terrible constipation, especially during and after pregnancy. Once I began to use psyllium in seed form, there was a dramatic change.

A special mucilage comprises about 30% of the psyllium seed coat. The seed mucilage acts as a soothing lubricant and absorbs toxins in the digestive tract. Psyllium also can relieve diarrhea, by absorbing excess water, and to alleviate bladder and kidney problems, urethritis, and hemorrhoids.
Other Old World uses of psyllium seeds were to treat sores of the mouth and throat, stop nosebleeds, treat complications of the liver, and help to fix loose teeth.

Psyllium was administered to assuage complications from scurvy and worms.

Psyllium is cultivated primarily in West Pakistan, Iran and parts of India, but has also been experimentally planted elsewhere, in Arizona and France.

The seeds contain about 19% fiber, 18.8% protein and 10-20% triglycerides.
Seed mucilage, consisting of polysaccharides, is a soluble fiber. Recently the American Heart Association gave its approval for food manufacturers to make a health claim that "eating soluble fiber from foods such as psyllium as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease." Furthermore, the effect of soluble fiber in one tablespoon of psyllium is equal to fourteen tablespoons of oat bran. Psyllium appears to lower blood cholesterol levels when included as a part of a diet having a low consumption of saturated fats and cholesterol. An article in Pediatrics (1995) also stated that consuming a psyllium from a young age may even reduce the future risk of cardiovascular disease, some cancers (especially colon types) and adult onset diabetes.

My personal experience is that the seeds, rather than the husks are by far the preferable product. There have been issues of allergic reaction to the husks of the psyllium seed. It is unknown as to why, but speculation about the process of removing the husks has been made. Using only the husks deprives one of the other nutrients available in the seed, as they open in the intestinal tract. The seeds, having less pectin than the husks,degrade more slowly in the digestive tract, releasing acetates and butyrates that may protect the lining of the colon from mutations that lead to colon cancer. The seed however, do not relieve constipation as quickly as the psyllium husk.
Psyllium products reduce the appetite. By bulking the stool, they relieve pain caused by ulcerative colitis and reduce frequency of fecal incontinence.

A couple of CAUTIONS I need to talk about are:
- ALWAYS drink plenty of liquid when taking psyllium seed.
- NEVER chew the seeds. The oil they contain is not meant to be available to the system before they open naturally in the intended place, where it will then nourish and heal. There have been reports of stomach distress and diarrhea from chewing the seeds.

My method of ingesting the seeds is to simply stir 1 tsp. of them into a small amount to liquid with my powdered GREENS and quickly drink them down in the morning. YUMMY!!

Let me know if you need any help to find good product. hiswayforhealth@yahoo.ca

Thursday, September 25, 2008

WOLFBERRIES / GOJI BERRIES

Wolfberries are the bright red, one-third to three-quarter inch fruit of the wolfberry plant. Also called "goji", they are native to China, Tibet, and India, and they have a long tradition of use in folk medicine.
For over 2,000 years, Tibetan Goji berries have been known in many parts of Asia as nature's most antioxidant-rich fruit. They have been used to promote longevity, organ strength, and emotional balance.
* Ancient Chinese medical texts extolled wolfberries for strengthening the eyes, liver, and kidneys as well as fortifying the "qi" (chi), or life force.
* An early medical work, Shen Nung Ben Tsao (475-221 B.C.), sited benefits for wolfberries ranging from replenishing vital essences to strengthening and restoring vital organs.
* The physician's handbook, Ben Cao Gang Mu, written during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 A.D.) stated, " Taking Chinese wolfberry regularly may regulate the flow of vital energy and strengthen the physique, which can lead to longevity."

LI Qing Yuen, a great Master Herbalist,who apparently lived to the age of 252 years (1678-1930), consumed Goji berries daily. In an article published in the Domestic and Foreign magazine in the 1950's about him, Li attributed his longevity to taking five grams of wolfberries every day. He said "From then on I became healthy and agile. I can walk a hundred li (a li equals half a kilometer) and not get tired. I became better in strength and stamina than the average person."

The best Goji Berries grow in protected valleys in million year old soil in wild and cultivated areas. The plants grow like bushes with vines that reach over 15 feet. The berries are never touched by hand as they will oxidize and turn black if touched while fresh. Traditionally,they are shaken onto mats,then dried.

GOJI BERRY NUTRIENTS:

ANTIOXIDANTS- Goji Berries rate extremely high on the ORAC test which rates the antioxidant content of food. They score a whooping 25,300. By comparison,a few other foods considered to be good as antioxidants score as follows-
dark chocolate - 13,120
blueberries - 2,400
spinach - 1,260
broccoli - 890
Carotenoids, those powerful antioxidants found in Goji Berries, can increase the strength of your immune system and decrease your risk of developing cancer. They may also help to protect you against premature aging.

VITAMIN C- Goji Berries contain 500 times more vitamin C than oranges. Vitamin C is another powerful antioxidant.

MINERALS- There are twenty-one trace minerals in Goji Berries. These include, calcium, iron (15 times more iron than spinach), zinc, copper, selenium, germanium, and phosphorus.

PROTEIN- Eighteen amino acids(6X higher than Bee Pollen), including all eight essential amino acids. Goji Berries are a complete protein.

SESQUITERPENOIDS- Natural antibacterial and anti-fungal agents.

POLYSACCHARIDES- Fortify the immune system. A polysaccharide found in this fruit has been found to be a powerful secretagogue-a substance that stimulates the secretion of rejuvenatory human growth hormone by the pituitary gland.

BETA-SITOSTEROL- A powerful and all natural anti-inflammatory agent.

BETAINE- a nutrient that promotes healthy liver function.

The Chinese call Goji the HAPPY BERRY and regular consumption is said to bring a cheerful attitude. In Asia they have a festival to cherish the berry,that lasts for two weeks!

Just to recap on why you would eat GOJI BERRIES:

*they protect the liver
*they help eyesight
*they improve sexual function and fertility
*they strengthen the legs
*they boost immune function
*they improve circulation
*they promote longevity
*they are anti-inflammatory
*they are anti-bacterial and anti-fungal
*they are powerful antioxidants
*they bring emotional balance (I would eat them just for this!!)

My first experience with Goji Berries was in Calgary, Alberta, when I was working in a whole foods market. A very elderly customer asked me to help her serve some Goji Berries for purchase. As I was helping her, we began to talk about the berries. She said that three years previous, she had had a surgery on her right eardrum. The wound had never healed despite much medical help. Once she began to pour boiling water over some Goji Berries each morning, first drinking the tea and then consuming the berries, her ear healed within a couple of weeks. This 83 year old said she would never want to be without the Goji Berries again!

I would choose to source Goji Berries from Dr. Ben Kim. He brings in his Goji from Tibet and Mongolia. His Goji Berries are properly handled and processed, giving you the most for your money. Let me know if you need help to find his products.

My email is hiswayforhealth@yahoo.ca. I will be happy to help in any way that I can.

GET ON TO THE GOJI BERRIES!!!

Friday, September 19, 2008

EVER HAD A CHIA PET?

EVER HAD A CHIA PET?

Our children did have chia pets. I wish I had known back then, just how WONDERFUL those little seeds were that grew that green hair!

CHIA SEEDS are the next on my list of THE BASICS.

So far we have discussed GREENS, COD LIVER OIL, RAW HONEY, TEETH and HEMP SEED.

Where did CHIA come from?

Chia was known by Mayas and Aztecs as mega-energy food. Native Americans in Mexico used the plants hundreds of years before they were used in Europe and other continents.

Chia is the Mayan word for 'strength'. Chia seeds were used to greatly increase endurance and give an incredible sustaining surge of energy. In Mexico it is said that one tablespoon of Chia seeds can sustain a person for 24 hours. If I could only take one cup of food for a few days, I'd choose Chia!! The food value is astounding, you don't need much.

In traditional cultures, Chia was also used as a medicine- for cleansing the eyes, helping to heal wounds, healing injuries, relieving joint pain, constipation, prostrate problems, body odours, colds and sore throats.

Chia is a sustainable and environmentally friendly crop.

The high oil content of its leaves acts as an extremely potent insect repellent and eliminates the need for pesticides being used to protect the crop! This opens up the possibility of obtaining organically grown seed.

LET ME TELL YOU MORE ABOUT THIS LITTLE CHIA SEED:

A balanced blend of Protein, Essential Fats, Fiber, Complex Carbohydrates, Antioxidants & other Nutrients.

High in Protein:
- 19% - 23% protein.
- the seeds are a complete protein source, with all the essential amino acids in appropriate balance. Chia seed proteins are easily digested, which results in rapid transportation to tissues and fast utilization by the cells.

High Amount of Essential Fats:
- Excellent quality oil content of 31% - 34% of the seed.
-2 TBSP of Chia seeds supply 3.5 - 5.2 gr. of omega-3 fatty acid- approximately 64% in the oil.
-the seeds also contain some omega-6 and exhibit a favorable omega-3 to omega-6 ratio of 3:1.
- these oils , unsaturated fatty acids, are the essential oils your body needs to help emulsify and absorb the fat soluble vitamins, A, D, E, & K.
-In addition, Chia has NO cholesterol.
-Sadly Omega-3 and 6 are generally lacking in Western diets, and without EFA's life is impossible.

Fiber:
-about 35% of Chia seed is fiber
- 5% - 10% of soluble dietary fiber (helps lowering cholesterol and managing diabetes)
- 90% - 95% of insoluble dietary fiber (helps prevent constipation)
- Chia seeds bulk up and then work wonders on your digestion, helping to dislodge and eliminate old accumulated waste in the intestines.
-Chia seeds are able to act as a sort of sponge, absorbing toxins whilst also lubricating the colon and strengthening the peristaltic action of the intestines.

Complex Carbohydrates:
-Chia seeds are covered with a highly absorbent hull. They can absorb 9 - 12 times their weight in water. Research believes that, when eaten, they form a gel in the stomach, which creates a physical barrier between the carbohydrates and the digestive enzymes that break them down. This causes a slow release (digestion) of the carbohydrates. Also the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose (blood sugar) for energy is slowed down. This means that you won't feel so tired after eating, as there is no surge in blood sugar levels after intake of Chia.
-Chia seeds are very filling. Many people are full quicker, having had to eat fewer calories than usual and they stay full longer.
-Chia slowly and steadily releases glucose into the blood stream, increasing endurance.
-the Chia gel is able to hold moisture, soaking up 9 - 12 times their weight in water keeping you well hydrated and also retaining electrolyte balance.
- Chia seeds are gluten free. Chia is therefore an excellent food for individuals having gluten sensitivity, carbohydrate intolerance, hypoglycemia, Celiac Disease, Chron's Disease etc.
-a nutrient- dense alternative to grain-source proteins.

Antioxidants
- Chia seeds are high in antioxidants, which guard the omega fats from oxidation.
- Chia seeds can be stored for years in a dry place without impact on flavour or nutritional value. I have a friend who has stored it for over 25 years successfully.
- there is strong antioxidant activity from chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, flavanol glycosides, myricetin and quercetin.

Nutrients
- Chia has-Vitamins: A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B15, B17, C, D, E, K, choline, folic acid, inositol, PABA
- Chia has- Minerals: boron, calcium, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, phosphorous, potassium, silicon, sodium, strontium, sulphur, zinc.

CHIA IS ONE OF NATURES MOST NUTRITIOUS FOODS!

Here is a list of some of the benefits you can expect from regular intake of this tiny black and white seed.

CHIA SEEMS TO:

-provide long sustainable energy
-boost strength
-fight fatigue
-increase brain power
-increase endurance
-regenerate
-level blood sugar
-induce weight loss
-increase nutrient absorption
-improve and slow down digestion
-encourage better elimination
-balance thyroid conditions and hypoglycemia
-be good for diabetics
-reduce acid reflux
-lower cholesterol
-improve arthritis (omega-3 help with inflammation)
-facilitate growth and regeneration of tissue and muscles

I don't know about you but I am IMPRESSED!

Chia actually tastes great. It does not need processing but can be prepared into a gel to use as a great food extender, calorie cutter and nutrient-enricher. Added to mayonnaise or butter, chia gel doubles its volume without changing taste. Chia is ideal for enriching a number of products such as infant formulas, baby foods, baked goods, nutrition bars, yogurt, sauces, etc.
When used as animal feed, omega-3 enhanced products such as eggs, poultry, beef, milk and cheese etc. are produced.

Prepare the gel with 1 part of chia seeds and 9-10 parts water. Whisk well frequently for 5-10 minutes to prevent clumping. Can be stored as a gel in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.

Chia seeds have a nut like flavor and they should be considered to be a healthful and interesting addition to our diets. They can be sprinkled, ground or whole on cereal, yogurt, or salads; or just eat a handful of whole seeds as a snack.

My favorite way to take Chia seeds is "CHIA FRESCA", a popular drink in Mexico and Central America.

Just add 3-6 TBSP of chia to your favorite juice, smoothie or to lemon water (about 8-10 ounces), whisk or shake for 5 minutes and enjoy. This mixture can be take with you as you go about your day. I find it keeps me full and gives me energy to do the day.

Chia seeds, whole, ground, mixed or in drinks. An ancient SUPER FOOD for today's health conscious consumer. Most people notice a difference in about a week of regularly taking Chia. The longer you take it, the more you"ll appreciate it!!

Please feel free to contact me by email if you have questions or concerns.

Monday, September 15, 2008

LET'S TALK ABOUT HEMP

Did you know that HEMP was the first agricultural crop cultivated by man over 12,000 years ago?
Archaeological evidence shows societies in Asia grew hemp for food, shelter and raw material. Hemp is not marijuana. Though these plants are relatives, marijuana flowers have a chemical called THC which causes intoxication. Industrial hemp contains between 0.05% and 1% THC and so has no such drug affect. The government only allows hemp to be grown under permit and requires mandatory lab testing.

I find my self questioning WHY we aren't growing more of these incredible plants.
The hemp plant is harvested for its fibers, seed, seed meal and oil.
Hemp requires limited pesticides because it grows quickly (in about 4 months) and attracts few pests.
The products that can be made from hemp number over 25,000!

DID YOU KNOW:

-that George Washington and Thomas Jefferson both grew hemp.

- Ben Franklin owned a mill that made hemp paper.

-Henry Ford experimented with hemp to build car bodies. He wanted to build and fuel cars from farm products.

-BMW is experimenting with hemp materials in automobiles as part of an effort to make cars more recyclable.

-much of the bird seed sold in the U.S. has hemp seed, the hulls of which are about 25% protein.

-hemp oil once greased machines. Most paints, resins, shellacs and varnishes used to be made out of linseed (from flax) and hemp oils.

-Rudolph Diesel designed his engine to run on hemp oil.

-Kimberly Clark (on the Fortune 500) has a mill in France which produces hemp paper preferred for bibles because it lasts a very long time and doesn't yellow. The long fibers in hemp allow such paper to be recycled several times more than wood-based paper.

-construction products such as medium density fiber board, oriented strand board , even beams, studs and posts could be made out of hemp. Because of hemp's long fibers, the products will be stronger and/or lighter than those made from wood.

-hemp fibers are longer, stronger, more absorbent and more mildew-resistant than cotton.

-fabrics made of at least one-half hemp block the sun's UV rays more effectively than other fabrics.

-because of its low lignin content, hemp can be pulped using less chemicals than wood. A kinder and gentler chemistry using hydrogen peroxide rather than chlorine dioxide is possible with hemp fibers.

-hemp grows well in a variety of climates and soil types. It is naturally resistant to most pests, precluding the need for pesticides. It grows tightly spaced, out-competing any weeds, so herbicides are not necessary. It also leaves a weed-free field for a following crop.

-hemp can displace cotton which is usually grown with massive amounts of chemicals harmful to people and the environment. 50% of all the world's pesticides are sprayed on cotton.

-hemp can displace wood fiber and save forests for watershed, wildlife habitat, recreation and oxygen production, carbon sequestration (reduces global warming), and other values.

-hemp can yield 3-8 tons of fiber per acre. This is four times what an average forest can yield.

ABOUT THE HEMP SEED:

HEMP SEEDS are one of nature's complete food sources.
Hemp seed or hearts contain 0.00% of THC.
Hemp seeds are 35% protein in a complete, easily digested form.
They have a perfect balance of essential fatty acids including Omega 3,6 and 9 oils . These oils keep our hearts strong, our skin shiny, our energy levels high and our immune systems healthy.
Hemp is the only edible seed with gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a very rare nutrient also found in mother's milk.

BENEFITS:

-Lower blood LDL cholesterol levels
-Lower blood pressure
-Improve cardiovascular circulation & function
-Improve organ function
-Improve immunity levels
-Increased energy and metabolic rate
-Reduce symptoms of PMS & menstrual cramps
-Improve recovery of muscles after exercise
-Reduce and treat dry skin and hair conditions
- Reduction of many degenerative diseases through preventative measures
-Improve digestion and weight loss with regular bowel movements

NUTRITION FACTS:
Serving Size 56 g
Calories 322
Calories from fat 221

Amount Per Serving

Total Fat 24.6 g
Saturated Fat 2.3 g
Trans Fat 0 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 19.7 g
Omega-6 14.6 g
Omega-3 5.1 g
Monounsaturated Fat 2.7 g
Cholesterol o mg
Sodium 5.6 mg
Potassium 633 mg
Total Carbohydrate 6.7 g
Fiber 3.9 g
Sugars 1.7 g
Protein 18.5 g
Vitamin E 154% *daily requirement based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Calcium 4%
Phosphorus 81%
Magnesium 150%
Iron 43%
Zinc 67%
Copper 15%
Manganese 280%

I have used Hemp seeds for many years and can definitely attest to the benefits listed here in my own life and in the lives of those I have shared them with. I believe that we need 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the hemp each day to get full benefit from them. I have them in yogurt, cereal, on salad, on fruit, even just by themselves. Just HAVE THEM!!
There are some very good sources for the hemp hearts out there. If you need help, please feel free to email me. ENJOY!

Sunday, September 7, 2008

HONEY EVERYWHERE

In this entry on bees I want to expand a little more on the gift that honey can be to our health.
I had previously listed:

-Antiseptic, antibiotic, anti-fungal and antibacterial -- it never spoils
-A powerful immune system builder.
-Kills many bacteria internally and externally.
-Adds friendly bacteria (especially when mixed into yogurt or milk).
-Cures ulcers in the digestive system.
-Helps with arthritic pain.
-A sore throat remedy.
-Gives a ready and sustained form of energy.
-External application relieves yeast infections and athletes foot.
-Cleans and heals wounds of all kind.
-Brings wonderful healing to burns.

Before I add to this list, I would like to tell you about another of nature's gems called cinnamon.
Here are the medical properties of cinnamon:
-anti-inflammatory
-powerfully antibacterial
-antiviral
-anti fungal
-anticoagulant
-circulatory stimulant
-stomach protector
-anti parasitic
It has been reported for many years that a combination of honey and cinnamon is a very effective medicine for all kinds of diseases. As you can see, the healing properties of honey and cinnamon are quite comparable. Using the two of them mixed together can be powerful. The diseases I have heard reported to have been helped by a mixture of honey and cinnamon are-
Heart disease
Cholesterol
Arthritis
Bladder Infections
Indigestion
Immune system
Colds
Fatigue
Bad breath
Cancer
Diabetes
As far as amounts of each- rule of thumb would be 1 tablespoon of honey to 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. How much you take is optional. The more you need, the more you take. Up to 3 tablespoons each day should not be a problem. Give it a try! Much safer than drugs in the big picture. Be sure to stay on medications while you let the honey and cinnamon work the changes. Just a caution for those of you who might be pregnant. Do not over-do the cinnamon!
Some external helps from honey and the honey cinnamon mixture are:
Pimples and skin infection- spread the mixture on affected area at bedtime.
Hair and scalp treatment-apply honey (with or without olive oil) to dry or damp hair about one half hour before washing- you'll be amazed.
Ultimate moisturizer-smooth amount of honey lightly over the skin and remove a short time later with warm water. Leaves skin baby soft.
Toothache-paste of honey and cinnamon applied on the aching tooth. This may be applied three or more times a day until the tooth stops aching.
Last but not least, I want to share a recipe called Charoset. The "C" is silent when you say it.
This was the dessert served at the Last Supper. Not surprising that honey and cinnamon were two important ingredients in this healing dessert. Here it is:
Chopped apples (leave the skin on)
Chopped dates
Raisins
Walnuts
Honey
Cinnamon
Red wine
Mix the honey, cinnamon and wine together. Put the rest of the ingredients in a bowl and stir in the honey mixture.
The healing synergy created by these ingredients is truly amazing. Be sure to use abundant cinnamon. Amounts of the rest of the ingredients is personal taste, but be sure to include all of them. Eat it abundantly for good health.

Did you know that Bees communicate with each other by "dancing" ?
Maybe we should dance more and talk less.

Monday, September 1, 2008

HONEY INSIDE

HONEY IS: antiseptic, antibiotic, antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, and - it never spoils.

We need to talk about what raw honey can do for you inside out.
Honey in its natural raw state contains:
-2 predominant natural sugars (Fructose and Glucose),
-11 enzymes, 14 minerals, 21 amino acids
- all the vitamins that nutritionists consider necessary for health
-A, D, K, Rutin, Nicotinic acid, B vitamins, Thiamine, Riboflavin
- Pantothenic acid, Pyridoxine and Biotin as well as Ascorbic Acid (Vit C).
It has been proven that destructive bacteria can not live in the presence of raw honey. Research has been done on typhoid, bronco-pneumonia and dysentery producing germs and all were killed off in the presence of raw honey.
Quality raw honey may contain friendly bacteria which can help you experience good health in the digestive tract. The antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties can improve the digestive system which helps you to fight disease. In fact, in my experience, people with a strong immune system aren't always fighting "disease" or if they are, they are not so much aware of it as those with poor immunity.
I have read a report by Dr. Schacht, of Wiebaden, who claims to have cured many hopeless cases of gastric and intestinal ulcers with honey and without operations.
Research shows that raw honey has been used for thousands of years as a natural home remedy in many cultures. Yeast infection and athlete foot both respond to external application of raw honey.
Arthritis pain can be lessened by ingesting raw honey mixed with either apple cider vinegar or cinnamon morning and evening. Use about a teaspoon of either and make a cup of green tea with a tablespoon honey added in. Amazingly, this remedy will also have a wonderful benefit to the digestive system.
Try a drink using a large spoonful of honey together with the juice from half a lemon mixed into a cup of hot water before breakfast every morning as a cleansing tonic. Lemon and honey mixed together are a better known sore throat treatment.
Did you know that professional singers often use honey to soothe their throats before performances?
There are actually many diseases that have been found to be affected positively by Cinnamon and Honey. I will talk more about that another day.

HONEY BEES FACTS:
-Honey bees are environmentally friendly and are critical as pollinators.
-It takes about 556 workers to gather 1 pound of honey from about 2 million flowers.
-The average honey bee will actually make only one twelfth of a teaspoon of honey in its lifetime.

The more I learn about honey and bees, the more I understand why Albert Einstein would have said:

"If the bee disappears from the surface of the earth, man would have no more than four years to live."

MORE ON THOSE AWESOME BEES

I want to clarify before I go any further talking about honey, that I am speaking about RAW HONEY. Not only RAW but hopefully, unfiltered if at all possible. Raw honey is characterized by fine, textured crystals. Raw honey looks milkier and contains particles and flecks made of bee pollen and propilis (and maybe even a few bees knees!). Raw and unfiltered honey is relatively low in moisture content (14%-18%) and has a high antioxidant level. It will usually granulate and crystallize after a month or two.
To be truly raw, honey must not be heated to more than 118 degrees Fahrenheit. Higher heat will destroy the nutrients and greatly lessen the value we can have from raw honey.
Raw honey will keep indefinitely. There seems to be no expiration date. There are reports that archaeologists found jars that were over 2000 years old in Egyptian tombs and that they still tasted delicious and tested well for human consumption. Apparently honey was even used to preserve the bodies.
Bees have been producing honey for around 30 million years. It is the only insect that produces food eaten by man. Honey is a pre-digested food (a process done by the bees) that enters the blood stream directly producing energy quickly, unlike refined sugars which have to be digested.
For many years, I have been able to source our raw honey from an awesome beekeeper near where we live. As I said in my previous blog entry "Those Bees Are Awesome", using Wally's honey has led to some amazing discoveries. Honey has become our only sweetener, our prime healer of wounds and burns, an energy booster and part of achieving an up-and-running immune system.
I have personally witnessed a deep leg ulcer in a young man, instantly become pain free and begin to heal when raw honey was poured in. The ulcer had been very long standing and had signs of infection at the time. The honey healed it completely with no scar after only a few days of applying honey.
Five years ago, I myself caught all the fingers of my right hand in the slats of an automatic garage door, cutting them to the bone. As I coated the bleeding wounds with honey, the pain subsided to a dull throb. I wrapped them in clean gauze and went on to attend my college class. I applied fresh honey and wraps every few hours . Within hours the wounds were beginning to close, within days I no longer needed to wrap them as they were dry and healing well. My fingers have healed completely . No scars and with total mobility. I never needed to seek medical aid for that accident nor did I use anything but honey to cleanse and heal.
I myself have seen burns large and small, quickly healed. There will be a slight stinging experienced at the time of applying honey to the wound or burn, but it quickly subsides and seems to result in having had a cleansing affect on the area. Healing begins immediately.

More on the wonders of Bees and Honey soon.

"Unique among all God's creatures, only the honeybee improves the environment and preys not on any other species." -Royden Brown

Friday, August 22, 2008

LETS TALK ABOUT TEETH

I brush my teeth with soap and have done so for over seven years.
I had already been using "natural" toothpaste for a long time.
Having cancer had caused me to seriously look at why so many of us are getting it.
I found that personal care products are a big contributor and that the ingredients in most tooth pastes are highly suspect.
I also began to wonder-why do our teeth decay?
As I sought answers, I began to see that like every other part of us, our teeth were made to be healthy and renew their own well being.
The past seven years in my own life and the lives of others I am close to has been proof enough for me.
DID YOU KNOW that using tooth soap allows the re-mineralization of the teeth? That's right. Our teeth if given the right circumstances will actually re-enamel themselves using the calcium and phosphorus ions in our saliva. This includes actually HEALING our cavities. Amazing isn't it, that supported by a good diet and with NO external interference, our bodies can actually HEAL OUR TEETH!
I actually believe that much of the need for dental work, including braces, is a result of our dietary breakdown and the type of oral care we have used in the past century.
Even using the natural tooth pastes containing glycerin, which coats the teeth, prevents the re-mineralization process.
As I have used tooth soap, my teeth have healed and produced no new cavities. I had a series of sensitive holes in my teeth along the gum line that the dentist said were a result of brushing too hard. Using the tooth soap has allowed these holes to fill in and they are no longer sensitive.
I always had a serious problem with plaque building up. The plaque is being prevented and actually removed by brushing with the soap! This is such GOOD NEWS.
Our family also uses a combination of Celtic sea salt and pure natural soda to give more whitening as needed.
There are lots of mainstream medical literature and professional research journals that contain information supporting re-mineralization. Many hundreds of people can testify to the miraculous healing power for our teeth, built right into our bodies. Our teeth WILL re-enamel themselves given the right conditions. tooth soap is part of the right condition.

Some good reading material that I can recommend:

GOOD TEETH BIRTH TO DEATH by Dr. Judd - He has done extensive research and provides many graphs and charts.

NUTRITIONAL AND PHYSICAL DEGENERATION by Weston Price - He shows that we must look to past cultures for answers.

PERFECT PRESCRIPTION TOOTH SOAP is a source for a wonderful tooth soap product and online excerpts from these authors.

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

COD LIVER OIL - YUCK!!!!!

As Mom's, we always want the best for our children.
I have to admit that there were times when that desire resulted in some pretty yucky tasting, if "HEALTHY" experiences in our home.
How very grateful I am now to have a product, once again sourced from Dr. Ben Kim, that I consider essential to health.
This wonderful COD LIVER OIL has a lemon taste that makes it very easy to use. As with the GREENS you need to take it daily. Carlson"s Cod Liver Oil is, I believe, the best on the market. The oil is from cod harvested off the coast of Norway. It is the best due to the optimal amounts of EPA and DHA, the strict guidelines they follow for purity (keeping their oil free of chemical modification and contaminants like mercury or lead) and the addition of extra vitamin E to protect the freshness and potency of the oil.
Carlson's test their fish oil regularly for potency and purity by an independent,FDA registered laboratory and found them to be free of detectable levels of mercury, cadmium, lead, PCB's and 28 other contaminants. These are all important considerations because there is no doubt that all brands of fish oil are not the same and you really do get what you pay for.
I will allow you to read the words of Dr. Ben Kim, to help you understand more about this wonderful oil.
If you would like ordering information please feel free to email me at hiswayforhealth@yahoo.ca
When you have finished reading, take a look at the awesome cod at the bottom of this page!


The Health Benefits of Cod Liver Oil and Fish Oil


By Ben Kim, D.C.

One of the best additions that my wife and I have made to our diets over the past few years has been cod liver oil. Why has cod liver oil become a permanent part of our healthy food plan? It is one of the most reliable and concentrated food sources of four nutrients that are essential to your health: DHA, EPA, vitamin A, and vitamin D. These four nutrients are needed for:

  • Healthy skin
  • Strong bones and teeth
  • Healthy joints
  • A healthy cardiovascular system
  • A healthy nervous system and prevention of depression and other mood disorders
  • A healthy lining for your digestive tract

DHA is a fatty acid that is essential to the health of your nervous system and eyes. It is vital to preventing depression. If you suffer from intermittent or chronic depression, this is one nutrient that you want to get every single day. If you want to get pregnant or are pregnant, you need to eat foods with DHA on a regular basis in order to support proper development of your baby’s nervous system and prevent depression during pregnancy and after the baby arrives. I am convinced that the vast majority of cases of post partum (after delivery) depression can be avoided just by taking cod liver oil each day.

EPA is a fatty acid that promotes a healthy cardiovascular system and decreases inflammation throughout your body. Its anti-inflammatory properties makes EPA especially helpful to people who suffer with arthritis. EPA is also closely linked with your emotional health, with many studies showing that it plays a strong role in preventing depression.

Vitamin A is necessary for proper vision, healthy skin, and strong mucosal linings, including the lining of your digestive tract. Many skin and digestive disorders cannot fully heal without a reliable supply of vitamin A.
Vitamin D is essential to maintaining strong bones and teeth. It enhances the strength and efficiency of your immune system, which decreases your risk of developing autoimmune conditions. Vitamin D helps your body regulate its blood sugar levels, playing an important role in preventing type II diabetes. Finally, vitamin D is one of several nutrients that are necessary for preventing high blood pressure.

My wife and I use a lemon flavoured variety of cod liver oil made by Carlson Labs. For the past twenty years, Carlson has been providing exceptionally high quality cod liver oil by using only cod that are harvested from clean arctic waters off the coast of northern Norway. These cold ocean waters contain the ideal nutrients for the growth of healthy cod, rich in the nutrients mentioned above.

During the fishing season, cod are gathered and brought to the fishery everyday, where workers immediately remove the liver oil from the liver tissues. Many other types of cod liver oil are not made on a daily basis because they come from cod that are caught by large boats which are out on the ocean for 1-2 weeks, making it impossible to make as fresh a product. This is an important point, as the freshness and nutritional content of cod liver oil depends largely on how quickly the oil is removed from the liver tissue.

Carlson uses a special steam extraction process that produces a super high quality oil that doesn’t have a bad taste or smell like some other varieties. As soon as the oil is produced, it is put into 2.5 ton containers that have nitrogen pumped into them. Nitrogen is necessary to remove any oxygen in the containers, another important step that is taken to maximize freshness, as oxygen can damage the valuable fatty acids in cod liver oil.

Ultimately, purified cod liver oil that is rich in nutrients and naturally occurring antioxidants is bottled in Norway and nitrogen-sealed, which ensures that there is no air in the oil or bottle. Many other providers of cod liver oil have it shipped to the U.S. in large drums, to be bottled later to save on costs. Having the cod liver oil bottled in Norway is another step taken to ensure freshness, eliminating the potential for problems that could come up during storage or shipping.

I appreciate that Carlson Cod Liver Oil is regularly tested using AOAC international protocols for purity and potency by an independent, FDA registered laboratory. These tests regularly confirm that Carlson Cod Liver Oil is free of detectable levels of mercury, cadmium, lead, PCB’s and 28 other contaminants.

If you are anxious about the taste, not to worry. Carlson Cod Liver Oil has a natural lemon flavour added to it, which makes it totally fine to take before or during your meals. We prefer to take it right before lunch or dinner in order to facilitate optimal assimilation of the healthy fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the foods that we eat.

If you’re thinking about taking capsules instead of the liquid, I highly encourage you to try the liquid for a month. Through my own experimenting and observing my patients over the years, I have found that taking the pure liquid produces superior results compared to taking gel capsules.

Please note: For most people, a safe dosage of cod liver oil is approximately two teaspoons per day. Two teaspoons will provide you with the following:

Nutrients in 2 teaspoons of Carlson Cod Liver Oil

DHA (DocosaHexaenoic Acid)

1000 to 1180 mg



EPA (EicosaPentaenoic Acid)

680 to 1000 mg



ALA (Alpha-Linolenic Acid)

80 to 100 mg



Vitamin A

1600 IU



Vitamin D

800 IU



Vitamin E (natural d-alpha tocopherol and mixed tocopherols)

20 IU




If you want to take more than two teaspoons per day, I recommend that you visit your doctor or a laboratory where you can have your vitamin D status tested. Having too much vitamin D in your blood can be harmful to your health


WHY GREENS?

I have come to believe in as little supplementation as possible.
Eating LIVE, WHOLE, and CLOSE TO THE GROUND is best.
Buy well, process minimally.
In the past, I have sourced, used and helped people find a huge variety of quality supplements.
I had the privilege of working in a wonderful whole food market.
What I discovered in those years, was that huge money can be spent with little or no benefit. It is so easy to throw the body systems off balance even with the use of supplements.
Thankfully there is a simple, affordable answer.
For many years, my family and I have used an amazing green food powder that brings balance and health to the body. What this powder offers is complete and sufficient to build and cleanse on a daily basis. I believe it supplies what the food in our world is unable to give us in the way of nutrients. I am very grateful for the opportunity to purchase what I know to be a quality product at such a good price. I have decided to let Dr. Ben Kim's own words speak to you about his GREENS.
If you would like more information about how to purchase the Greens after you read Ben Kim's article, please feel free to contact me by email.




Super Green Food:

The Highest Quality Vitamin, Mineral, & Probiotic Supplement
That I Can Recommend


One of the most frequent questions that I am asked is what I think of using vitamins and other nutritional supplements.

I believe that eating fresh, high quality food, locally grown whenever possible, should be the first dietary priority in every person's life. There isn’t a single nutritional supplement in this world that can do more for your health than a well-balanced, minimally processed diet can.

With that said, there is one whole food nutritional product that I can recommend without hesitation. It’s a green food mixture that is the highest quality and most effective nutritional supplement that I have ever tried.

I started using this green food mixture on a regular basis in the spring of 2003. I was so impressed with the quality of this product and the improvement that I noticed with my own health that I eventually began using it at my clinic in the treatment of a variety of chronic health conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, headaches, degenerative and rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and even heart disease.

After receiving plenty of positive feedback from many people who now use it on a regular basis like I do, I contacted the natural health company that created it more than 17 years ago. Once I told them about my positive clinical results with the greens, they were extremely gracious in agreeing to offer it through our Web site. Together, their company and I share a common goal of providing these greens to as many people as possible at the most affordable price available anywhere.

Here are a few of the many reasons why I personally use this green food mixture every day and can give it my highest recommendation:

  • It is 100 percent organic and wild-crafted whole food - it does not contain any synthetic vitamins, chemicals, or preservatives.
  • It does not contain any fillers. Many other green food products contain large amounts of apple pectin, rice starch, bran, lecithin, ground seeds, grains, and other materials that allow manufacturers to use less expensive green vegetables. Our green food mixture has only organic and wild-crafted green vegetables, which is what makes it so dense in nutrients and effective at supporting optimal nourishment and cleansing.
  • It contains a comprehensive combination of probiotics. These friendly and health promoting intestinal bacteria are critical to experiencing optimal health.
  • It contains a comprehensive mixture of digestive enzymes that can significantly enhance digestive efficiency and decrease unnecessary burden on the digestive organs, particularly the liver and pancreas.
  • It ensures optimal nourishment of one's cells with the numerous health-promoting antioxidants and phytochemicals that naturally occur in green vegetables. These nutrients are easily absorbed into the bloodstream, just like the nutrients in freshly pressed green vegetable juices are.
  • Ounce for ounce, it is one of the least expensive green food products available throughout North America – amazing when you consider its exceptional quality and the fact that it has no fillers.

Why do I recommend that just about everyone who can afford to do so take a high quality super green food product on a daily basis? Because doing so is likely to lead to the following health benefits:

  • Strengthening of one's immune system
  • Improvement in mental focus and clarity
  • Increase in energy level
  • Improvement in digestion
  • Healthier, softer skin
  • Stabilization of blood sugar level and blood pressure
  • Reduction of and sometimes complete recovery from food-related and seasonal allergies
  • Detoxification of heavy metals, pesticides, and other toxins that have accumulated over time

Many health practitioners recommend taking spirulina and chlorella, both of which have significant health-enhancing properties. Our super green food mixture contains both of these algae, along with all of the organic land and sea vegetables listed below.

Again, I firmly believe that nothing can substitute for a minimally processed, whole food diet. But if you are looking for just one natural health food product that can significantly enhance your health, I highly recommend that you try our greens.

100 percent organic and wild-crafted ingredients found in Dr. Ben Kim’s Greens

Land Vegetables: Whole Leaf Barley Grass,Whole Leaf Wheat Grass, Nettle Leaf, Shavegrass (Horsetail), Alfalfa Leaf Juice, Dandelion Leaf Juice, Barley Grass Juice, Oat Grass Juice, Burdock Root, Broccoli Juice, Kale Juice, Spinach Juice, Parsley Juice, Carob Pod, Ginger Root, Nopal Cactus, Amla Berry

Algae: Spirulina, Broken Cell Wall Chlorella

Sea Vegetables: Icelandic Kelp, Nova Scotia Dulse

Enzyme Complex: Amylase, Lipase, Protease, Cellulase, Bromelain, Papain, Alpha-Galactosidase

The above ingredients provide a whole food source of the following nutrients:

Calcium, the entire B complex, soluble and insoluble fiber, a full spectrum of trace and major minerals, hundreds of carotenoids, truly natural vitamin C, chlorophyll, tens of thousands of phytonutrients, and much more.

Comprehensive Probiotic Mixture – Health-Enhancing Intestinal Bacteria Includes Exclusive NSO™ (Natural Soil Organisms) and Implantable Species.
A. Agilis, L. Acidophilus, R. Arrhizus, DDS-1 Acidophilus, Bifidus, L. Bulgaricus, A. Brasilienese, B. Brenis, P. Chrysosporium, A. Citreus, L. Casei, P. Calcis, S. Cellulasae, P. Denitrificans, S. Faecium, S. Fradiae, P. Flourescens, A. Globiformis, S. Griseoflavus, P. Gelatic, B. Lipolyticum, A. Luteus, A. Lipoferum, A. Lwolfii, B. Laterosporous, P. Marinoglutinosa, , B. Macerans, P. Nigraclens, P. Putida, L. Plantarum, B. Pumilus, B. Polymyxa, B. Stationis, L. Salivarius, B. Subtilus, B. Succinogenes, A. Simplex, B. Subtilus, S. Thermopolis , A. Terreus, M. Verrucaria, T. Viride. , K. Zopfit.

Suggested Usage: Start with one teaspoon per day and increase gradually over two weeks to one tablespoon (three teaspoons) per day. One level tablespoon per day equals a 53-day supply. Can be mixed with water or juice, preferably freshly squeezed vegetable juice. Can also be blended with a fruit smoothie.

If you experience temporary beneficial cleansing reactions such as loose stools, reduce daily intake to one teaspoon or less, and gradually increase to one tablespoon over a two-week period.

Because our super green food mixture is organic food, it is non-toxic and can be taken in larger amounts if intense cleansing and nourishment are desired.



Monday, August 11, 2008

THE BASICS

For over 35 years I have passionately sought natural answers for health and healing.
As a Mother of 7 and a Grandmother of 9, I have had many challenges and opportunities to further the passion.
Over the years, I have come to believe that there are simple and reasonable ways to have power over our lives and health.
Our medical paradigm can be a discouraging place to be when you are sick. Often they have limited answers.
Having experienced cancer twice myself, I am incredibly grateful for the alternative answers.
In this article, I will give you a list of what I call THE BASICS.
I must confess that over the past 35 years, I have been extreme, fanatical, spent wasted money and gone to the ridiculous. Though I am still learning, I now know to keep it simple, keep it reasonable and most importantly, TRUST in the incredible bodies we live in.
Given what it needs, our body can overcome disease and slow the aging process.

The BASICS is just a list of what I believe we need to have to do just that.
Some of it we need to do everyday, some, much less often. Some of the Basics build our bodies, some of them cleanse, some of them both build and cleanse.

I first address the nutritional aspect of life. I believe that if we give our bodies what they need to physically do life well, we have a foundation from which we can address everything else.

THE LIST OF THE BASICS:

Greens
Cod Liver Oil
Raw Honey
Hemp hearts
Chia Seed
Wolf/Goji Berries
Psyllium Seeds
Celtic Sea Salt
Green Chai Tea
Live Foods
Parasite Cleanse
Bowel Cleanse
Lymphatic/Liver/Urinary Cleanse
Pau'Darco Tea
Essiac Tea
Apricot Kernals

There you have it for today. I will talk about each of these in turn.

The BASICS also includes a broader list about our home environment, relationships, exercise and care options. Remember, Natural changes take time, be patient with the process.
Please feel free to email me at hiswayforhealth@yahoo.ca at any time.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

THOSE BEES ARE AWESOME

I am so excited to tell you about the wonders of these tiny creatures.
Actually that very statement about bees being awesome was made by two of my grandchildren about 7 years ago. The girls were visiting with me for a few days. I had just removed a clay pan filled with our supper from a 450 degree oven and placed it on the counter. The younger of the two raised up on tiptoe and tried to look into the pan. In doing so she caught her tiny chin on the edge of the pan. There was an immediate blister and a howl of pain. I quickly grabbed my jar of raw honey and scooped some into my hand and rested her chin in it. Within seconds she had stopped crying and became still. Shortly there after she said to me, it doesn't hurt anymore Grandma. We proceeded with dinner and as we sat at the table I noticed that the blister had disappeared. I applied more honey at the end of the meal and by bedtime the burn was but a bright pink spot without pain. As I applied another few drops of honey the girls and I talked about how the bees had made this honey for us, causing them both to joyfully exclaim-THOSE BEES ARE AWESOME. By morning the spot where the burn had been was barely visible.
I have had many more opportunities to feel that way as I have personally witnessed the incredible healing powers of honey. From a deep leg ulcer that would not heal, to a set of fingers cut to the bone in the slats of a garage door, to multiple gashes and burns I have seen honey heal deeply and quickly without medical intervention and leaving no scars.
Without question, honey is the best salve for bee and insect stings.
I have much more to share with you about this nectar from heaven in the days ahead.

MY PRECIOUS CHILD

WHAT DO YOU VALUE?

IT ALL COMES DOWN TO LIFE CHOICES, TO PRIORITIES.

If you don't have health- what do you have to base your life on?
Sadly we live in a very toxic world. Our Air, our Water,our Food,all full of toxins.
We have a poor diet, even trying to make good choices. The reason for that is poor supply.
Sadly much of the time, it comes down to Money VS Health.

THE GOOD NEWS- THERE IS A WAY OUT!!

WE CAN CLEANSE

WE CAN BUILD UP

WE CAN CHOOSE TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY

There are simple ways that we can change our life and regain the power to live longer and with health.

A little time and effort will bring wonderful results.

We need to have FAITH in the incredible mechanism that we have been gifted with to dwell in.

More soon on how to keep it SIMPLE, BASIC AND AFFORDABLE