10 Tips to Stay Healthy on Vacation

Holidays and vacations are well-deserved breaks from routine. Food and alcohol play a large part in many vacations while other travelers dedicate their free time to sports and hiking. Vacations are a time to relax and discover new cities and cultures. Some of those adventures could end in injuries and illness if you don’t plan ahead. And sampling tasty cuisine in restaurants day after day can pack on a few extra pounds in a short time! Avoid injuries, infections and weight gain by using common sense during your trip.

Follow these 10 tips to stay healthy on vacation.

1. Plan in Advance

Staying healthy on vacation is a lot easier when you plan in advance.

Do research on the restaurants in the city you’re visiting. Check guidebooks, travel articles and forums, and ask friends for advice. Most restaurants have an online menu, so you’ll be able to check out healthy options before you even arrive at your destination.

Eat a big meal before heading out to the airport. You’ll be less tempted to eat at the food court or buy snacks, which will save you money as well as calories.

2. Take a First Aid Kit

Pack a first aid kit before you leave on your trip. Include Neosporin, band-aids and gauze for cuts and scrapes, aspirin or Ibuprofen, Imodium for diarrhea and Benadryl for allergies (and as a sleep aid), tweezers, antiseptic towelettes and sunscreen. It’s a good idea to pack extra prescription medication in case your return home is delayed. Many factors contribute to the items you’ll need in your kit. A vacation backpacking in India requires more items than a kit for taking in Broadway shows in New York City. Resist the urge to skip a DIY first aid kit. Buying these items when/if you need them may be expensive – especially if you buy them at the hotel gift shop.

3. Stay Healthy on Vacation by Supplementing Your Insurance

If you’re traveling abroad, check your medical insurance before you leave. If you suffer a major injury or illness, treatment in a foreign hospital could cost tens of thousands of dollars. Ask your health insurance company if you need to buy a supplemental policy. Many companies provide insurance for people traveling overseas. Travel.state.gov  offers information about securing insurance for U.S. and foreign destinations as well as medical evacuation.

4. Stay Healthy on Vacation by Preparing for Your Cruise

Cruises have been in the news lately for all the wrong reasons. Outbreaks of norovirus, measles, rubella and other diseases have plagued some cruises. Avoid measles, mumps, rubella and similar diseases by making sure your vaccinations are up to date. Some destinations may require certain vaccinations and other health paperwork. Check the CDC’s(http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list ) website for details.

Avoid the nausea, diarrhea and vomiting caused by norovirus by washing your hands with soap and water. Wash up after eating, holding doorknobs, railings or items other people have touched, using the bathroom or changing diapers. If soap and water isn’t available, use hand sanitizer. (There are hand sanitizer dispensers throughout major cruise ships.)

If you have a chronic illness, bring extra medication with you and check with your doctor before your trip regarding any health precautions you should take. It’s also a good idea to get a flu shot before taking a cruise. Respiratory illnesses spread quickly on cruise ships.

When visiting ports of call, eat only cooked food and drink from sealed container. Eat fruit you’ve washed and peeled yourself and avoid using ice.

5. Hydrate

How much water you drink influences your overall health and energy and your digestion. Drink the same amount of water while traveling as you do at home. If you don’t hydrate, you’ll become sluggish and constipated. It’s unpleasant enough to be constipated at home, but traveling makes it even worse. Drink water on the plane instead of alcohol, which dehydrates you. (If you do drink alcohol, consume one glass of water for each alcoholic beverage.) Carry bottled water with you while in transit.

6. Get Enough Fiber in Your Diet

Maintaining proper digestion can be difficult at home if you don’t exercise or eat right. If you don’t take precautions, irregularity will become a bigger problem when you travel. Sitting on long flights or train rides, driving for hours at a stretch and eating leisurely, exotic meals slow down your metabolism and your digestive system.

Order fruit or a side salad with meals and eat it before the main course. This will ensure you get some fiber with each meal. Eating fruit, salad, nuts, seeds and whole grains will help you stay healthy on vacation. Carry a bag of sunflower seeds or trail mix with you on hikes or long days sightseeing.

7. Get Up and Move Around!

Most vacations end to be sedentary – you sit on a tour bus, in restaurants, at a plays or concerts – and you may not get enough exercise. A short session on the treadmill in the hotel gym won’t be enough to fulfill your daily activity quotient, so walk whenever you can. Take the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator, and don’t sit for long periods. You can set your cell phone to vibrate every 30 minutes as an exercise reminder.

Stay Healthy on Vacation with These Exercise Tips

• Engage in fun physical activities with family and friends instead of taking formal tours and sitting on a bus for hours. Walk or bike through the city or take a “hop on, hop off” tour. These tours combine a formal seated bus tour with several stops that allow tourists to explore on their own and then return to the bus at a scheduled time. Better yet, take a walking tour, and be sure to bring bottled water or healthy snacks with you.

• Spend more time in the sunshine!  Sunlight is the best source of Vitamin D, the happiness vitamin. If your vacation involves late nights, casinos, museums, restaurants and mostly indoor activities, schedule a few hours every day to go outdoors, weather permitting. The sunshine and fresh air will boost your mood and give you more energy.

• Pack resistance bands, a jump rope, a foot roller, yoga mat or other light exercise equipment. You’ll be more inclined to exercise if you bring some of your own equipment from home. You may even bring roller blades, a bike or skateboard, depending on where ( and how) you’re traveling.

8. Eat Smaller Portions and Be Mindful of What You Eat

While you want to be mindful of the food you eat on vacation, don’t go overboard asking about ingredients or calorie count. If you’re traveling abroad, declining certain foods may be considered rude! When you eat alone, order healthy foods and eat small portions, but when you’re out with friends or family, it’s fine to indulge. After all, you’re on vacation!  Balance your food intake by sticking close to your at-home diet 80% of the time, and enjoying unusual local food 20% of the time. A few high-calorie meals or treats won’t harm your health or make you gain weight if you eat sensibly most of your vacation.

Vacation Tips for Healthy Eating

• Use a small plate when eating at a buffet. You won’t be tempted to pile on as much food. If you can’t resist sampling cheesecake, pasta or fried chicken, share the goodies with a friend.

• When eating in restaurants, limit high-fat items. These dishes are described as being creamy or creamed, fried, buttery, breaded or crispy. Choose low-calorie entrées that are roasted, grilled, charbroiled, stir-fried or poached.

• If you’re driving to your destinations, plan pit stops around sit-down restaurants or Mom and Pop diners instead of fast food chains. If this isn’t possible, stick to salads (without dressing), veggie burgers, turkey burgers or grilled fast food items. Fast-food franchises list calorie totals of all menu items on their websites and in restaurants. Be safe and check calorie totals on the internet before you leave for your trip.

9. Avoid the Bar and the Mini-Bar

Beware of long nights at the bar. This is a lot easier said than done if you’re on vacation in Las Vegas, but pace yourself if you’re drinking with friends. Set a limit and stick to it. Avoid mixed drinks – they’re high in calories (a Long Island Iced Tea has 780 calories; a Pina Colada 644). Opt instead for red wine, a half-pint of beer or a mojito (without sugar syrup). If you prefer hard liquor straight, a shot of tequila is only 65 calories, and malt whisky is only 75 calories a serving. Drink water before going out to the bar to fill up so you drink less alcohol. Lock up the mini-bar if there’s one in your hotel room and stock up on bottled water instead.

10. Rent a Room with a Kitchenette and Explore Local Markets

Stay healthy on vacation by sampling local markets in your vacation destination. You’ll save money and learn about local culture. Farmer’s markets have fresh fruits, vegetables, juices and even spices.

Book a room with a kitchenette to cook foods from local markets. It’s a great way to save money and bond with your travel companions. Keep trail mix, fruit, bottled water and leftovers from the meals you’ve cooked in your mini-fridge instead of ordering room service.

Stay Healthy on Vacation with Wheatgrass!

You can take a wheatgrass supplement to get all the nutrients you need, stay regular and burn fat while on vacation. Wheatgrass is 70% chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is sometime called nature’s sunshine – it’s the pigment that makes plants green!

Chlorophyll gives wheatgrass its high value nutrients, which include calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, zinc, potassium, selenium and B-complex vitamins. Some wheatgrass supplement tablets contain extra B-complex vitamins, to give you even more energy and boost your mood before, during and after your vacation. Wheatgrass also has digestive enzymes to help you stay regular and all essential amino acids.

You can pack your wheatgrass supplements in their original bottles or a plastic baggie. Wheatgrass tablets are solid, so they aren’t included in the Liquid, Gel or Aerosol (LAG) limits. Liquid-filled soft gel capsules are forbidden under the LAG limits. Carrying a few hard supplement tablets in a plastic baggie in your carry-on luggage should pose no problem. Here’s an article(http://seniorliving.about.com/od/travelsmart/a/medicationsecur.htm ) about carrying prescription medicine, over the counter medication and supplements through airport security.

Zeal O2, REVV and Happy GirlWheatgrass Supplements Help You Stay Healthy on Vacation

Stay healthy on vacation or anytime by taking one of Wheatgrass Love’s wheatgrass supplements. If you’re new to wheatgrass tablets, we recommend taking them for a few weeks before traveling to get your body acclimated to them and to flush any toxins built up in your system.

Zeal O2 Natural Weight Loss Supplement helps flush toxins out of your body and prevents it from absorbing more. It skyrockets your energy and helps you focus by increasing blood and oxygen flow. It keeps your digestive system working efficiently so you avoid travel-related constipation. Zeal O2 has a proprietary blend to further enhance the health benefits of wheatgrass. We’ve added extra B-complex vitamins to the amount already in wheatgrass to keep your energy steady and battle the effects of jet lag. Our herbal blend contains cayenne pepper, green tea extract, ginger, gingko biloba and several other herbs to fight inflammation and give you more energy. Ginger is also great for the respiratory system, offering more protection from illness if you’re taking a cruise. Citrus Aurantium (bitter orange) increases your fat-burning capacity safely so you can maintain your weight on vacation without raising your blood pressure or heart rate. Order Zeal O2here: http://wheatgrasslove.com/products/zeal-buy-now

REVV Natural Energy Supplement gives you energy for sightseeing, hiking and other vacation activities. We take the power of high-grade wheatgrass and brain-boosting periwinkle herb and combine it with cocoa, caffeine, and L-taurine to make tasty chocolate mint wafers. Take REVV wafers as needed to boost your energy and mood on vacation or at home. OrderREVV Energy Supplement here: http://wheatgrasslove.com/products/revv-buy-now

Stay healthy on vacation with REVV, Zeal O2 and HappyGirl!

HappyGirl Natural Mood Enhancing Supplement uses the same high-grade wheatgrass as REVV and Zeal O2 to provide overall health benefits and skyrocket your energy. The additional B-complex vitamins help neutralize mood swings and keep you sharp and focused. That’s important while you’re traveling, especially if you have to stand in long security lines or rush to make connecting flights. HappyGirl‘s herbal blend includes green tea extract, ginger, cayenne pepper, fo-ti, gotu kola and ginseng to boost emotional and mental health and increase physical endurance. Order HappyGirl here:http://wheatgrasslove.com/products/happygirl-buy-now

To place an order or ask any questions about REVV, Zeal O2 or HappyGirl,call us at 877-303-1717. We’re so confident you’ll like Wheatgrass Love products, we offer a 365-day, complete satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not happy with our product, return it for a full refund.

14 Healthy Snacks for Weight Loss

 

Snacking between meals is usually associated with poor food choices and obesity, but choosing healthy snacks can help you lose weight, burn more fat and even curb your appetite. Fruits, whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds provide a low-calorie, high-nutrient boost for dieters between meals. With a little creativity, you can combine one or more healthy foods into a delicious, fat-burning snack. Try these 14 healthy snacks for weight loss.

1. Bananas and Peanut Butter

For enough protein to keep you going all day long, and carbs for a quick burst of energy, dip banana slices (or a whole banana) in peanut butter. A medium banana has 105 calories, and is loaded with fiber, potassium, Vitamin C and energy-spiking Vitamin B6. Researchers have found that peanut butter makes dieters feel full, curbing their desire to overeat. If you’re out of bananas, you can dip apple slices in peanut butter or spread it on Wheat Thins or whole-wheat bagels.

Eating a snack containing peanut butter or peanuts can stop hunger cravings for up to two and a half hours! A tablespoon of peanut butter has 90 calories and contains antioxidant-rich Vitamin E, magnesium for bones and Vitamin B6 to boost energy and immunity. And peanut butter provides monounsaturated fats – the “good” fats that promote heart health and help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol. Choose low salt, low sugar or organic peanut butter over popular supermarket brands to avoid extra calories.

2. Greek Yogurt with Walnuts and Apple Slices

A cup of Greek yogurt with sliced apples and walnuts is a low-calorie breakfast or anytime healthy snack for weight loss. Greek yogurt is thicker and creamier than regular yogurt. It’s packed with probiotics to keep you regular and Vitamin B12 for energy and better brain function. One cup fat-free Greek yogurt is 120 calories. Add apple slices for their freshness, fiber and high Vitamin C content, and sprinkle on crushed walnuts to provide crunch, antioxidants and heart-healthy Omega 3 fatty acids.

3. Plain Popcorn with Cayenne Pepper

Make plain, air popped popcorn or pop on the stove using olive or canola oil. Avoid butter, salt, caramel and other high-calorie flavorings. Instead, sprinkle popcorn with fat-burning cayenne pepper or nutty-tasting nutritional yeast (which has plenty of Vitamin B12). A single cup of air-popped popcorn has a mere 31 calories, and 3.6 grams of fiber. It also has mood-enhancing magnesium and Vitamin B6, plus iron to help your body make healthy red blood cells.

4. Oatmeal with Blueberries

Fiber-rich oatmeal regulates blood sugar and fills you up to prevent you from overeating at the next meal. A cup of plain oatmeal has 166 calories and is high in potassium and calcium. Add fresh blueberries for sugar-free sweetness and plenty of inflammation-fighting Vitamin C. One ounce of blueberries has 16 calories and contains potassium, manganese and heart healthy Omega 3 fatty acids.

For more nutrients,use groats instead of oatmeal. Whole oat groats contain B-vitamins, magnesium, selenium, potassium, zinc and copper. They are unprocessed and contain the whole unhulled grain. Whole oat groats take much longer to cook than steel-cut or rolled oatmeal – an hour or more, but the extra time is well worth it for the health benefits. Groats help protect against cardiovascular disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. You can find groats at some health food stores.

5. Dark Chocolate

You don’t have to give up chocolate to lose weight. Trade in sugar and preservative-laden milk chocolate bars for unsweetened dark chocolate to satisfy your sweet tooth. Dark chocolate is actually good for you! It has healthy fats, which prevent the insulin spikes that harm your body’s ability to burn fat. A study conducted at the University of Copenhagen indicated that eating a small amount of dark chocolate on regular basis curbs your appetite and reduces the desire to eat sugary, salty or fatty foods.

Keep a bar of dark chocolate with you for a mid-afternoon snack. One ounce of dark chocolate has 155 calories, much less than gooey milk chocolate concoctions. Dark chocolate contains iron, magnesium, potassium, fiber and a small amount of Vitamin B12. Full of polyphenols and other cell-protecting antioxidants, dark chocolate (in small amounts) will help you burn fat and keep you healthy. For best nutritional value, buy organic dark chocolate with a 70% or higher cocoa content.

6. Kale Chips

It’s easy to make your own crunchy kale chips. Cut kale into small pieces and remove the stems. Wash and dry with a salad spinner. Sprinkle with your favorite seasoning (sea salt, cayenne pepper, 21 seasonings blend, etc) and olive oil. Bake on a cookie sheet in the oven at 350 degrees until crisp.

7. Grapes

With only 100 calories per 3.5 ounces, grapes are healthy snacks for weight loss. They fill you up fast due to their water content. Grapes offer many phytonutrients and antioxidants to prevent inflammation and disease. Quercetin, catechins, resveratrol and beta-carotene are just a few of the nutrients available in different grape varieties. Grapes are high in Vitamin K (necessary for bone health and blood clotting),potassium and energy-producing Vitamin B2.

Choose from green, red or blue/black grapes. You can store grapes in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for a treat during hot summer days. Eat grapes plain, in a fruit salad with sliced melons, apples and berries, or with yogurt.

8. Peaches

Like grapes and other fruits high in water, peaches fill you up without adding many calories to your daily total. A small peach has 38 calories, and is a great source of Vitamin A, Vitamin C and fiber. Peaches have free radical fighting antioxidants to help prevent cardiovascular disease and diabetes. They also contain selenium, a mineral that guards against cell damage. The beta-carotene in peaches keeps your skin glowing and may guard against age-related vision loss. Eat a fresh, juicy peach as a snack or add sliced peaches to oatmeal or cereal.  Mix peach cubes or slices with other fruits to make a salad or add to yogurt.

9. Trail Mix with Seeds, Nuts and Dark Chocolate Chips

You can lose weight and boost energy by making your own trail mix. Choose from the following healthy ingredients:

Sunflower Seeds

Pumpkin Seeds

Dark Chocolate Chips

Walnuts

Cashews

Pistachios

Sesame Seeds

Flaxseeds

Raisins

Peanuts

Preservative and sugar-free dried fruit

Plain, air-popped popcorn

Nuts and seeds are loaded with antioxidants, fiber, Vitamin E and protein. A quarter cup of walnuts has 113% of the daily recommended value of heart-healthy Omega 3’s and 51% of a day’s manganese. Cashews and sesame seeds are high in copper, magnesium, manganese and zinc. Sunflower seeds are high in magnesium, energy-producing Vitamin B6 and iron.

Always use plain, unprocessed nuts and seeds. Include more seeds and nuts than dried fruits, which can dramatically increase calories if used to excess. Combine all items in an air tight container (or Ziploc bag) and shake until well-blended. Store in a cool, dry place.

Always keep servings to a quarter-cup. Mindlessly munching trail mix (like anything else) will disrupt your diet.

10. Hard Boiled Egg with Cayenne Pepper

Eggs aren’t just for breakfast. They’re one of the most nutritious healthy snacks for weight loss. A large, hard boiled egg has 77 calories, 6 grams of protein and branched chain amino acids (leucine, isoleucine and valine) to build muscle. And eggs have four B Vitamins for increased energy and enhanced mood – folate, Vitamin B12, Vitamin B2 and Vitamin B5. Eggs are one of the best sources of choline, a nutrient that is essential for cell membrane signaling and neurotransmitter synthesis.

Boil a few eggs to pack in your lunch or snack on during the week. Spice up hard boiled eggs by sprinkling them with cayenne pepper. This hot flavorings contain capsaicin, a fat-burning compound found in chili peppers. The capsaicin helps curb your appetite so you won’t be tempted to eat too much later in the day. For lunch or dinner, add a few hard boiled egg slices to salads or make a sandwich with capers, parsley, garlic, bell pepper and hard boiled egg slices on a whole wheat roll.

11. Seaweed

The seaweed used to wrap sushi does more than hold your spicy tuna roll in place. Seaweed contains alginate, a substance that may reduce fat absorption in the gut by 75%, according to a study by Newcastle University in the UK. Seaweed’s high in iodine, which contributes to better thyroid function. The thyroid helps regulate weight, mood and metabolism, so it’s important to eat foods that keep it healthy. You can buy seaweed (or seaweed chips to snack on) from an Asian market or health food store. Major supermarkets do carry seaweed snacks, but be sure to check the label for additives and other undesirable ingredients.

Try making your own seaweed chips using nori sheets, sesame oil, garlic and cayenne pepper. Add seaweed to salads or soups – or mix with kale chips for a crunchy, nutrient-rich treat. And you can’t beat the calorie count – two tablespoons of kelp seaweed is 4 calories; 2 tablespoons of wakame seaweed sets you back 5 calories, and a tablespoon of spirulina seaweed is 20 calories.

12. Black Beans with Salsa in a Corn Tortilla

If you like Mexican food and want to lose weight, you don’t need to miss out on some of your favorites. Black beans are high in fiber and a half-cup has only 109 calories. A small corn tortilla is 63 calories and a tablespoon of salsa is 4 calories. Put them all together for one of the best healthy snacks for weight loss. A black bean and salsa taco is filling enough to stop hunger pangs and keep you from snacking on the wrong foods later.

13. Pineapple Pops

Pineapple’s high water content and inflammation-fighting antioxidants make it one of the best healthy snacks for weight loss. A cup of fresh pineapple has 83 calories and 105% of the daily recommended values (DRV) of Vitamin C. Pineapples contain bromelain, a substance containing cysteine proteinases, digestive enzymes that aid the intestinal tract. Adding pineapples to your diet will encourage regular elimination, preventing the sluggish digestion that keeps you bloated and overweight.

Use pineapple chunks in fruit salad along with kiwi, mangoes and other tropical fruits, or combine it with shrimp and grated ginger on romaine lettuce for a refreshing summer appetizer. Squeeze juice from fresh pineapples or use unsweetened pineapple juice to make frozen pineapple pops. Mix the juice from a whole pineapple and lime juice in a blender, then pour into a bowl and stir in almond or coconut milk. Place in popsicle molds and freeze.

14. String Cheese

One serving of string cheese is 80 calories, and it contains an amino acid called tryptophan, which calms you down and helps you get to sleep faster at night. Protein-rich string cheese has no carbohydrates and is portion-controlled and easy to store in your purse or backpack. A 2011 study showed that string cheese and other dairy products are healthy snacks for weight loss programs for premenopausal women.

Healthy Snacks for Weight Loss: More Tips to Stay Slim

• Keep your refrigerator, kitchen cabinets and backpack filled with healthy snacks for weight loss. Don’t go grocery shopping when you’re hungry and always write a list to avoid impulse purchases.

• You’ll be more likely to lose weight if you eat several small meals a day. Many nutritionists suggest eating every three to five hours to prevent the hunger pangs that cause overeating.

• Include foods high in Omega 3 fatty acids (tuna, salmon, walnuts) as healthy snacks for weight loss. Omega 3’s help battle high blood pressure, anxiety and depression. A tablespoon pf plain dried walnuts is only 48 calories, and a cup of drained tuna chunks packed in water of 179 calories – much less than any processed snack from the convenience store.

• Any snack with protein- eggs, turkey, tofu or cheese – contain amino acids to sharpen your mental clarity and improve concentration.

Zeal O2, REVV and HappyGirl Wheatgrass Supplements from LifeForce Nutraceuticals Offer Nutrients to Keep You Energized During Weight Loss

Supplement your weight loss program with wheatgrass tablets for extra fat burning power and more nutrition to keep you healthy. Wheatgrass is nature’s most powerful superfood, containing hundreds of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids. Lifeforce Nutraceuticals offers three Wheatgrass Love wheatgrass products to fit your specific needs.

Zeal O2 Natural Weight Loss Supplement and Energy Booster  Get slim by eating healthy snacks for weight loss and taking Zeal O2 one to three times a day. Zeal O2 contains chlorophyll-rich wheatgrass to provide magnesium, zinc, iron, selenium, calcium and other minerals, all essential amino acids, hundreds of enzymes, Vitamins E,A,K, B-complex and C, and phytochemicals. These nutrients keep you healthy and alert during your diet and beyond. Anyone can use Zeal O2 to maintain their weight. Its herbal blend contains Citrus Aurantium (bitter orange) to help your body burn fat without adversely affecting your heart or blood pressure, goldenseal to detoxify your liver and aid circulation, cayenne pepper for more energy and fat burning ability, and over a dozen other herbs.

REVV Natural Energy Supplement – These tasty chocolate mint wafers are made with wheatgrass, cocoa, caffeine and circulation-boosting periwinkle herb to send your energy skyrocketing all day long. Wheatgrass boosts your energy naturally, so you won’t suffer from the crash and burn syndrome found in some energy drinks. The magnesium, amino acids and B-complex vitamins in wheatgrass help you stay calm while building better muscles and helping red blood cells grow to prevent anemia.

HappyGirl Natural Mood Enhancing Supplement is a 100% natural energy booster and mood enhanced formulated for women, but men and seniors can use it, too. Made with the same high-value wheatgrass as REVV and Zeal O2, HappyGirl has added B-complex vitamins to improve your mood and eliminate the ups and downs that come with your monthly cycle (or menopause). HappyGirl’s proprietary blend consists of cayenne pepper and gingko biloba to give you more energy and calm anxiety, plus damiana, gotu kola, white willow and close to a dozen more herbs, skillfully blended to reduce the effects of mild to moderate, non-clinical depression.

Read more about Lifeforce Nutraceuticals and Wheatgrass Love products or feel free to call us if you have any questions.

20 Superfoods for Stress Relief

When you’re stressed out, you won’t make the best food choices. Anxiety-ridden folks often eat cookies, candy, potato chips and other comfort foods to take their minds off their problems. This only intensifies stress, and may cause weight gain, high blood pressure or other chronic diseases. Live a calmer, healthier life by eating these 20 superfoods for stress relief.

1. Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass ranks highest on our list of superfoods for stress relief for hundreds of reasons. Wheatgrass is a young grass from the wheat family, and it’s used as a supplement for health and vitality. Wheatgrass offers anti-stress power from chlorophyll, a nutrient comprised of the mineralmagnesium. Magnesium is a proven antidote to stress and insomnia, and it’s a critical component of hundreds of enzyme reactions in your body. Wheatgrass offers all B-complex vitamins, which are necessary to maintain a good mood. Some supplements add extra B-complex vitamins to what’s already in high-grade wheatgrass for even more mood-enhancing power.

2. Ginger

When you’re feeling stressed out, eat some ginger, drink ginger tea or sprinkle some in your soup or salad. Ginger contains the antioxidant gingerol, which cleanses the body of harmful chemicals produced when we’re anxious. Used as a medicine in China, Asia and India for thousands of years, it’s excellent for treating nausea (and stress) caused by premenstrual syndrome, surgery, pregnancy or chemotherapy.

3. Green Tea

Green tea ranks with wheatgrass as one the best nutrient-heavy superfoods for stress relief. The amino acid L-theanine in green tea stimulates alpha waves in the brain,. L-theanine affects dopamine and serotonin, neurotransmitters in the brain that affect mood to help you relax during stressful times. Green tea and green tea extract contain small amounts of caffeine to boost energy gradually during the day. The L-theanine  counteracts the caffeine in green tea, helping you avoid that jittery caffeine feeling even if you drink a lot of it. The cell-protecting antioxidants in green tea include flavonoids and catechins, and Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) to give you overall health benefits.

4. Dark Chocolate

If you feel happier after eating chocolate, it’s due to more than the good taste. Studies have shown that dark chocolate reduces the stress hormone cortisol and catecholamines, hormones created by the adrenal glands as a result of stress. Researchers found that people who ate 1.4 ounces of dark chocolate every day for two weeks had significantly lower stress levels at the end of the study. Unsweetened dark chocolate has other health benefits. It’s full of flavonoids, an antioxidant proven to destroy cell-damaging free radicals and protect the body against disease. Dark chocolate also contains polyphenols, antioxidants that protect the heart from inflammation.

5. Cayenne Pepper

A chili pepper and popular “hot” spice used in Cajun cooking, cayenne pepper has been used as an herbal remedy for thousands of years. The chemical capsaicin gives cayenne pepper its heat. In the 1990s, British researchers found that cayenne pepper is a potential superfood for stress relief, fatigue and depression. The capsaicin in cayenne pepper helps increase blood flow to the brain and throughout the body, boosting mental function and energy.

You’ll find capsaicin used as an ingredient in topical creams for arthritis and nerve pain. It reduces arthritis pain by decreasing substance P in your body, preventing it from sending signals to your brain. Adding cayenne pepper to your food may help you eat less and burn calories, according to a study by Purdue University.

6. Oranges

An article in Prevention Magazine states that just the scent of oranges or other citrus fruits can relieve stress. Eating oranges, with their high Vitamin C content, reduces the stress hormone cortisol and helps you manage daily stress better. Studies conducted on rats undergoing stress indicated Vitamin C stopped the animals from showing the physical and emotional signs of stress. Any citrus fruit (or unsweetened fruit juice) can calm your nerves when anxiety strikes. And oranges are immune system boosters, guarding against colds and the flu.

7. Ginseng

Researchers have cited ginseng, along with ginkgo biloba, as a natural treatment for anxiety. One of the spice superfoods for stress relief, ginseng has been shown to prevent stress in animal studies. The saponins in ginseng affect the adrenal glands, which produce the stress hormones cortisone and adrenaline. Most people drink ginseng tea or take it as a supplement, but you can eat ginger root. Ginseng is also used as a weight loss aid and treatment for sexual dysfunction.

8. Periwinkle

Periwinkle herb contains vincamine, which is well-regarded as a memory-booster. Taking a periwinkle herb supplement or drinking periwinkle tea helps increase blood flow to the brain, enabling you to think clearly during stressful times. Periwinkle herb is used in Europe as a treatment for dementia.

9. Blueberries

Blueberries are one of the best superfoods for stress relief- or whatever ails you. They’re packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin K and manganese, but their real power lies in the phytonutrients they contain. Blueberries get their blue color from anthocyanins. One of several antioxidant groups of phytonutrients in this nutritious fruit, anthocyanins help protect cells against free radicals and offer cognitive and cardiovascular benefits. Blueberries boost brain function and memory for all age groups,  helping you stay focused during stressful times.

10. Avocados

Low in sugar and loaded with stress-reducing folate (Vitamin B9) and Vitamin B6, avocados are a tasty addition to salads and sandwiches. This nutrient-heavy superfood is also a great source of protein and fiber. Avocados are high in glutathione, an antioxidant that helps cleanse the liver and rid the body of toxins that cause anxiety.  If you develop acne or other skin problems when you’re stressed-out, the Vitamin E, Vitamin C and high oleic acid (a monosatured fatty acid) in avocados help regenerate compromised skin cells and stop irritation.

11. Salmon

Salmon is one of the best superfoods for stress relief because it contains several key nutrients, including Omega 3 fatty acids, and magnesium and B-complex vitamins. Studies have shown that foods with Omega 3 fatty acids containing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) can reduce anxiety and depression when consumed on a regular basis. B-complex vitamins help the body make mood-regulating serotonin and melatonin, an antioxidant that gives you a feeling of well-being and helps you fall asleep. Magnesium has been called nature’s “chill pill” and magnesium deficiency can cause stress, depression and insomnia.

12. Mint

Mint does more than flavor food and fresh up your mouth. Its aroma triggers the salivary glands and glands that secrete digestive enzymes. Anxiety often causes stomach problems that interfere with digestion, and mint aids the digestive process even before you’ve taken a bite. Mint’s fresh aroma can relieve stress-related nausea or headaches. Mint tea or a supplement containing mint may alleviate the fatigue and depression associated with anxiety. This study published by The Dhaka University Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, shows that mint is a mild stimulant that can aid mental function during times of stress or low energy. Studies also indicate that people who chew mint gum are more alert and have better memories than people who don’t include mint in their daily routine.

You can use mint leaves or mint extract to flavor food or make tea. Mint leaves contain stress-fighting Vitamin C, antioxidants and magnesium. It’s has dietary fiber, iron and potassium as well, nutrients you might not associate with such a delicate herb. Although considered a garnish or flavoring by many people, mint is one of the most important superfoods for stress relief.

13. Turkey

The amino acid tryptophan in turkey causes your brain to release serotonin. This hormone calms you down and relieves anxiety, negative thoughts and poor concentration. Avoid the salt and preservatives of processed turkey, which can raise blood pressure, and eat only sodium-free, organic turkey for the best anxiety-reducing benefits. Turkey contains Vitamins B12 and B6 to boost mood and energy-producing vitamins B3 and B2.

14. Pumpkin, Sunflower, and Sesame Seeds

You don’t have to give up crunchy snacks to eat healthy. Salt-free pumpkin, sunflower, and sesame seeds contain stress-relieving magnesium. Magnesium supports mood by acting as a conduit for serotonin and other neurotransmitters. You can carry a bag of seeds with you to munch on whenever you need a quick, anti-stress pick-me-up. Sunflower seeds contain tryptophan, which signals your body to produce more serotonin, and sesame seeds are high in energy-boosting Vitamin B1 and iron. A quarter cup of pumpkin seeds has 48% of the daily recommended intake of magnesium, plus 74% of the DRI of manganese to control blood sugar.

15. Cashews

A diet low in zinc(http://www.naturalnews.com/041890_chronic_anxiety_zinc_levels_copper.html) has been shown to increase anxiety disorders in some patients. A quarter cup of cashews contains 21% of the DRI of zinc and 29% of the DRI for magnesium. Don’t overdo it, though -cashews are relatively high in calories compared to other superfoods for stress relief, clocking in at 221 calories for a quarter cup. Eating cashews in moderation may provide enough zinc and magnesium to guard against anxiety. Including cashews and other nuts in your diet at least twice a week also reduces your chance of gaining weight – as long as you don’t binge!

16. Garlic

Garlic – “the stinking rose” offers dozens of health benefits. It contains antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and guard against colds, cancer and heart disease. Anxiety wreaks havoc with your immune system, and the antioxidants in garlic (including the powerful compound allicin) keep your body strong enough to stay healthy during stressful times. Garlic helps regulate blood pressure and reduces cholesterol and triglycerides. If you are prone to high blood pressure during times of stress, or if your family has a history of cardiovascular disease, increasing your intake of garlic can be a lifesaver. Tip – use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder. Like other raw vegetables, it tastes better and has more health benefits

17. Oatmeal

Oatmeal triggers serotonin production in your brain to give you a pleasant, calm feeling. Choose a canister of Quaker Oats or another brand over flavored, pre-packaged oatmeal, which usually contains sugar, artificial sweeteners or preservatives. Cooking oatmeal the old-fashioned way means it will take longer to digest, prolonging serotonin’s calming effect. Raw, unprocessed oatmeal has mood-enhancing zinc, magnesium and Vitamin B1, making it one of the best superfoods for stress relief.

Groats are the whole grain version of oats, and are usually sold only as horse feed. Groats are cut up into smaller pieces and sold as steel-cut oats. Steel cut oats take longer to cook than rolled oats, which are rolled out, flattened steamed groats. Most oatmeal sold in stores is rolled; steel cut oats and groats are healthier. You can buy groats online and from health food stores. It takes a few hours to cook groats, but they provide more nutrients than store-bought oatmeal. Groats are high in protein, potassium and calcium.

18. Yogurt

A 2014 study conducted by the University of Baltimore showed that teens who ate more yogurt and other fermented foods than their peers experienced less stress. Teens who were at risk for social anxiety benefited the most, according to the study. The probiotics in fermented food improve gut bacteria, and there’s a gut/brain link that helps reduce social anxiety. Another study, at UCLA’s School of Medicine, involved 36 women between the ages of 18 and 53. Women who ate yogurt twice a day experienced reduced activity in the emotional region of the brain and increased activity in the decision-making part of the brain. Eating a cup or two of non-sweetened yogurt is great for improving your calcium intake, and it’s one of the best superfoods for stress relief.

19. Pistachios

Pistachios join the list of superfoods for stress relief due to their high magnesium, Vitamin B6 and iron content. A study at Penn State concluded that pistachios may reduce your reaction to everyday stress. Diets containing pistachio nuts were shown to relax blood vessels in participants who had normal blood pressure and high cholesterol. Pistachios only contain 4 calories each, and the rhythmic act of shelling each nut may be calming for some people. Decaying pistachios may develop a toxic mold called aflatoxin, so choose fresh, organic nuts and  avoid ones bleached or dyed during processing.

20. Ginkgo Biloba

Gingko biloba, derived from one of the oldest species of trees, is a best-selling herbal supplement used to treat dozens of conditions. It’s been used successfully in Germany and other countries to treat dementia and generalized anxiety disorder. A 2006 study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research showed that EGb 761®, a gingko biloba extract, worked as well for anxiety disorder as benzodiazepines, but had no side effects. Anti-anxiety drugs may cause nausea, blurred vision, clumsiness, slurred speech and dizziness. People who suffer from occasional stress can take an antioxidant-rich gingko biloba supplement to soothe frayed nerves. Flavonoids and terpenoids, two substances in ginkgo biloba, protect cells from free radicals and ill effects created by stress.

Wheatgrass is One of the Best Superfoods for Stress Relief, and You Can Find it in HappyGirl, Zeal O2and REVV

At Lifeforce Nutraceuticals,we offer three wheatgrass supplements to relieve stress and improve overall health.

HappyGirl Mood Enhancment Supplement harnesses the power of high-value wheatgrass with added B-complex vitamins to neutralize anxiety and mood swings regardless of the cause. Whether you feel anxious due to a job interview, everyday stress, menopause or PMS, HappyGirl can help you feel like yourself in no time. The proprietary blend of herbs added to HappyGirl’s wheatgrass includes  several superfoods for stress relief- ginger, gingko biloba, green tea extract, cayenne pepper and ginseng. HappyGirl isn’t just for women– men and seniors can use it, too! Read more about HappyGirl here:http://wheatgrasslove.com/products/mood-enhancement-supplement

REVV Natural Energy Supplement is a 100% natural source of instant energy and vitality. These delicious chocolate wafers are made with high-grade wheatgrass, and the superfoods cocoa and periwinkle herbs, two of the superfoods for stress relief. We’ve included caffeine and L-taurine to increase focus and give you even more energy. Read more about REVVhere: http://wheatgrasslove.com/products/natural-energy-supplement

Many people with high stress levels are overweight due to a poor diet.Zeal O2 Natural Weight Loss Supplement is a great addition to any healthy weight loss program. Zeal O2 offers all the health benefits of wheatgrass, with its hundreds of nutrients, including magnesium, B-complex vitamins and amino acids. The herbal blend of superfoods added to wheatgrass include cayenne pepper, gingko biloba, green tea extract, ginseng and ginger – and we’ve added Citrus Aurantium (bitter orange) to help you burn more fat safely, without the dangerous side effects of ephedra. Read more about Zeal O2 here: http://wheatgrasslove.com/products/natural-weight-loss-supplement

We’re so sure you’ll love Zeal O2, REVV and HappyGirl, we offer a money-back guarantee. If you’re not happy with any Wheatgrass Love product, you can send the unused portion back for a 100% refund. Always talk to your doctor before taking any dietary supplement.  

Best Herbs for Depression

With all the side effects (and the expense) of prescription antidepressants, it’s no wonder more people are looking for natural alternatives to treating depression. Meditation, exercise, music therapy, herbal supplements and other non-prescription methods can improve mood if used on a regular basis. Dozens of vitamins, minerals and herbs for depression offer varying degrees of relief for mild to moderate depression or the occasional case of the blues.  Check out this list of some of the best herbs for depression. We’ve also included vitamins and minerals essential for treating depression naturally.

Research Proves Green Tea and Green Tea Extract are Among the Best Herbs for Depression

A study conducted in Kyushu, Japan examined the effect of green tea, coffee and caffeine on depression system. It involved 537 men and women in two workplaces, and concluded that “Higher green tea consumption was associated with a lower prevalence of depressive symptoms. Compared with participants consuming ≤1 cup/d, those consuming ≥4 cups green tea/d had a 51% significantly lower prevalence odds of having depressive symptoms”.

Green tea contains L-theanine. This water soluble amino acid, also found in black tea, increases the level of the neurotransmitter dopamine and may increase serotonin (the “happiness” hormone) in the brain. Dopamine is released as a “reward” in the brain after people eat a good meal or have sex. It may also increase the amount of the acid GABA (Gamma-Amino-Butyric Acid), which reduces neuron activity in the brain. Slowed neuron activity creates a sense of calm. This makes green tea and green tea extract a good choice to treat anxiety as well as depression. L-theanine also affects the brain’s Alpha Waves, giving you a sense of waking relaxation similar to that achieved during meditation. Consuming L-theanine in green tea is safe in moderate amounts of from two to seven cups a day, with ten cups considered the maximum.

A study cited by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed elderly people who drank several cups of green tea had fewer depression symptoms than participants who drank a small amount of green tea, even when other factors causing depression were considered.

Ginseng

Ginseng is one of the best herbs for depression, mental and physical endurance and quality of life. All types of ginseng, including Siberian, American and Chinese (Panax) ginseng have health benefits

Used for centuries in China and Russia to prevent colds, Siberian ginsengcontains eleutherosides, which may boost the immune system. It shows great promise in treating conditions related to depression and anxiety, ADHD and bipolar disorder.

Siberian ginseng can control stress, and stress and depression are often linked. It reduces stress-related activity in the adrenal cortex of the brain and helps prevent insomnia and exhaustion. Siberian ginseng has several other health benefits, including regulating blood pressure and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. Research shows that Siberian ginseng increases social function and improved mental health in elderly people after four weeks. Its effects dissipate after eight weeks, according to the study.

American ginseng can improve mental clarity in depressed individuals and others. It contains trace minerals important for physical endurance, and may be helpful for people feeling fatigued from depression or anxiety

Chinese or Panax ginseng helps the body control depression and stress by regulating the adrenal gland. It is most effective in men 45 and older who have low hormone levels resulting in depression. Panax ginseng is a stimulant, so it should be used in small amounts by people prone to anxiety.

Gingko Biloba

This herb is taken from one of the oldest tree species, and has been used for centuries to treat many health problems, including memory problems and blood disorders. Research shows gingko biloba opens up blood vessels, improving circulation and making blood less sticky. Gingko is loaded with terpenoids and flavonoids, two antioxidants that protect you against cell-damaging free radicals. Gingko biloba is one of the most popular herbs for depression and other health problems worldwide.

Gingko biloba increases blood flow to the brain, making it an important herb for treating Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory loss. It’s been shown to increase social behavior and reduce depression among the elderly, and is often used to alleviate mood swings in women with PMS. When used with green tea, cayenne pepper or other herbs for depression, its mood-boosting power increases.

Cayenne Pepper

Like many other spices, cayenne pepper (capsicum) boots circulation and improves your mood. It causes your brain to release endorphins (the same hormones released when you exercise). You can add cayenne pepper to fish, poultry and other main dishes or use it to flavor popcorn. It detoxifies the body, boosts immunity and increases metabolism to help eliminate the sluggish feeling you get when you’re depressed. Cayenne pepper is available in powdered and capsule form.

Fo-Ti

Known in traditional Chinese medicine as the longevity herb, fo-ti has been shown to have positive effects on stress, fatigue and depression. It’s used as an anti-aging herb and may prevent premature graying and hair loss. Fo-ti increases libido for both men and women and promotes an overall sense of well-being. You can take fo-ti in capsules or as a raw herb. Pregnant women or people taking Valium, Prilosec or Prevacid shouldn’t use fo-ti.

Gotu Kola

Gotu kola, a plant native to Indonesia, Japan, China and the South Pacific, is a member of the parsley family. It’s not related to the cola nut, and contains no caffeine or stimulants. Gotu kola’s leaves and stems are used to treat the insomnia and anxiety caused by depression. Gotu kola has triterpenoids, chemicals shown to increase mental function and reduce anxiety in mice. It’s also been shown to have a sedative effect in tests on animals, and may help reduce insomnia in humans.

Damiana

Damiana, a versatile herb, is found on small shrubs in Mexico, Central America, Texas and Southern California. The native people of Mexico, including the Mayans, used damiana leaves as an aphrodisiac and sexual tonic. It’s also used to relieve depression and  anxiety especially when caused by sexual problems. It improves energy and sexual performance in men and women by increasing the oxygen supply to the genital area. Damiana is also a good tonic for overall well-being.

Guarana

Guarana, a shrub native to the Amazons, contains theophylline, tannins and theobromine, phytochemicals with benefits for people suffering from depression. Theobromine is a gentle stimulant also found in chocolate, cacao and some types of tea. Tannins give tea its flavor and provide a calming effect. They contain antioxidants to fight free radicals and increase immunity. Theophylline is a stimulant found in tea leaves, which is sometimes used to treat asthma and respiratory problems. One study found that guarana seed extract may have a long-term anti-depressant effect. Guarana has been shown to increase mental alertness, cognition and have fat-burning properties, according to other studies.

Vitamin D

While herbs for depression can cheer you up , so can vitamins and minerals. Lack of Vitamin D, which comes mostly from sunlight, is linked to depression. That may be one of the reasons some people suffer from seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in the winter. Vitamin D may affect the level of serotonin in your brain, since receptors from Vitamin D are found in several parts of the brain. Some theories suggest that Vitamin D affects the amount of monoamines (like serotonin) in your brain. Anti-depressant medications increase the number of monoamines in your brain and Vitamin D may do that naturally. A 2008 study in Norway indicated that people with a Vitamin D deficiency suffered from more symptoms of depression. Getting out in the sunshine and/or taking Vitamin D supplements  may help improve mild to moderate, non-clinical depression.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

While not a herb, Omega 3’s are an important natural supplement to fight depression.

These polyunsaturated fatty acids consist of animal-based eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), found mostly in fish, and plant-based alpha-linoleic acid (ALA). Low intake of Omega 3 fatty acids is connected with higher depression rates. Japan and other countries that have high fish consumption have lower rates of depression. You can get Omega 3 fatty acids in your diet from salmon, flaxseeds, walnuts, beef, sardines and cauliflower.

Animal-based sources provide 99.9% of Omega 3s health benefits. If you don’t get enough Omega 3’s from food, taking fish oil capsules will boost your mood and provide cardiovascular benefits. Omega 3s regulate triglycerides, guard against coronary heart disease and boost brain function to prevent memory loss and Parkinson’s disease.

Studies show that the EPA in fish oil can relieve depression symptoms, especially when taken in addition to prescription antidepressants If you take warfarin, aspirin, Plavix or other blood thinners, don’t take fish oil as it can increase the risk of bleeding.

Use Omega 3’s, along with herbs for depression to increase happiness, energy and heart health.   

Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)

Vitamin B12 and other B-complex vitamins produce brain chemicals necessary for a balanced mood and mental clarity. A low level of Vitamin B12 may cause depression and other health problems, including shortness of breath, joint pain and memory loss. Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, has been studied as a possible natural treatment for depression along with Vitamin B9 (folate) by the MRC Neuropsychiatric Research Laboratory in Surrey, UK. The researchers concluded “On the basis of current data, we suggest that oral doses of both folic acid (800 microg daily) and vitamin B12 (1 mg daily) should be tried to improve treatment outcome in depression.”

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

One of eight B-complex vitamins, Vitamin B6 may help relieve depression associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). A study conducted in Denmark suggested that  Vitamin B6 deficiency may cause depression in some people, but further research is needed. When you don’t have enough Vitamin B6, you may also suffer from muscle weakness, irritability, short-term memory loss or difficulty concentrating. Turkey, chicken, lentils, brown rice, sunflower seeds, shrimp and milk are just a few of the foods containing Vitamin B6. You can get more Vitamin B6 by replacing processed foods with homemade meals and taking a wheatgrass supplement with added B-complex vitamins, including Vitamin B6. Wheatgrass contains hundreds of vitamins, minerals and enzymes to keep you healthy and may prevent the nutrient imbalances that cause mild to moderate, depression

Magnesium

Essential for serotonin production, magnesium is one of the nutrients most Americans don’t get enough of from their diets. Recent studies show 68% of U.S. adults don’t get enough magnesium, and this may be one of the reasons for the increase in depression, anxiety and anorexia in the U.S. (Magnesium deficiency can also cause muscle spasms and hypertension.) Research by the Medical University of Lublin in Lublin, Poland, states that magnesium deficiency was apparent in psychiatric and neuromuscular symptoms, including some types of depression.

When used along with herbs for depression, magnesium helps keep your brain function stable. Magnesium is responsible for co-factoring in over 300 enzyme systems and the resulting biochemical functions in the body. It helps produce energy and keep muscles strong. Most people don’t get enough magnesium in their diet. Magnesium-rich foods include peanut butter, black beans, spinach, cashews, yogurt and salmon. For people who need a supplement to get enough magnesium, a wheatgrass tablet or wheatgrass juice will provide you with an ample amount of magnesium through its high chlorophyll content. Chlorophyll has dozens of other health benefits. It flushes out toxins from your body, tones your intestinal and stomach muscles, improves digestion and increases your mental focus and concentration.

Zeal O2, REVV and HappyGirl from LifeForce Nutraceuticals Contain a Blend of Herbs for Depression

The wheatgrass in HappyGirl Mood Enhancement Supplement is filled with amino acids, vitamins, minerals and enzymes to increase your sense of well-being. Its’ magnesium and B-complex vitamins help neutralize mood swings while giving you more energy. The proprietary blend of herbs for depression adds to this supplement’s natural depression-busting formula. Green tea extract, guarana, gotu kola, fo-ti and ginseng are just a few of the mood-boosting herbs in HappyGirl. Great for men, women and seniors, HappyGirl can be used for occasional mild to moderate, non-clinical depression. Order HappyGirl. 

Zeal O2 Natural Weight Loss Supplement and Energy Booster helps you stay healthy and lose weight the natural way. Formulated with wheatgrass and a blend of herbs for depression and energy, this powerful wheatgrass tablet does more than suppress appetite. Zeal O2’s proprietary blend of herbs includes citrus aurantium (to burn fat), plus green tea extract, cayenne pepper, damiana, gotu kola, fo-ti and other natural remedies for depression, fatigue and anxiety. Order Zeal O2.

REVV Natural Energy Supplement is made with wheatgrass and B-complex vitamins to naturally boost energy. Theses chocolate mint wafers taste great and the cocoa used in REVV does more than give it flavor. The phytochemicals in cocoa, including flavonoids and catechins, fight free radicals to keep you healthy and boost energy. The combination of Vitamins B12, B6, folate and magnesium in REVV’s high-value wheatgrass help to balance your mood and protect you against depression. Order REVV.

Zeal O2, HappyGirl and REVV come with a money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied return the unused portions for a complete refund. Always talk to your doctor before taking any dietary supplement.

11 Tips for Summer Weight Loss

If you delayed your summer diet until the last possible second- or later, there’s still hope. By following some simple rules, you can lose a few pounds in a week or two and look better in a swimsuit or shorts. The two basic rules are obvious – exercise more and eat less. Here are 11 tips for summer weight loss to help you formulate a quick summer diet plan that works.

1. Avoid Beans and Other Belly-Bloating Foods, Eat Breakfast and Spicy Fare Instead

Eat a big breakfast if you want to lose weight. Research shows people who eat breakfast .tend to be slimmer than those who don’t. A broccoli or spinach omelet, unsweetened oatmeal or groat with strawberries or fresh apple slices or a whole wheat English muffin with turkey ham and a poached egg are a few healthy choices for summer breakfast.

If you want to get a slimmer belly fast, avoid beans, lentils, artificial sweeteners, and chewing gum, which cause bloating. Drink water instead of diet soda. Water helps fiber move through the digestive system, preventing the bloating and constipation that can add a few extra pounds to your midsection.

2. Eat and Drink for More Energy and Less Fat

Speed up your metabolism by drinking green tea, which contains safe energy boosters and aids fat oxidation. It releases caffeine little by little, giving you a slow but steady buzz all day. This helps you increase exercise and physical activity without forcing it – you’ll develop energy naturally.

Chili peppers and other spicy foods rev up your energy and suppress appetite. In a study conducted at UCLA’s Center for Human Nutrition, one group of subjects received a placebo pill while the second group received a capsaicin tablet. (Capsaicin is the substance that gives chili peppers their spicy, hot flavor.) The group receiving the capsaicin supplements burned between 100 and 200 more calories a day than the control group, and burned more fat hours after each meal. Turmeric, the yellow spice used in many Indian dishes, may curb weight gain and prevent the growth of fat tissue, according to a study completed at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts.

3. Wearing Skimpier Outfits Encourages You to Lose Weight

Wearing a bikini or barely there shorts in public can be more daunting than disrobing in front of a new love interest. The idea of wearing skimpy clothes is intimidating if you’re overweight, but it can inspire you to get serious about summer weight loss. Even if you didn’t get a head start on losing weight for beach season, you can shed a few pounds in 1-2 weeks by eating less and exercising.

4. A Wheatgrass Supplement Will Speed Your Metabolism and Help with Summer Weight Loss

Drinking wheatgrass juice or taking a wheatgrass supplement tablet provides your body with hundreds of nutrients. Wheatgrass is powered by chlorophyll, the pigment that makes plants green. Chlorophyll turns carbohydrates into glucose to increase your energy, and tones intestinal and stomach muscles to give you a leaner look. The health benefits of wheatgrass go beyond increased energy and potential fat-burning. The chlorophyll in wheatgrass is one of nature’s most potent sources of magnesium, which is necessary for proper muscle function, heart health and better bones.

5. Go on a Mediterranean Diet

The standard American diet of meat, fried foods, salty snacks and processed foods is out of the question if you want to look good in a swimsuit. The Mediterranean diet is inspired by the traditional cuisine of Southern Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal. Residents of these countries base their diet around fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes and whole grains, with fish and poultry included two or more times a week. Red meat is limited to a few meals a month, and red wine can be enjoyed with (or without) meals. Olive oil is used for cooking and sauces instead of butter. Yogurt and cheese, along with other dairy products, are consumed in moderation.

The emphasis on fruits and vegetables in the Mediterranean diet increases the amount of free-radical fighting antioxidants you consume while reducing calories. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine concluded that 30% of strokes, heart attacks and deaths from heart disease can be prevented by eating a Mediterranean diet instead of one heavy on meat, refined flour and processed foods. Increase your chances of summer weight loss and better heart health with the Mediterranean diet.

6. Drink More Water and Less Alcohol

It may be tempting to have a beer or strawberry margarita when it’s sweltering out, but alcohol is one of the worst drinks for your weight and health during the dog days of summer. It’s high in calories, and dehydrates you just when you need more water in your system to counteract the heat. Drink water and iced herbal tea when you’re thirsty. Skip the diet soda – recent research(http://time.com/3746047/diet-soda-bad-belly-fat/) indicated that people who drank diet soda regularly over a nine year span gained three times as much belly fat as people who didn’t drink it.

Swap whipped cream topped coffee drinks for unsweetened black coffee or green tea for a caffeine rush. You’ll save calories and get energized in small, barely noticeable increments instead of one big rush. Instead of drinking chilled fruit juice, eat the actual fruit. You’ll get more nutrients –   the skin of an apple or other fruit contains most of the fiber, vitamins and minerals. Another fresh fruit plus for summer dieters – it has fewer calories than most fruit juice. Some manufacturers may add artificial ingredients to fruit juice or “water it down”, so you’re better off eating fresh fruit.

7. Exercise in the Great Outdoors

In 2012, Americans exercised more – an average of three or more days per week according to a Gallup poll. (The exercise statistics went down in 2013). Why were they so high in 2012? The hot weather may have had a lot to do with it. People exercise more in the spring and summer due to the warm weather, and if hot temperatures extend into fall and winter, they exercise even more. Walking, jogging and biking outdoors free of charge in the park is a more attractive alternative than using the elliptical machine at the gym – and paying a hefty fee for it. Exercising in the great outdoors may also be good for your mental health. Sunshine is the main source of Vitamin D. You absorb Vitamin D from sunlight through your skin when you exercise outdoors. Lack of Vitamin D is associated with depression and mood disorders, and getting more sunshine lifts your spirits while exercise contributes to summer weight loss.

Outdoor activity in the summer has another weight loss advantage. Swimming, jogging, walking or playing sports in hot weather will help you burn more fat than exercising indoors or in cool weather. People who worked out in hot weather ate less after exercising than people who worked out in a cool environment, according to a 2013 study. Hot weather reduces your appetite, and exercising in hot weather may reduce it even more.

8. Eat Summer Fruits and Veggies

Hot weather dulls the appetite so you don’t eat as much, but when you do eat, stick to light fare. Eat grilled zucchini, eggplant, asparagus, carrots or bell peppers at a barbecue instead of burgers or hot dogs. You can use these grilled vegetables in tacos, pitas, frittatas and pasta. Veggies are low in calories and high on vitamins and antioxidants. Snack on watermelon, apples, and strawberries (without sugar and whipped cream) and resist the urge to binge on high-calorie ice cream treats. Lowfat frozen yogurt or plain vanilla ice cream with fresh fruit toppings are healthy cold treats for summer weight loss.

Grapefruit and watermelon are low calorie treats, both full of Vitamin C to help the body burn fat faster. Vitamin C guards against the common cold and has plenty of additional benefits, (http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/vitamin-c-ascorbic-acid) including preventing glaucoma, cataracts and gum disease.  A half grapefruit has 50 calories; a cup of diced watermelon has 46 calories. Both fruits have a high water content to hydrate you and fill you up to prevent overeating. Celery, strawberries and cantaloupe are other low-calorie, high water content foods for summer weight loss. (Grapefruit may interfere with some medications, including statins used for high cholesterol. Check with your doctor about possible interactions if you are on prescription medication. )

All raw (not canned or processed) fruits and veggies are good for your summer weight loss plan. Choose your favorites from your local farmer’s market for freshness and a better selection.

9. Shut Off SmartPhones, TVs and iPads  During Meals

When you concentrate on your food and eat slowly, you’ll feel satisfied when the meal is over. If you’re texting or browsing the net on your iPhone, you’ll either eat too much- or not enough to satisfy your hunger. According to a study conducted by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who played a computer game while eating were less likely to remember what they’d eaten and still had cravings afterward. Being preoccupied during a meal may lead to unhealthy binging later.

10. Sip Some Chilled Soup

Chilled cucumber or gazpacho soup with spices and freshly-cut vegetables are great for summer weight loss. If you eat cold soup as an appetizer, it will fill you up so eat less of the main course. The idea is similar to drinking water before a meal- the liquid fills up your stomach so you won’t overeat. Try chilled Spanish-style tomato soup, made with pureed garlic, almonds, olive oil and bread, and chilled until served. Watermelon gazpacho soup, chilled melon soup and spiced blueberry soup are just a few other delicious chilled soups good for snacks or a light meal. Many chilled soup recipes call for ginger, cayenne pepper and turmeric and other spices. These high-nutrient, low-calorie spices do more than add flavor to meals. They can boost mood and offer anti-inflammatory benefits.

11. Leave Carbohydrates on the Shelf – Eat Low Fat Protein Instead

Burn fat and build more muscle by increasing your protein consumption. A study published by The FASEB Journal cited a study(http://www.womenshealthmag.com/nutrition/should-you-double-up-on-protein-to-lose-weight) in which three groups of dieters consumed different amounts of protein. All groups lost the same amount of weight, but the group that ate twice the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of protein lost more fat than the other groups. You don’t need to eat burgers or steaks to double up your protein – try these low-calorie foods instead.

Protein packed shrimp is low in calories and you can serve it many delicious ways for summer weight loss. Make Shrimp Pad Thai with peanuts, lime and cilantro or a 129 calorie shrimp stack with Greek yogurt, avocado, lime juice and jalapeño sauce on a rye flatbread. Stir-fried ginger shrimp with chile paste and jasmine rice is another healthy choice.

Greek yogurt has more protein than regular yogurt -17 grams per container to 9 grams in a container of regular yogurt. It contains essential amino acids, calcium and Vitamin D – and it’s a good choice for summer weight loss with only 100 calories in a small container.

A can of tuna packed in water is cheap and contains 39 grams of protein. Serve it on rice cakes or whole grain crackers for a snack or fix a sandwich using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise as a dressing.  A three ounce serving of canned tuna has 99 calories.

Zeal O2 Natural Weight Loss Supplement Helps You Reach Your Summer Weight Goal Fast!

Zeal O2 Natural Weight Loss Supplement and Energy Booster from Wheatgrass Love helps dieters with their summer weight loss programs in dozens of ways. Wheatgrass is a whole food, and has been called one of the closest things to the fountain of youth in the nutritional world. Wheatgrass, with its chlorophyll base and hundreds of nutrients, supplies all the nutrition you need to stay focused and strong while you’re on a reduced calorie diet. We’ve added extra B-complex vitamins to the B vitamins already in wheatgrass. B complex vitamins, especially B12, B6 and B9, are great for energy and mental focus. Zeal O2 also has a proprietary blend containing green tea extract, ginger, damiana, ginkgo biloba, cayenne pepper and other herbs to boost energy and offer other health benefits. Citrus Aurantium (bitter orange) is our proprietary blend’s secret weapon, triggering your body’s fat burning mechanism to aid summer weight loss. Buy Zeal O2.

HappyGirl Mood Enhancement Supplement is formulated to treat mild to moderate, non clinical depression in women, due to PMS, menopause or the blahs. (Men and seniors can use HappyGirl for occasional non-clinical depression.)  It contains wheatgrass and B-complex vitamins, along with a proprietary blend of green tea extract, ginseng, cayenne pepper and other herbs to enhance mental focus and neutralize mood swings. Get happy the healthy way with HappyGirl Mood Enhancing Supplement. BuyHappyGirl. 

REVV Natural Energy Supplement is a chocolate mint wafer made with wheatgrass and additional B-complex vitamins It’s designed to increase energy and vitally and keep you focused anytime or anyplace. It also includes L-taurine for better heart health and periwinkle herb to increase blood flow to the brain. Buy REVV.

All Wheatgrass Love products come with a 100% Satisfaction, Money Back Guarantee. If you’re not happy with the results you get after using our products, return the unused portion for a refund. Always talk to your doctor before using any dietary supplement.

10 Ways to Boost Your Metabolism

Feeling sluggish most of the day or finding it hard to do daily tasks without getting exhausted? There are easy ways to boost your metabolism without high-calorie energy drinks or energy bars. With regular application of a few easy methods, you’ll feel more energetic and improve your chances of losing weight. (Your overall health will improve, too!) After you eat, your metabolism converts food into energy. An individual’s basal metabolic rate (BMR) is tied to lifestyle and genetics. Some people are able to eat a fast food meal and follow it off with candy without gaining weight (although it might cause other health problems), while others eat healthy meals, count calories and can’t lose weight. Those scenarios are linked to genetics, but even if you draw an unlucky card in the genetics sweepstakes, you can still lose weight by following these 10 ways to boost your metabolism.

1. Exercise More

You’re always burning calories, even when you’re working on your iPad or watching TV. Each pound of muscle burns six calories; a pound of fat only burns two calories. Over time, the fat-burning capacity of muscles adds up, helping increase weight loss. As you get older, you naturally lose muscle mass, and exercise will help you retain it, raise metabolism and avoid the pesky weight gain many older people experience.

Your metabolic rate increases after strength training or weight lifting. Interval runs and or any interval training (switching between high and low intensity exercise), a strenuous hike, or other high-intensity workouts boost your metabolism ASAP. Your metabolism will stay high, long after the workout has finished, and burn more calories, too. Aerobic exercise – running, Zumba, biking or swimming-will help you burn fat and increase metabolism more than yoga or other moderate exercise.

Work out five times a week to get the most out of your exercise routine, employing a combination of aerobics and strength training. Incorporate exercise into your day by walking or biking to the store instead of driving. Exercising-or even engaging in any type of physical activity – will give you energy, not deplete you. More activity equals a higher metabolism.

2. Eat Protein

Getting enough protein can help you burn up to 200 calories more a day Protein is more difficult for your body to break down, so you’ll burn more calories if you eat protein instead of piling on carbohydrates and fats. Eat chicken, lean red meat and fish. Vegetarians (and meat-eaters) can get protein from tofu, peanut butter and beans.

Remember to eat at least 1200 calories a day even if you’re anxious for quick weight loss.  Eating less than 1200 calories (which is the minimum amount necessary for proper body function for women ) or 1500 calories a day for men

3. Stay Hydrated

Water helps boost your metabolism by helping your body burn fat faster. Water increases the metaboloic rate in healthy people by as much as 30%, according a study in  the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 

Drinking water helps your digestive system function better, getting rid of excess, slow-digesting food that packs on a few extra pounds. Water fills you up so you eat less, and it helps cleanse your body of toxins. Drinking water also aids your immune system, helping increase serotonin in your brain to reduce depression and lubricating the joints to guard against arthritis. It helps your lymphatic system carry nutrients to the blood and cells to fight disease.

4. Don’t Skip Breakfast

Eating breakfast speeds weight loss. Studies show women who skip breakfasts are more likely to become obese. Breakfast means you “break” your “fast”, and it will prevent your body from feeling like it’s being starved. If you’re determined to shed a few pounds, eating a substantial first meal of the day may help you reach your goal faster. A study cited by the American Journal of Epidemiology showed that participants who consumed between 22% and 55% of their daily calories at breakfast only gained an average of 1.7 pounds in a four year period. Eating breakfast raises your resting metabolism for the remainder of the day, according to studies.

If you don’t have time for a big breakfast, eat oatmeal or yogurt topped with fresh fruit. A fruit smoothie (with wheatgrass supplement added for energy) or a whole-wheat bagel with a boiled egg are other good choices.

5. Get Enough Sleep

Stop burning the midnight oil and get to bed earlier to boost your metabolism. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body produces more of the stress hormone cortisol. This does more than make you short-tempered and tired in the morning. It increases your chance of heart disease and other health problems. According to a 2006 study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association consistently getting less than six hours of sleep a night leads to weight gain and possibly obesity. Getting enough sleep helps your body repair tissues and control the hormones needed for appetite regulation and metabolism. If you don’t get enough sleep you’ll be more likely to eat more food, especially carbohydrates.

6. Avoid or Reduce Alcohol Consumption

Drinking alcohol dehydrates you and causes you to eat more if you drink before a meal. If you drink alcohol with a meal, your body will burn off those calories first, leaving more of the calories from food to be stored as fat. Instead of drinking beer or hard liquor, drink a glass of wine (only 80 calories) or a white wine spritzer. Cutting down or eliminating alcohol from your diet will boost your metabolism and burn more fat from the food you eat.

7. Eat Small Meals Several Times a Day

Your body processes small meals faster than large steak and potatoes feasts. Eating a big lunch and an even bigger dinner will create a sluggish digestive system and stunt your metabolism. Eating small meals conserves your energy and keeps your stomach from “working overtime” to digest lots of heavy food. Smaller meals also help to stabilize blood sugar. Research has indicated that female athletes who had small meals or snacks every three hours were able to exercise longer and move faster.

After eating a big breakfast, have snacks and a few small meals throughout the day. Eat peanut butter on whole wheat bread, a tuna sandwich, veggie burger or fresh fruit. Always include one protein food in your meal or snack. Including hot peppers, dried mustard and other spicy foods in your diet will raise your metabolic rate and help your body burn even more calories.

If you need more proof that eating several small meals will boost your metabolism and aid weight loss, consider this. Salma Hayek, Jennifer Lopez, Jessica Simpson, Angelina Jolie and other celebrities eat up to six small meals a day.

8. Take a Supplement with Vitamin B12

All B-complex vitamins help turn food into energy, keeping us alert and active during the day, but Vitamin B12 will boost your metabolism sky-high. If you don’t get enough Vitamin B12, you’ll feel fatigued, scattered and depressed. You can get adequate amounts of Vitamin B12 from lean meats, fish, turkey, Swiss cheese, eggs, lamb, milk and yogurt. Bulk up on Vitamins B6 (Pyridoxine) and B9 (folate), Vitamin B3 (niacin) ,Vitamin B1 (thiamine), Vitamin B2 ( riboflavin) and Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) and Vitamin B7 (biotin) through a balanced diet and a wheatgrass supplement with added B complex vitamins. Eat plenty of beans, fresh fruits and vegetables, yogurt, lean meat, poultry and fish to make sure you get enough B Vitamins through your food. Avocados, cauliflower, sunflower seeds, beets and spinach are excellent vegetarian sources of B-complex vitamins.

9. Drink Green Tea and Milk to Boost Metabolism

Green tea is packed with antioxidants and flavonoids to fight cancer and heart disease, but it can boost your metabolism, too. Unlike coffee, cola or black tea, the moderate amount of caffeine in green tea supplies a slow and steady uptick in your metabolism. You won’t crash and burn like you do with cup after cup of coffee or energy drinks.

A study conducted by the University of Geneva, Switzerland cited green tea’s fat-burning properties, noting that it increased thermogenesis, or the number of calories burned while eating and digesting food. The young males in the study who took green tea extract had a 4 per cent increase in thermogenesis. Drinking green tea helps you burn between 70 and 100 calories because they contain fat-fighting antioxidants called catechins.

Lowfat milk is another metabolism-boosting beverage. A study featured in the American Society for Nutritional Sciences Journal of Nutrition in 2003 showed that women who consumed low-fat dairy products including yogurt, cheese and milk 3 or 4 times a day lost 70% more body fat than study participants who didn’t eat dairy. Calcium from low-fat dairy foods makes the body burn extra calories faster. Other calcium sources, like broccoli, kale or salmon, won’t give you the same fat-burning, weight loss benefits. Only dairy products will help you burn fat at an accelerated pace.

10. Increase Magnesium Intake to Boost Your Metabolism

According to recent statistics, 68% of Americans have a magnesium deficiency. This mineral is necessary for maximum energy and over 300 biochemical processes in your body. You’ll experience improved digestion, muscle development and nervous system function by consuming more magnesium. It will help you lose weight, too, by burning more fat and increasing your metabolism. Eat spinach, black beans, sunflower seeds, fish, bananas and yogurt to reach the recommended daily intake for 420 mg a day for men or 320 mg for women.

If you can’t get enough magnesium through your diet, a wheatgrass supplement tablet offers an easy way to get the RDI of magnesium and supply other nutrients essential to boost your metabolism and energy. The chlorophyll  in wheatgrass is packed with magnesium, and it offers other energy-boosting nutrients, including calcium and B-complex vitamins. Wheatgrass oxygenates the blood, detoxifies the liver, improves digestion and increases mental clarity and focus. When taken regularly, a wheatgrass supplement keeps your energy level high and helps you maintain a healthy weight.

Zeal O2 from Wheatgrass Love Boosts Your Metabolism for Easy Weight Loss

Wheatgrass, with its hundreds of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes, gives anyone who wants to lose weight more energy to keep calories burning throughout the day, whether you’re exercising or just participating in your usual activities. Zeal O2 Natural Weight Loss Supplement and Energy Booster is formulated from high-quality wheatgrass. Wheatgrass offers calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc and other minerals to energize you, keep your bones strong and stop inflammation and help wounds heal faster. We’ve added  more B-complex vitamins to what’s already in wheatgrass to boost your metabolism even more and sharpen focus and concentration. For the final touch, we’ve included a blend of nutritious herbs, including green tea extract, guarana extract, citrus aurantium, ginger, cayenne pepper and damiana to raise Zeal O2’s fat-burning potential. Read more about Zeal O2.

REVV Natural Energy Supplement provides the health benefits of wheatgrass and B-complex vitamins in tasty, chocolate mint wafers. With caffeine, L-Taurine and perwinkle herb added to our high-value wheatgrass, you’ll experience more vitality, focus and increased energy in no time with an unpleasant “buzz”. Periwinkle herb increases blood flow to the brain and L-taurine improves glucose tolerance and is used as a natural supplement to protect against congestive heart failure and liver disease. Read more about REVV. 

HappyGirl Natural Mood Enhancing Supplement uses the same wheatgrass and proprietary blend formula of cayenne pepper, green tea extract and other herbs to neutralize mood swings and increase mental function during stressful times. Gotu kola aids in memory retention and gives you an overall sense of well-being. Damiana, used as a natural remedy for sexual problems, also promotes vitality. The blend is fine-tuned to treat symptoms of PMS and menopause – but HappyGirlbalances mood and boosts energy for men and women anytime and for any reason. Read more.

Wheatgrass Love supplements have a 100% Satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not happy with Zeal O2, REVV or HappyGirl, return the unused portion for a refund. Always ask your medical practitioner for advice before using any dietary supplement.

9 Weight Loss Benefits of Water

Diet and exercise aren’t the only weight loss tools at your disposal. Something as simple-and cheap-as drinking more water can help you shed pounds and give you many other health benefits in the process. Drinking water helps moisturize your skin, flush your kidneys and maintain proper balance of body fluids. Here are 9 weight loss benefits of water.

1. Water is Necessary for Healthy Body Function and Weight Maintenance

You must drink water each day to replace the water that’s lost through urine, skin evaporation and stool. If ware output exceeds intake, you’ll become dehydrated. (A lack of water intake has worse symptoms in older adults, who may have a weaker sense of thirst.) Poor water intake can diminish athletic performance and has a greater influence on people in high altitudes.

The human body is 60% water. Water is necessary for several functions, including saliva creation, digestion, nutrient transportation and absorption and circulation. Your brain sends signals to your body when you’re low on fluids, and you should drink water or another healthy beverage like milk or juice. Drink alcohol sparingly since it interferes with communication between the brain and kidneys. This may lead to increased urination, which might cause dehydration.

Not drinking enough water can cause poor memory, headaches, depression, irritability, constipation, dry skin and high blood pressure. Drinking too much coffee or alcohol may cause dehydration, so you should vary the liquids you drink, including moderate amounts of milk, juice, water or tea throughout the day.

2. Reduced Appetite is one of the Weight Loss Benefits of Water

Water suppresses your appetite while filling up your stomach. If you drink water throughout the day, you’re less likely to snack. Water boosts your metabolism, giving you more energy for exercise and the day’s activities. The suggested daily intake of water is eight glasses or 64 ounces, though each individual has different needs. The 64 ounce total includes water in other beverages and in foods like watermelon and cucumber.. Research indicates drinking water before a meal is a good way to curb appetite and lose more weight.

3. Research Shows Drinking Water Helps Weight Loss

A study conducted at Virginia Tech University showed that overweight adults between the ages of 55 and 75 who consumed two cups of water before eating lost five pounds more than study participants who didn’t drink more water. (Study participants were on a low calorie diet of 1500 calories per day for men and 1200 per day for men.) After a year, the people who drank water before meals weighed less than other participants.

4. Consider the Weight Loss Benefits of Water instead of Coffee or Diet Soda

It’s easy to quench your thirst by picking up a diet soda or coffee on the road. Even if you choose low or no-calorie beverages, they may still contain chemicals or preservatives that are dangerous to your health. Consider the weight loss benefits of water – it fills you up so you’re not tempted to eat more, and it has none of the empty calories of soda or flavored coffee drinks.

A study by Harvard Medical School on over 3,000 women showed that drinking diet soda can lead to kidney damage. Regular soda wasn’t cited as a cause of kidney damage, so artificial sweeteners may be the causative factor in kidney decline. A study showed both diet and regular soda can cause diabetes. And you’ve probably found stories on the Internet about how Coca-Cola (regular or diet) can be used to clean your engine-or your toilet!

Sating your thirst with water is cheaper and better for your health. Drinking 1-2 cups of water or calorie-free green tea a day instead of a soda will save you 50,000 calories during a year.

5. Water Flushes Out Toxins to Keep You Healthy and Fit

Water transports waste in and out of the body’s cells. A water soluble waste called blood urea nitrogen, one of the biggest toxins in the body, passes through the kidneys and is excreted through the urine. Your kidneys should work fine, as long as you drink enough fluids. When you drink enough water and other healthy beverages,  your urine will be pale yellow and odorless. (Even if you drink lots of water, your urine may be darker if you take certain medications or vitamins). If you don’t drink enough fluids, you may develop kidney stones, and the chances increase if you live in a warm climate.

6. Better Digestion is One of the Weight Loss Benefits of Water

When you don’t drink enough fluids, you become dehydrated. This impairs the digestive process and leads to constipation. When there’s not enough water in your system, your large intestine absorbs water in food waste, causing hard stools. Traveling, pregnancy and irritable bowel syndrome may also cause constipation. Drinking water will make you stool softer and easier to pass.

Chronic constipation adds weight due to the “backed up” food waste in your system. Drinking enough water (and getting water from food and other beverages) every day will keep your digestive system working and eliminate excess pounds caused by chronic constipation.

7. Water Increases Energy to Help Your Lose More Weight

Increased energy is one of the many weight loss benefits of water. Dehydration is a major cause of midday fatigue. Drinking more water or eating fruits or other foods containing water is a healthy way to relieve the afternoon blahs and reduce your appetite. Muscle cells need a proper amount of fluid to work well – electrolytes decrease when you don’t drink enough liquids, and you’ll feel weaker. About two hours before exercise or athletic competition, you should drink 17 ounces of water or other fluids. Drink fluids during breaks in exercise to make up for fluid lost through sweat.  More energy is one of the top weight loss benefits of water since it makes you more likely to exercise and increase your physical activity, helping you to burn more calories.

8. Drink Water Throughout The Day to Replenish Fluids

Drinking water every two hours helps get rid of water weight. If you only drink when you are thirsty, you’ll keep the excess water weight. After you urinate, you should drink a glass of water to replenish the fluids in your body.

9. You Can Add Flavor to Water without Adding Calories

Water may be refreshing on a hot day, but it can’t satisfy taste buds the way other beverages can. There are a few ways to add flavoring to water without using artificial sweeteners or adding calories. Green tea has no calories, and is loaded with antioxidants, flavonoids and metabolism-boosting EGCG.  Drink green tea hot or pour over ice for a refreshing treat. Don’t add sugar or sweeteners – they’ll interfere with your weight loss goal.

Sparkling water, or carbonated water, is a good option for no to low calorie flavor. There are sparkling water brands featuring a variety of flavors, including raspberry, lime, and pomegranate. Read the ingredient list before buying to make sure the sparkling water is sweetener and sodium free. If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other stomach problems, avoid sparkling water as the carbonation in it may cause bloating or gas.

Eating your fruits and veggies does more than cut calories- it provides you with water and flavor. Watermelon is delicious and contains 92% water. Cantaloupe, broccoli, cauliflower, apples, strawberries, tomatoes and lettuce are examples (https://www2.ca.uky.edu/enri/pubs/enri129.pdf) of other water-containing produce. Fruits and vegetables give you all the weight loss benefits of water plus inflammation and cancer-fighting antioxidants.

Invest in a Water Filter for Cleaner, Better Tasting Water for Weight Loss

Municipal tap water is treated to some extent, but cryptosporidium (a parasite that causes diarrhea) and other bacteria or chemicals may remain. Bottled water is expensive – drinking 8 glasses of water a day from your home tap comes out to .49, and drinking a year’s worth of the same amount of bottled water costs $1400. The BPAs, hard polycarbonates or #3 vinyl used to make plastic bottles may cause cancer after long-term use in certain situations. This belief is still subject to conclusive findings, but some doctors say cancer from using bottled water is a possibility.

Use water filters to get cost-efficient, clean drinking water for your home. Water filters are available online and from big box stores. There are faucet water filters you can attach to your kitchen or bathroom sink, and pitcher water filters which clean water through a filter system inside the pitcher. Clean water from a filter doesn’t require more energy than you’re already using through the plumbing in your home, and you’ll help protect the environment by cutting down on the number of plastic bottles used.

Whole house water filtering systems may be an option, especially for people living in remote areas (or for vacation homes). These systems balance water pH, eliminate hard water and reduce contaminants. Custom water treatment and water filtration systems are available from many companies. Check online or contact your local home improvement store for details.

The Weight Loss Benefits of Water are Amplified by Taking a Wheatgrass Supplement

Drinking water, when used in conjunction with a balanced diet and exercise, helps you lose more weight. All you need to do is turn on your faucet and you’ll gain all the weight loss benefits of water, plus younger looking skin, more energy and better digestion.

Increase your weight loss results by taking a wheatgrass supplement. Wheatgrass contains the green pigment chlorophyll, which is found in plants. The chlorophyll in wheatgrass has dozens of benefits, including 20 amino acids and enzymes to help in digestion and body functions; 90 out of 102 minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, selenium, iron, etc.), bioflavonoids and vitamins A, E, C, K and all B-complex vitamins.

Wheatgrass is available as a juice, powder or tablet. Some people find the taste unpleasant, so a tablet may be the best choice if you’re trying wheatgrass for the first time. By boosting your metabolism, improving digestion and ridding your body of toxins, wheatgrass contributes to weight loss and well-being.

Zeal O2, REVV and Happy Girl from WheatgrassLove, along with the Weight Loss Benefits of Water, Can Help You Reach Your Diet Goal

ZEAL O2 – Natural Wheat Grass, Weight Loss Aid & Energy Booster helps curb your appetite and gives you more energy for exercise and daily tasks. This all-natural supplement harnesses the power of wheatgrass, along with a proprietary blend containing the safe appetite suppressant and metabolism booster citrus aurantium (bitter orange). Research conducted by Washington D.C.’s Georgetown University Medical Center states “At present, Citrus aurantium may be the best thermogenic substitute for ephedra.” Cayenne pepper, ginseng, gingko biloba and green tea extract are included in Zeal O2’s weight loss formula. Get all the nutrition of wheatgrass to stay healthy while you diet. You can continue to use Zeal O2 after you’ve finished dieting-it excellent for maintaining weight. Nutritious wheatgrass-based Zeal O2 and the weight loss benefits of water will give you a slimmer figure and better health.

REVV Instant Energy Natural Wheatgrass Based Energy Booster is a delicious way to boost your energy and curb your appetite. These chocolate mint wafers have all the nutritional advantages of wheatgrass -more vitality and focus, better digestion, increased circulation and endurance whenever and wherever you need it. Take REVV before you exercise to improve your performance and increase weight loss. REVVoffers a healthy, crash free way to increase energy levels. Wheatgrass is 100% clinically proven to trigger your body’s natural energy process. The REVV formula contains periwinkle herb (for increased blood flow to the brain) and L-taurine (to help digest fats and promote a healthy cholesterol level). Read more about REVV. 

Happy Girl Mood Enhancement Supplement is a 100% natural wheatgrass-based supplement designed to neutralize bad moods. The B-complex vitamins in wheatgrass are essential for increased energy and balancing mood, and we add even more B-complex vitamins to our proprietary blend. Green tea extract, ginseng and cayenne pepper are known for their mood-enhancing properties, and they’re also included inHappy Girl’s proprietary blend. And the citrus aurantium in the proprietary blend will help enhance the weight loss benefits of water.Happy Girl is for everyone – women, men, teens and seniors- who want to feel better and control their weight. Read more about Happy Girl.

Call WheatgrassLove today at 877-303-1717 to order Zeal O2, Happy Girl or REVV! 100% Satisfaction guaranteed! Return the unused portion for a refund if  you’re not happy with the product. Always talk to your medical provider before using any dietary supplement.

10 Ways Wheatgrass Aids Digestion

Young grass taken from the plant Triticum aestivum is called wheatgrass. Since humans can’t digest raw wheatgrass, it must be consumed as a supplement tablet or juiced to make a drink or shot. Wheatgrass provides dozens of health benefits due to its abundance of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids. Cited as a superfood by many nutrition experts, wheatgrass contains chlorophyll, a green pigment in plants necessary for the absorption of light. The chlorophyll molecule is anchored by a magnesium ring. Magnesium is the most potent nutritional force in chlorophyll, and it boosts digestive system function, keeping you regular (among other important benefits). This makes wheatgrass supplements or wheatgrass juice a great addition to your health routine. Let’s look at 10 ways wheatgrass aids digestion – plus a few other advantages you’ll get from taking wheatgrass daily.

How Does Your Digestive System Work?

The digestive system absorbs nutrients from food to keep our bodies strong and healthy. Digestion gets rid of toxins and disposes of them when you eliminate. Your body starts to produce stomach acid and enzymes to digest food as soon as you smell it-you don’t even have to chew it for the digestive process to begin.  If you’ve experienced constipation, gas, bloating, acid reflux or stomach ulcers, it was probably due to low enzyme or stomach acid levels. Other digestive problems, like gluten intolerance, leaky gut and food sensitivity may lead to weight gain and serious health problems.

1. Wheatgrass Aids Digestion (along with a Healthy Diet) to Keep You Regular

There are many causes of poor digestion. A bad diet, heavy with red meat and junk food is harder to digest than raw or healthy foods, especially for people over 40. Excessive amounts of heavy foods clog up your system, slowing digestion. A rich meal is fine once in awhile, but a constant diet of fried and high-fat foods, dairy, alcohol and acidic foods (citrus fruits, tomato sauce) can aggravate your digestive system. Vary yourdiet, including beans, vegetables and fresh, non-acidic fruits to give you more fiber and Vitamin C, two nutrients necessary for better digestion. Drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated and help move solid food through your system. The fiber in beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds help prevent constipation and hemorrhoids and may even lower your cholesterol. Bananas are rich in pectin, which helps rid the body of toxins and heavy metals, and they also contain plenty of fiber. Avocados, apples and raspberries are other high-fiber fruits. (Be sure to eat the apple peels, which have most of an apple’s fiber.)

2. Wheatgrass Provides Important Vitamins and Minerals for Digestion

While it’s not always possible to eat enough healthy foods every day, you can ensure better digestion by taking a wheatgrass supplement or drinking wheatgrass juice daily. Wheatgrass boasts many nutrients necessary for good digestion. The magnesium in chlorophyll (and wheatgrass) tones intestinal muscles and increases the amount of water in your intestines. This helps peristalsis, or the movement of fecal matter through the intestines. Wheatgrass also contains fiber, Vitamin C and B-complex vitamins, which all aid the digestive process. Vitamins B6 and B12 assist with protein and fat metabolism. They are essential for the function of close to 100 enzymes involved in digestion. Wheatgrass aids digestion by providing the most important vitamins and minerals to keep you regular.

3. Wheatgrass Aids Digestion by Treating Existing Stomach Problems the Natural Way

There are several causes of poor digestion. Infections may cause irritable bowel syndrome or ulcers. Aspirin and ibuprofen contribute to leaky gut. Dehydration and lack of fiber or magnesium in the diet are common causes of constipation. Stress, however, may be one of the biggest factors in digestive problems. It can cause constipation, ulcers, acid reflux or irritable bowel syndrome. If you suffer from any of these ailments, determine the cause. You may be able to do this on your own, but it’s always better to talk to your doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. Unless you have a chronic disorder that requires medical attention, wheatgrass, with its high magnesium content, is a sure bet to strengthen intestinal muscles and boost digestion.

Wheatgrass aids digestion naturally, so it helps cure constipation without the harsh, addictive nature of over-the counter laxatives. Laxatives that work quickly are the most harmful, since they stimulate nerves in the colon. This makes colon muscles contract, and keep it empty. Colon muscles don’t work on their own when you use a stimulant laxative – the laxatives to initiate a bowel movement. If you use laxatives too often, your digestive system expects that over time, and the colon stops sending signals for normal bowel movements to occur.

4. Wheatgrass Increases Your Metabolism

Eating a balanced diet and taking a wheatgrass supplement is a much better way to keep your digestive system functioning and contribute to overall health. Some people find the taste of wheatgrass juice makes them nauseous, so a wheatgrass tablet is the best way to get your digestion back on track slowly but surely. Wheatgrass tablets may contain additional herbs like green tea extract and citrus aurantium to increase your metabolism. A good metabolism helps keep your digestive juices flowing. Many of us have experienced a sluggish metabolism when we eat bad food or don’t get enough exercise, and wheatgrass, with energy-inducing iron and B vitamins, will keep your energy level high.

5. Wheatgrass Stops Excess Acidity in the Blood

Wheatgrass helps balance your body’s (and stomach’s) pH. By reducing acidity in the blood, wheatgrass helps you maintain a good alkaline/acid ratio, which helps relieve GI problems, including constipation, ulcers, ulcerative colitis and diarrhea. A 7.0-7.4 pH is ideal for the human body, and regular consumption of a wheatgrass supplement will help maintain it. Eating broccoli, peppers, kale, apples, melon, almonds, cinnamon and other alkaline foods will also help reduce the acidic level in your body.

6. Scientific Research Shows Wheatgrass Aids Digestion – and May Prevent Cancer

A study conducted by the Purdue University Department of Food Science in 2006 showed that chlorophyll (the primary nutrient in wheatgrass) may prevent cancer due to its antioxidant capacity. The study “Digestion, absorption, and cancer preventative activity of dietary chlorophyll derivatives” also cites the power of chlorophyll as an aid to digestion. Any natural promoter of good digestion will help prevent colon cancer and chronic diseases.

7. Wheatgrass Contains Digestive Enzymes

Your digestive system uses enzymes to breakdown food so it can absorb nutrients. During digestion, proteins are broken down into amino acids, fats are broken down into cholesterol and fatty acids and carbohydrates are broken down into simple sugars. Digestive enzymes are produced to some extent in the salivary glands and stomach, but mainly in the pancreas and small intestines. If your body doesn’t have enough digestive enzymes, food won’t be broken down well enough for you to absorb nutrients.

You may lack digestive enzymes if you suffer from chronic stress, have low stomach acid or an inflammation in the digestive tract caused by food allergies. Aging may cause decreases enzyme output and digestive function, so people over 40 should take special care to eat a healthy diet and get enough exercise.

The digestive enzyme lipase breaks down the fats you eat into glycerol and fatty acids so they can be absorbed by the intestines. Lipase isn’t found in food, but is only produced by the body and found in wheatgrass. It’s also been named as a metabolism booster that may help with weight loss. Two other essential digestive enzymes, amylase and protease, are present in wheatgrass, and wheatgrass has several hundred other enzymes not found in food.

8. Wheatgrass May Reduce Digestive Problems Caused by Ulcerative Colitis

Pancreatic cancer, chronic pancreatitis or cystic fibrosis may interfere with enzyme production. Crohn’s disease and Celiac disease, two long-term but less serious disorders of the digestive system, may also cause lack of digestive enzymes.

• Celiac disease, also called gluten intolerance, occurs when eating gluten damages the small intestines. Gluten is found in wheat, rye and barley. One in 100 people worldwide have this disorder, according to the Celiac Disease Foundation. People with diagnosed Celiac disease should check with their doctors before taking a wheatgrass supplement and contact the manufacturers of wheatgrass supplements to ensure they are gluten-free before using.
• Crohn’s disease, also called ileitis, damages the lining of the digestive tract. Crohn’s disease can affect any part of the GI tract, but it usually upsets the end of the small bowel and/or the beginning of the colon. Symptoms may include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, constipation and fatigue. Crohn’s disease may be confused with ulcerative colitis, an inflammation of the large intestine. This 2002 study (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11989836 ) shows that wheatgrass juice reduced inflammation, rectal bleeding and other symptoms of ulcerative colitis in 78% of patients who received it, while only 30% of participants who got a placebo showed improvement.

9. Wheatgrass Aids Digestion by Affecting Overall Health

Wheatgrass not only has enzymes and amino acids to aid digestion, it has dozens of minerals, vitamins and other nutrients to improve many aspects of your health. The chlorophyll in wheatgrass boosts cell growth, increasing the number of red blood cells in your body to prevent anemia. It reduces or eliminates body odor, and helps control bad breath, which is particularly important for elderly or infirm people. And it’s high in fiber, making wheatgrass supplements a great option for people who want to lose or maintain their weight while aiding digestion.

10. Wheatgrass Aids Digestion Problems Caused by Stress

Stress is one of the most common threats to our digestive health, not to mention our nervous systems. Constant worry does more than give you butterflies in your stomach. It can alter the way your digestive system works, causing irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, ulcers, diarrhea or constipation. You can actively reduce stress through dietary changes(http://wheatgrasslove.com/blogs/admin/wheatgrass/138/how-to-manage-stress-through-nutrition ) (avoiding processed or junk food), getting more exercise, and practicing yoga or meditation. Taking a wheatgrass supplement daily will help your body (and mind) stay strong when faced with stressful situations. Wheatgrass contains B complex vitamins, including Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12, which improve cognitive function and reduce the effects of stress. The Vitamin C and Vitamin E in wheatgrass have antioxidants to fight cell-damaging free radicals and manage anxiety. Control stress and you’ll find your digestive problems disappear along with the butterflies in your stomach. Wheatgrass aids digestion in several ways – not only does it help with the physical aspects of enzymes breaking down food, it has a positive influence on anxiety and depression, two conditions that may lead to poor digestion.

Wheatgrass Aids Digestion, Balances Mood and Helps You Lose Weight

Wheatgrass has so many nutrients essential to digestion and overall health you’ll see an improvement in your bowel movements shortly after using it, even if you’ve suffered from constipation, IBS, gas or other problems for an extended length of time. Wheatgrass isn’t a one-time, one-benefit supplement. You can take it for years to maintain good digestion, better skin, nails and hair, a better nervous system, increased mental clarity and other positive effects. Wheatgrass aids digestion, but it does so much more, you’ll use it for dozens of other reasons.

Zeal O2, Happy Girl and REVV from WheatgrassLove Offer the Power of Wheatgrass with Other Herbs for Better Health

Wheatgrass aids digestion, and all Wheatgrass Love products help keep your digestive system strong while  providing other health benefits.  We offer wheatgrass supplements formulated for anxiety and depression (Happy Girl Mood Enhancer), energy and mental focus (REVV Natural Energy Supplement) and weight loss (Zeal O2 Natural Weight Loss Supplement and Energy Booster). All Wheatgrass Love products are made with the finest, high value wheatgrass and provide complete nutrition from essential and nonessential amino acids, hundreds of enzymes, (including the digestive enzymes amylase, protease and lipase) and up to 90 out of 102 possible minerals. We add extra B-complex vitamins in the herbal proprietary blend for Zeal O2 and Happy Girl. This proprietary blend adds even more health benefits to our wheatgrass products, with cayenne pepper, fat-burning Citrus Aurantium ,green tea extract, ginger and close to a dozen other herbs blended in for optimum nutritional value.

Happy Girl Mood Enhancer Keeps You Calm and Focused Naturally

Happy Girl’s formula is adjusted to treat mild to moderate depression and anxiety naturally, with just the right amount of  B vitamins for extra energy and focus for PMS, your monthly cycle, menopause and anytime. Read more about Happy Girl here:  http://wheatgrasslove.com/products/mood-enhancement-supplement

Even though we call it Happy Girl, the formula also works for men and seniors looking for a natural anti-stress solution!

Zeal O2 Natural Weight Loss Supplement Helps You Burn Fat and Curb Your Appetite!

The wheatgrass in Zeal O2 helps keep your appetite in check while it burns fat! This  100% natural formula gives you all the benefits of wheatgrass plus added B-complex vitamins and herbs for energy. Read more about Zeal O2 here:http://wheatgrasslove.com/products/natural-weight-loss-supplement

REVV Natural Energy Supplement Gives You Focus and Vitality Without the “Crash” of Energy Drinks!

REVV Natural energy Supplement gives you energy whenever and wherever you need ot. These delicious chocolate wafers have all the power of wheatgrass, plus brain power boosting Periwinkle herb and L-Taurine for a healthier heart and more mental clarity. Read more aboutREVV here: http://wheatgrasslove.com/products/natural-energy-supplement

Give us a call at 877-303-1717 to place your order! We’ll be glad to answer any questions you may have about our wheatgrass products! Always talk to your doctor before using any dietary supplement.

12 Health Benefits of Chlorophyll

Chlorophyll, a pigment which absorbs sunlight, gives plants their green color. It’s found in plants, and is packed with hundreds of nutrients essential for good health.  This antioxidant-rich substance is found in wheatgrass, peas, broccoli, asparagus, spinach, green apples, zucchini, Brussels sprouts, green beans and cucumber – namely, any green fruit or vegetable. It has dozens of positive effects on your health and well-being. You get chlorophyll through eating green vegetables or taking supplements. Cooking vegetables removes much of their chlorophyll (through eating cooked green veggies is better than not eating them at all), and eating them raw is unpleasant for most people. You can get more of the health benefits of chlorophyll by taking a supplement, and a wheatgrass tablet is one of the best ways to do that, since chlorophyll is the primary nutrient found in wheatgrass. Chlorophyll is also available in wheatgrass juice or as liquid chlorophyll. Liquid chlorophyll is used for the same health benefits as veggies and wheatgrass, but it is diluted with water or consumed plain, much like a wheatgrass shot. 

Chlorophyll has anti-bacterial properties and can prevent infections from forming or getting worse. It protects healthy cells and makes your body stronger and better able to avoid disease.  And this green pigment is great for improving mental clarity and reducing the effects of stress.  Chlorophyll calms the nerves, allowing you to remain focused during hectic times. It helps oxygen travel through the bloodstream, giving you more energy and increasing brain function.

Increased resistance to disease and better clarity are only two of the health benefits of chlorophyll. It also boosts digestion, fights inflammation and aids our bodies and cognitive functions in many other ways. Here’s a list of 12 health benefits of chlorophyll. Add this green super nutrient to your diet through vegetables, fruits, wheatgrass and other supplements for more energy and fewer visits to the doctor.

1. Chlorophyll Helps Prevent Cancer

Chlorophyll helps stop the gastrointestinal tract from absorbing aflatoxin and other cancer-causing toxins. Studies show chlorophyll protects the colon against toxic substances found in meat, grains and polluted air. It has a phytochemical compound which may prevent cancer cells from multiplying.

An Oregon State University study showed that chlorophyll in wheatgrass and vegetables provides protection against modest environmental carcinogens. “Chlorophyll can reduce tumors, up to a point,” says the project’s research assistant Tammie McQuistan.  The study indicated that rainbow trout (used in the study instead of lab mice) were likely to develop tumors when exposed to high levels of carcinogens and chlorophyll only increased the number of tumors when the carcinogens were increased to an inflated level.¹

Chlorophyll and its derivatives help prevent cancer by providing antioxidant activity, trapping mutagens and inducing apoptosis (the cell death that occurs as a normal part of the body’s growth).

2. Chlorophyll Improves Heart Health

Chlorophyll is chock full of magnesium, which promotes longevity when given to patients who’ve suffered heart attacks. It reduces the chance of hypertension and atherosclerosis, and 365 mg of magnesium (found in many wheatgrass or chlorophyll supplements) improves an individual’s lipid profile.

Research by Austrian scientists found that chlorophyll slows the oxidation of “bad” cholesterol (LDL). Bad cholesterol is one of the contributors to cardiovascular disease, so increased protection against strokes and heart attacks are among the health benefits of chlorophyll.

3. Eliminates Body Odor and Bad Breath

The health benefits of chlorophyll extend to daily quality of life. Natural ingredients like chlorophyll and mint have been used to reduce body odor and control bad breath since ancient Egyptian times.

A toothpaste called Chlorodont, containing chlorophyll, was distributed worldwide from its invention in Germany in 1907 until the 1980s. Some small companies still produce chlorophyll toothpaste. Clorets breath mints and gum, a popular brand containing Actizol, a substance with chlorophyll in it, was once widely used in the United States. It’s now sold primarily in Southeast Asia, Japan, Mexico and South America.

This natural deodorizer is used to cure pyorrhea and treat bleeding gums. You can take chlorophyll as a supplement through wheatgrass tablets or shots to reduce body odor or bad breath, or add liquid chlorophyll to water. Regardless of the method you choose, chlorophyll will help control dental problems and body odor if used regularly.

Studies conducted on geriatric patients and reported in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society showed that taking chlorophyllin tablets (a type of chlorophyll) reduced urinary and fecal odor, prevented gas and chronic constipation and worked as a morale booster for patients.²

4. Helps Wounds Heal Faster

The health benefits of chlorophyll include better wound healing. A report published by Butler University in 1950 outlined chlorophyll’s value in healing wounds. When used topically as a spray. It speeds up the healing of cuts and other minor injuries.

Research conducted in the 1940s showed that chlorophyll helped slow the growth of anaerobic bacteria. It is often used to reduce swelling and redness in wounds, and a study conducted in India concluded that “chlorophyll and its degradation products are valuable and abundantly available anti-inflammatory agents.” ³

5. Promotes Better Digestion

The health benefits of chlorophyll are especially prominent when it comes to the digestive system. Chlorophyll massages the intestines, promoting regular bowel movements and stimulating digestion. It helps cleanse the colon, eliminating blockage that may cause constipation. It tones the stomach and intestinal muscles, which helps keep you midsection flat and slim while aiding the digestive system.

Odor problems in other parts of the body are caused by poor digestion. By cleansing the colon and improving stomach health, chlorophyll removes potential causes of bad breath before they travel to the mouth and throat.

6. Fights Inflammation and Free Radicals

Another one of the health benefits of chlorophyll is its ability to reduce cell damage through its abundance of antioxidants. The vitamins in chlorophyll, including Vitamin A, C and E, plus beta-carotene and bioflavonoids, offer protection against free radicals and other damaging elements. Chlorophyll has antiseptic properties which helps destroy bacteria and strengthen tissue. 

7. Chlorophyll Contains Important Vitamins

The health benefits of chlorophyll are due to its abundance of vitamins and minerals. . The magnesium in chlorophyll keeps our muscles strong and helps them contract. Calcium, Vitamin D and magnesium keeps your bones healthy. Since 50% of the body’s magnesium is in the bones, eating green vegetables and taking wheatgrass or other chlorophyll-rich supplements will help prevent fractures and broken bones. Chlorophyll also has Vitamin K, which aids in the clotting of blood. It’s used to treat nosebleeds, heavy menstrual bleeding and anemia.

Wheatgrass, highly due to its chlorophyll content, has hundreds of nutrients, including Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, B-complex vitamins, zinc, calcium, selenium, iron, potassium and hundreds of enzymes. To receive the best nutrient’s possible from chlorophyll, take a wheatgrass supplement in addition to eating a balanced diet.

8. Detoxifies the Body

Chlorophyll increases blood flow and transport of oxygen through the blood. This allows the body to flush out toxins, pesticide residue and chemical deposits faster. Chlorophyll binds and drives out mercury and other heavy metals from the body. This aids in detoxifying the liver.

9. Restores Red Blood Cells and Fights Anemia

The chlorophyll in plants has a structure similar to hemoglobin in human blood. Human blood has iron at the center of its structure; chlorophyll has magnesium at its center. This accounts for its value in transporting oxygen to cells and maintaining their health.

Chlorophyll replenishes the body’s red blood cells, and its abundance of enzymes cleanse the blood. The magnesium in chlorophyll we ingest through green veggies or wheatgrass helps form red blood cells and increase our energy level. Taking chlorophyllin, a modified type of chlorophyll, may improve quality in life for people with anemia. Many pregnant women take a chlorophyll supplement to combat anemia, build blood cells and prepare for blood loss during childbirth.

10. Balances Acid-Alkaline Ratio in the Body

Some of the health benefits of chlorophyll aren’t obvious. The foods we eat are classified as alkaline, acidic or neutral. We need a combination of all three types of foods to stay healthy. Alkaline foods are considered the healthiest, and include most fruits, vegetables and beans. Foods and supplements with chlorophyll are classified as alkaline. Butter and oils are neutral; coffee, cranberries, plums, soda, alcohol, white rice and most refined grains are considered acidic. 

The ideal acid to alkaline balance is 7.4, with 7.0 considered neutral. Anything below 7.0 indicates overly acidic conditions, usually due to a poor diet. When you body can’t neutralize or eliminate excess acids, it can cause fatigue, viruses, yeast infections and accelerated aging.

Having enough alkaline in your system keeps your tooth enamel strong and prevents dry skin, thinning hair and brittle fingernails. By eating a healthy diet, you can avoid demineralization caused by acidic foods. Taking a wheatgrass supplement with chlorophyll will help balance your pH and make your body even more resistance to demineralization and inflammation. Chlorophyll contains an ample amount of magnesium, a mineral necessary to maintain proper alkaline content in the body.

Alkaline foods include fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes. Too much alcohol, red meat, sugar-filled desserts and fast food are considered acidic and can throw your pH balance off, making you more susceptible to high blood pressure, diabetes and other illnesses. A small amount of red meat, ice cream, candy and other acidic foods are fine, but don’t overindulge.

11. Helps Prevent Kidney Stones

Chlorophyll reduces the chance of calcium oxalate buildup, which leads to kidney stones. Avoid excessive amounts of sugar and red meat in your diet, and be sure you are getting enough Vitamin C and B complex vitamins (and drinking enough water) to prevent the formation of kidney stones.

12. Promotes Weight Loss and Maintenance

By increasing the rate at which oxygen absorbs into cells, chlorophyll increases your energy and may raise your metabolic rate slightly, curbing appetite. Eating foods and taking supplements with chlorophyll improve your overall health, making it less likely that you’ll feel the need to overeat. Gradual weight loss occurs naturally when you eat good food (and exercise), and chlorophyll-rich foods and supplements are part of a healthy lifestyle.

Spinach, beans, arugula and parsley are rich in fiber as well as chlorophyll, and foods containing fiber help curb the appetite a bit more than other weight-loss friendly vegetables. Enzymes in foods containing chlorophyll help break up fat molecules – contributing to weight loss even while you eat. Chlorophyll won’t help you lose weight overnight, but the inclusion of it will help you maintain your ideal weight over time.

Happy Girl, Zeal O2, and REVV Offer The Health Benefits of Chlorophyll in a Wheatgrass and Herb Formula

Wheatgrass is young grass from the wheat plant picked just after sprouting. It’s full of chlorophyll and so many other nutrients-so many it’s called one of nature’s superfoods. A partial list of the nutrients in wheatgrass includes the amino acids tryptophan, valine, arginine and aspartic acid; hundreds of enzymes not found in other foods (hexokinase, super-oxide, catalase, etc.) and up to 90 of 1O2 possible minerals. The health benefits of chlorophyll alone would make wheatgrass a nutritional powerhouse, but the added nutrients make it one of the best supplements you can take.

Wheatgrass Love has three wheatgrass supplements, each one designed for a slightly different nutritional goal.

Zeal O2 Weight Loss Supplement and Energy Booster harness the power of wheatgrass to curb your appetite and keep you healthy and focused while you diet. Zeal O2 also contains a blend of herbs for extra nutrition, including Citrus Aurantium to boost metabolism, cayenne pepper to improve circulation and green tea extract for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant power. Buy Zeal O2 here: http://wheatgrasslove.com/products/zeal-buy-now

Happy Girl Natural Mood Enhancing Supplement provides wheatgrass-based formula to balance mood and improve mental clarity for men and women. The minerals and vitamins in wheatgrass, including Vitamin B6 and B12, enable you to deal with stress better and stay balanced regardless of outside circumstances. The herb blend in Happy Girl has gingko biloba, ginseng, damiana and guarana extract for prolonged vitality. The carefully blended wheatgrass and herb formula aids circulation, digestion and detoxifies while it balances you mood. Order Happy Girl here: http://wheatgrasslove.com/products/mood-enhancement-supplement

REVV Natural Energy Supplement bolsters your immune system while it energizes. Theses chocolate mint chewable contain wheatgrass, circulation-reviving periwinkle herb, caffeine and L-Taurine for a safe and unbeatable pick-me-up. Order REVV here: http://wheatgrasslove.com/products/revv-buy-now

Wheatgrass contains chlorophyll and all the nutrients it provides, and all Wheatgrass Love products add additional herbs and natural ingredients to wheatgrass for a complete nutritional package. REVV, Zeal O2 and Happy Girl have money-back guarantees- if you’re not satisfied with their nutritional power, we’ll return your money!

Always talk to your medical provider before using any dietary supplement.

Why Are Antioxidants Good for Weight Loss?

Antioxidants are natural substances found in food that prevent or reduce cell damage from harmful free radicals. When the oxidation process alters chemicals in your body, it creates free radicals – damaged cells that may cause a toxic chain reaction among other cells over time. Most of the healthy foods we include in our diets – fruits, vegetables, seeds and some dairy products – contain antioxidants. Even beans, sweet and Russet potatoes, canola oil, dark chocolate and even red wine have antioxidants. Most foods containing antioxidants are low in calories and high in nutrition, and you’ll find them on the plates of dieters and health enthusiasts alike. But why are antioxidants good for weight loss?

Some Facts about Antioxidants Good for Weight Loss

Your body naturally produces some antioxidants, but you get most of them from food.  Fruits and vegetables high in Vitamin C, such as oranges, apples, kiwi, broccoli, kale and cherries, are the most obvious source of antioxidants. Any food rich in selenium, Vitamin A, beta-carotene, Vitamin E or lutein contains antioxidants. Antioxidants are found in eggs, cheese, milk, and some seeds and nuts.

If you can’t get enough antioxidants from your diet, supplements can help. It’s important not to depend on supplements for antioxidants. Taking too much Vitamin E, selenium or Vitamin A can be harmful, so talk to your doctor adding supplements to your daily routine.

Phytonutrients and Carotenoids – Super- Antioxidants in Fruits and Veggies

Your body manufactures a limited amount of antioxidants to fight off free radicals.

Our bodies produce some antioxidants to fight off the free radicals formed by normal chemical processes, but we get most of our antioxidants by eating a healthy diet. Examples of antioxidant-rich foods include fruits and vegetables that are high in nutrients such as vitamins A, C and E, beta-carotene, lutein, lycopene and selenium.

Lycopene – a phytonutrient found in watermelon, tomatoes, red grapefruit, strawberries and other red-pigmented fruits and vegetables, lycopene prevents DNA damage to cells. If you have a high amount of lycopene in your fatty tissues and blood, you’ll reduce your chance of heart disease and cancer. It protects the skin from damage due to UV rays, and is often used as an ingredient in anti-aging creams. The body doesn’t produce lycopene, it is only available from food.

Lutein –a carotenoid found in squash, broccoli, zucchini, orange juice, kale, corn, and other fruits and vegetables, lutein is commonly called the “eye vitamin”. When consumed as part of a balanced diet, it helps prevent age-related macular degeneration and cataracts. Lutein is a color pigment in the retina and macula of the human eye, and provides protection against damage from sunlight.

Beta-carotene – the reddish-orange pigment found in carrots and sweet potatoes, it’s a prime source of Vitamin A. An antioxidant like other carotenoids, it may slow down cognitive decline, according to a study by the Harvard Medical School. Antioxidants in general may help people retain good focus and critical thinking skills as they age. Other food sources of beta-carotene include kale, spinach, peas, butternut squash and cantaloupe.

Selenium activates glutathione peroxidases, enzymes in the body that guard against oxidative stress (free radicals). Enzymes containing selenium help recycle Vitamin C from its dormant to active form, which results in stronger antioxidant properties. Eating a diet with selenium-rich foods ensures proper thyroid function. Researchers have noted that thyroid problems occur after only two months of a low-selenium diet. You can find selenium in tuna, sardines, shrimp, salmon, beef, chicken, Brazil nuts and turkey.  Eating small portions of seafood, poultry or beef will provide you with protein, Omega 3s and other nutrients, plus antioxidants.

Why are Antioxidants Good for Weight Loss?

We know that antioxidants prevent free radical damage and guard against inflammation that can cause diseases such as cancer. Although free radicals are produced naturally in the body, they are unstable molecules that can get out of control and wreck havoc on your health. Smoking, air pollution, eating foods with chemicals and preservatives, exposure to radiation and using toxic products on your skin will increase the amount of free radicals in your system.

A study in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry indicated that antioxidants reacted with cells in mice to stop triglyceride production.¹Triglycerides lead to heart diseases, but they are also common in people who are overweight or obese. Eating a diet rich in antioxidant foods will keep you healthier and may even help you lose weight.

Antioxidant- Rich Foods to Help You Lose Weight

Fruits, vegetables and legumes are the greatest source of antioxidants, with red beans, wild blueberries, pinto beans, cranberries and artichoke hearts leading the list. Most of the foods with antioxidants good for weight loss are already included in most people’s diets to some extent. You may want to increase your consumption of these foods to lose weight.

Vegetables with Antioxidants Good for Weight Loss

Vegetables are full of water and fiber as well as antioxidants good for weight loss, so they fill you up longer than less nutritious foods. The fiber in veggies helps keep your blood sugar steady. When you include vegetables as part of your diet each day, you won’t feel that late afternoon energy slump. Eating vegetables on a regular basis helps prevent inflammation, which may lead to diabetes, heart disease and other chronic health problems. You can get more antioxidants from vegetables by adding scallions, broccoli or tomatoes to your morning omelet, having spinach salad for lunch, or half a bell pepper stuffed with turkey and topped with an avocado slice for dinner.

Buy Organic Fruits and Vegetables to Get More Antioxidants Good for Weight Loss

Some research shows that organically-grown fruits and vegetables have even more antioxidants than conventional produce. According to a recent article in U.S. News and World Report, you may get up to 40% more antioxidants by choosing organic produce over conventional fruits and vegetables. ² And buying organic produce will eliminate problems caused by pesticides, since they’re grown in a chemical-free environment. Whether you buy organic or conventional produce, be sure to consume a variety of colors each day to get the full nutritional and weight loss power of vegetables. Eat green veggies (broccoli, spinach), orange (carrots, butternut squash) and red (red bell peppers, beets) , not just one vegetable type.

Fruits and Veggies (and Other Foods) with High or Moderate ORAC Ratings Contain Potent Antioxidants for Weight Loss

Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) is a lab test used to measure the antioxidant power, or total antioxidant capacity, of foods. A food sample is placed in a test tube, along with molecules that cause free radical activity. The test measures how well the food protects normal molecules from free radical damage. A food’s ORAC score is calculated based on a 100-gram serving, so cinnamon, clove and turmeric score high in the ORAC ratings due to the amount of food/spices used during the measurement process.

Red grapefruit –A red grapefruit contains 1,548 ORAC points, partly due to the antioxidant lycopene. It has the insoluble fiber pectin, which acts as a laxative, helping the digestive system do its job and shielding the colon’s mucous membrane from toxic substances. Half of a medium grapefruit has only 50 calories, and they are a great source of potassium, Vitamin A and Vitamin C. A 100 gram serving of grapefruit  provides 52% of the daily recommended  allowance of Vitamin C, 38% of the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin A and 135 mg of potassium.

Artichokes may not be one of the more popular vegetables in the produce section, but they have the highest ORAC rating of supermarket veggies at a whooping 7900 points.  They provide more antioxidant power than broccoli, avocados, beet greens or asparagus, and contain phytochemicals that might lower cholesterol. These phytochemicals include quercetin (also found in apples), gallic acid and cynarin. The cynarin in globe artichokes helps the liver produce bile, which is essential for proper digestion. It also aids fat absorption in the small intestine. A 3.5 ounce serving of cooked artichoke hearts is only 47 calories and provides 34% of the daily value of fiber.

Watermelon isn’t just for picnics – incorporate this refreshing fruit into your daily diet. It’s rich in electrolytes and water, and one cup of diced watermelon is only 46 calories. Watermelon contains a significant amount of Vitamin C and Vitamin A, along with the antioxidant flavonoids lutein, lycopene and beta-carotene. Watermelon has an ORAC rating of 142 per 100 grams.

Dark Chocolate may not sound like a food with antioxidants good for weight loss, but it can be used as a snack in most diets without adding too many extra calories. (There are 155 calories in one ounce of dark chocolate). Dark chocolate has an ORAC rating of  6992. Natural cocoa powder has an even higher ORAC rating of 25,606. Eating a small amount of dark chocolate a day can also lower blood pressure. Be sure to choose dark chocolate, not milk chocolate or white chocolate, which contain few antioxidants or flavonoids and have more calories.3 (A milk chocolate candy bar has 235 calories; a cup of milk chocolate chips has 899 calories.)

Trade Soda and Fancy Coffee Drinks for Herb Tea to Lose Weight

Green tea, Earl Grey tea and ginger tea offer antioxidants good for weight loss, provided you don’t add excessive sugar or other sweeteners.

Earl Grey contains citrus extracts, which are excellent for weight loss, just like citrus fruits. Earl Grey is full of free radical-fighting antioxidants, which guard against cancer and other diseases. P and burn off fat.t antioxidant-rich lemon juice in your Earl Grey for even more fat-curbing power. A cup of plain Earl Grey tea in moderation as no calories

Green Tea has bioactive compounds that dissolve in hot water to provide health benefits including antioxidants good for weight loss. It contains EGCG, a compound that increases metabolism and powerful antioxidants called catechins. EGCG helps control enzymes that break down norepinephrine, a hormone similar to adrenalin.  With more norepinephrine in your system, there’s potential for more fat cells to be broken down.  A cup of plain green tea has no calories. 

Ginger Tea – ginger is known as a natural appetite suppressant, and it tastes good. A cup of ginger tea has no calories and offers a zesty taste – it’s like ginger ale without the sugar and carbonation. Ginger has thermogenic qualities, and it raises your body temperature slightly, boosting metabolism and helping you burn off fat while feeling more energetic.

Good News – Red Wine Offers Antioxidant Benefits

An occasional glass of red wine with dinner will help you chill out with friends and has health benefits, too!Red wine has antioxidants good for weight loss; sorry to report beer doesn’t. The flavonoids and phenolic acids in red wine reduce triglyceride production in fat cells to protect against heart disease and keep weight off. A glass of merlot has 122 calories (5 fluid ounces).  Drinking wine ( or wine spritzers) in moderation won’t harm your weight loss program and may even help.

Take a Wheatgrass Supplement with Antioxidants Good for Weight Loss

Using a natural wheatgrass supplement adds power to an already well-planned diet. Wheatgrass offers 20 amino acids, phytochemicals and hundreds of minerals, vitamins and nutrients to keep you healthy and focused while dieting and beyond. Wheatgrass is one of the world’s best superfoods, powered by chlorophyll, nature’s “green pigment”. You can get wheatgrass in juice or powdered form, but a wheatgrass weight loss supplement in tablet form is more convenient for many people.

Wheatgrass Helps You Lose Weight- And It  Has A Higher Antioxidant Capacity than Fruits or Vegetables

The super-nutrient wheatgrass, with its high concentration of chlorophyll, minerals, vitamins and enzymes provides more antioxidants than any fruit or vegetable on your dinner table. Wheatgrass contains the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, plus many flavonoids and phenolic compounds. A major study showed that wheatgrass offers a higher antioxidant capacity than supermarket or even organic fruits and vegetables. You’ll receive more antioxidants from a wheatgrass supplement tablet or wheatgrass shot than you would in many servings of fruits or vegetables. To prevent premature aging and protect yourself against cancer, heart disease, high blood pressure and Alzheimer’s, take a wheatgrass supplement a few times a day.

Wheatgrass Love’s Zeal O2 Gives You Chlorophyll and Its Antioxidant Power for Quick, Safe Weight Loss

Wheatgrass Love offers several wheatgrass-based supplements to enhance your life and supply nutrients and vitamins to you when you’re stressed, dieting – or anytime!

If you’re trying to shed a few pounds, Zeal O2 has a wheatgrass formula that provides you with dozens of antioxidants good for weight loss. Vitamin A, Vitamin C,  carotenoids, bioflavonoids and fiber are just a few of the inflammation-fighting  agents in  Zeal O2 that will help you lose weight and stay healthy while doing it. For added nutrition and weight-curbing power, Zeal O2 also contains a blend of green tea extract, ginger, ginkgo biloba, Citrus Aurantium and cayenne pepper, among other herbs. OrderZeal O2.

We currently off two other high-value wheatgrass supplements – great tasting chocolate mint REVV Natural Energy Supplement. REVV skyrockets your energy and concentration whenever you need it with a blend of wheatgrass, L-Taurine and circulation-enhancing periwinkle herb. OrderREVV.

Feeling down in the dumps or suffering from mild to moderate depression? Happy Girl Mood Enhancer with wheatgrass may work for you. Happy Girl offers all the nutritional power of wheatgrass to keep your body strong and help you stay alert during stressful times.  Its proprietary blend includes damiana, guarana extract, green tea extract, ginseng and other focus and mood-enhancing herbs. Order Happy Girl.  (And yes, it works for men and seniors, too!)

Always talk to your doctor before taking any dietary supplement. Give us a call at 877-303-1717 to order or learn more about WheatgrassLove products!

What are the Benefits of Antioxidants?

Molecules that inhibit the oxidation of other molecules are called antioxidants. Nutrients naturally circulate in your body because of their antioxidant properties. Your body also creates antioxidant enzymes to fight free radicals, dangerous molecules that harm healthy cells. The body only produces certain antioxidants, and this production decreases as you get older. Antioxidants benefits include anti-aging protection, as they destroy the free radicals that damage cells and result in premature aging, inflammation and various diseases, including cancer. Here’s what you need to know about antioxidants benefits and how they impact your health.

Antioxidants Fight Free Radicals to Keep You Healthy

All antioxidants protect against free radicals with varying degrees of potency. Free radicals may harm you when you’re exposed to pollution, cigarette smoke or radiation, when the body breaks down certain medications and as a result of daily processes in your body, such as the breakdown of sugars to provide energy.

Antioxidants in food (and in certain supplements) help battle free radicals. Most of the foods we eat each day contain antioxidants, though some foods have more than others. You can take advantage of antioxidants benefits by consuming foods high in Vitamins A and C or the minerals selenium and zinc, among others. By eating a healthy diet, you can keep the effects of free radicals to a minimum and look and feel younger.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties Rank High on the List of Antioxidants Benefits

You’re exposed to thousands of germs and bacteria every day, and they can cause colds, the flu or more serious illnesses if your immune system is weak. A diet rich in antioxidants can strengthen your immune system, prevent infection, and even guard against cancer. As we age, your immune system naturally loses power, and it becomes even more important to eat foods with antioxidants benefits.

Foods with antioxidant Vitamin C boost production of antibodies and white blood cells. Its antibacterial properties helps heal wounds and fight infection, and it’s easy to get the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin C (60 mg) through fruits and vegetables. Higher dosages of Vitamin C are available in supplement form and provide extra antioxidant power against colds and chronic illnesses.

Vitamin E helps produce cancer-fighting cells and B-cells, which destroy bacteria. This antioxidant vitamin may also reverse the decline in immunity common as we age. Research by the Harvard School of Public Health showed that nurses who took Vitamin E supplements reduced their chance of heart attack by 50%.

Some carotenoids, colorful plant pigments found in fruits and vegetables, are turned into Vitamin A in the body. They are powerful antioxidants that prevent some types of heart disease and cancer. Beta-carotene and lycopene are two of the most valuable carotenoids, although all of them have anti-inflammatory properties. Alpha- and gamma-carotene, cryptoxanthin, lycopene and lutein aren’t converted into Vitamin A, but they have strong anti-cancer properties.

Antioxidants May Help Control Blood Sugar for Some Diabetes

Research indicates that pomegranate juice antioxidants benefit diabetics by controlling blood sugar and improving beta cell function in the pancreas. This probably occurs because the high amount of antioxidants in the juice relieve oxidative stress from free radicals. Antioxidants known as ellagitannin compounds are responsible for pomegranate juice’s health benefits, according to scientists. ¹

Antioxidants Give You Younger-Looking Skin

The antioxidants benefits for skin include less inflammation and protection from skin cancer and sun damage. A diet rich in Vitamin A, zinc, selenium, flavonoids and B-complex vitamins will keep skin moist and prevent wrinkles, creating a more youthful appearance.

Green tea and cocoa contain flavonoids that may keep skin healthy. Green tea has anti-inflammatory agents to protect skin from cancer, in addition to its other health benefits, including reduced appetite and more energy. Women who applied green tea extract to their skin in a study experienced fewer ill effects from sunlight exposure than participants who didn’t use the extract.

A study cited in the Journal of Nutrition showed that women who drank hot cocoa with a high flavonoid content had softer, smoother skin after 3 months than women who drank cocoa with a lower flavonoid content.

Eating foods rich in selenium and Vitamin can protect your skin against UV ray damage and may even reverse some of the effects of aging. The antioxidants in Vitamin C and selenium speed up your skin’s natural repair mechanism.

Antioxidant Benefits of Some High-Value Foods

When mentioning foods high in antioxidants, most people think of fruits and vegetables. While fruits and veggies do have high levels of antioxidant benefits, beans are at the top of the list, with pecans close behind. Pinto, kidney, black and red beans do a lot more than aid digestion – they have a higher antioxidant value than most fruits or vegetables.

Red Beans 

Red beans rank near the top of the list of antioxidant-rich foods with an ORAC (oxygen radical absorption capacity) of 13,727 for a half-cup of dried beans. They have the highest capacity to fight disease-causing free radicals (next to certain spices, like cinnamon).

You don’t need to buy dried beans for top antioxidants benefits. Research published in  Crop Science in 2009 indicated that all canned commercial beans are high in antioxidants, but that darker beans tend to be three times higher in phytochemicals than white or Great Northern beans.

Black Beans

Black beans contain the anthocyanin flavonoids malvidin, delphinidin and petunidin, which make up the black color of the bean’s surface. They also have two other free-radical fighting antioxidants, quercetin and Kaempferol, as well as hydroxycinnamic acids (phytonutrients with anti-inflammatory qualities). The next time you eat a bean burrito, you’re getting more than a quick meal, you’re getting several antioxidant benefits to keep you healthy. A half cup of dry black beans has an antioxidant capacity of 4181.

Kidney beans

Kidney beans are full of cholesterol-lowering fiber, like other beans, and a superior ORAC rating of 13,259 per half-cup.  They offer Vitamin B1 (thiamine) to improve memory and are a fat-free source of iron. A cup of cooked kidney beans has 38% of the daily recommended value of manganese. The enzyme superoxide dismutase needs manganese to deactivate free radicals in our cells’ mitochondria (the energy production center). If you’re a vegan or vegetarian you can use kidney beans as a substitute for red meat. A cup of kidney beans provides 15 grams of protein and helps to stabilize blood sugar.

Pecans

An ounce of pecans provides 10% of the daily recommended value of fiber. They’re sodium-free, and contain magnesium, potassium, Vitamin A, folic acid, calcium, Vitamin E, some B-complex vitamins and zinc. A study by Loma Linda University in 2011 showed that eating pecans boosted antioxidants in the body, lowering bad cholesterol and helping prevent heart disease. Although sweet pecan pies and pastries are tempting, fresh pecans in the shell provide the best antioxidant benefits and are lower in calories. One ounce of pecans clocks in at 104 calories. 

Plums

Juicy, sweet plums are low in calories (only 30 in a small plum), refreshing and full of antioxidants. Plums and prunes (dried plums) contain phenols, antioxidants that are effective in dissolving superoxide anion radical, a destructive free radical. Phenols have been shown to stop oxygen damage to fat cells. This is important because brain cells, cholesterol molecules and cell membranes are mostly made of fats. The Vitamin C in plums help the body absorb more iron, and offers anti-inflammatory properties to prevent  (or lessen the severity of) colds and flu. And, of course, prunes have fiber to keep your digestive system working properly.

Great-Tasting Spices Offer High Antioxidant Capacity

Many spices offer antioxidant benefits, and turmeric and cinnamon provide both anti-inflammatory and disease-fighting capabilities. Here’s some information about their healthful properties.

Turmeric

Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has powerful antioxidants benefits. A study conducted by Annamalai University in India concluded that turmeric and curcumin have antioxidants with great anti-inflammatory and disease-blocking effects. ⁴  It has also been shown to boost the body’s power to produce antioxidant enzymes.

Turmeric helps improve many health problems. A study conducted at the University Of Arizona College Of Medicine found that turmeric has curcuminoid, an extract that blocks the protein NF-KB from activating in the joints and causing inflammation. The antioxidant benefits of curcumin may even extend to cancer prevention. Research at the University of Texas showed that curcumin slows and may even stop cancer cells from reproducing in a dangerous form of cancer called myeloma. Turmeric may also help stop breast cancer cells from spreading to the lungs.

Cinnamon

The sweet, warm taste of cinnamon is welcome on French toast, in tea and cider, and in soups and salads. A teaspoon of cinnamon has 46% of the daily recommended value of manganese, a nutrient containing antioxidants to protect against free radical damage.  Without sufficient manganese in the diet, some individuals may develop skin problems or asthma. The antioxidants benefits in cinnamon outweigh those in ginger, licorice, mint and anise, preventing oxidation and guarding against free radicals more effectively than other spices. The polyphenol antioxidants and flavonoids in cinnamon offer strong anti-inflammatory properties that lower the risk of diabetes, cancer and heart disease.

More Proof of Antioxidants Benefits

Vitamins with lots of antioxidant benefits may increase your resistance to sunburn. A study conducted by the University of Munich in Germany indicated that participants who took 2,000 mgs of Vitamin C and 1000 internal units (IUs) of Vitamin E for a period of  8 days showed a 20% increase in resistance to sunburn.

Antioxidants can grab arsenic, mercury and other toxic metals and stop them from harming healthy cells. Antioxidants have a chelating effect and can make toxic metals leave your body through urine.

The antioxidant resveratrol, found in grapes, cocoa and red wine, is capable of crossing the blood-brain barrier, sparking better brain blood flow and protecting against memory loss and Alzheimer’s.  It has excellent anti-aging properties, and guards against cancer (especially prostate cancer) , lowers blood pressure and keeps your blood vessels heart healthy.

Wheatgrass – The Best Source of Antioxidants Benefits

Wheatgrass has healing properties, largely due to its antioxidant content. A clinical study on the antioxidant benefits of wheatgrass concluded that the most powerful wheatgrass extracts were grown in soil with nutrients, alcohol-based and had grown for 15 days before being picked. The ORAC rating (or capacity to absorb free radicals) of alcohol or water-based wheatgrass is much higher than other foods, including leafy green vegetables and beans. ³

You can’t cook and eat wheatgrass the same way you eat broccoli or spinach. (Well, you could try, but the taste is off-putting for most people – though cats don’t seem to mind it.)

Humans looking for the greatest amount of antioxidant benefits from a single food

Wheatgrass Supplements from Wheatgrass Love – Zeal O2, REVV andHappy Girl– Give you Super Antioxidant Power

Increase your antioxidant benefits by taking a wheatgrass supplement from Wheatgrass Love. We offer three wheatgrass-based supplements, each one formulated with the best unjointed leaf wheatgrass, plus other nutrients for super antioxidant power.

Wheatgrass is one of the best natural tools for weight loss, as it has hundreds of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes to keep you healthy and focused while you get in shape. Zeal O2 from Wheatgrass Love provides you with antioxidants, B-complex vitamins and other nutrients from the main ingredient in wheatgrass – chlorophyll, plus a blend of herbs. Ginger, cayenne pepper and several of the other natural components in Zeal O2 increase the already antioxidant rich properties of wheatgrass to give you energy while curbing your appetite.  Read more about Zeal O2.

Happy Girl Mood Enhancer combines wheatgrass and a proprietary blend of herbs, including ginkgo biloba, ginseng and green tea extract, for super antioxidants benefits. This supplement offers natural remedy for mild or moderate depression without the side effects of antidepressant medication. Happy Girl can be used by both men and women. Read more about Happy Girl.

When you need a quick, natural pick-me up without the additives of energy drinks or the calories of fancy coffee drinks, try Revv Natural Energy Supplement. Theses chocaate mint wafers combine wheatgrass, periwinkle herb, caffeine and L-Taurine to give you an energy boost anytime day or night. Read more about REVV. 

Get antioxidants benefits and other nutrients from Zeal O2, Happy Girl and REVV! Always talk to your doctor before taking any dietary supplement.

The Health Benefits of Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is the baby grass from the wheat plant, Triticum aestivum. It grows in moderate climates in Europe and the United States and lives outdoors and indoors. Some people grow their own wheatgrass at home by putting seeds in water and picking the leaves after they’ve grown. Wheatgrass leaves are crushed and used to make wheatgrass juice or dried to make wheatgrass supplement tablets. Most people find wheatgrass supplements easier to take than wheatgrass juice, since wheatgrass tastes like the grass from your lawn – even in juice form. The health benefits of wheatgrass far outweigh the risks. Here are just some of the ways this nutritional, high value food contributes to your well-being.

Some Quick Facts about Wheatgrass

• Wheatgrass boosts the immune system, fighting diseases, including cancer. The B vitamins in wheatgrass, along with calcium, zinc, Vitamin E and Vitamin C, potassium, selenium and manganese, provide you with more than enough nutrients to energize you and get your through each day at peak performance. With 20 amino acids and over 90 different minerals, wheatgrass builds up your body’s resistance to disease.  Wheatgrass contains several hundred enzymes, which help break down fat and promote weight loss.

• Vegetables and fruits are considered to be anti-inflammatory foods due to their high antioxidant content. Wheatgrass takes all the antioxidant qualities of those foods and increases it many times over, with Vitamin C, carotene and-complex vitamins joining to destroy your body’s free radicals.

• When you buy wheatgrass supplements from a reputable company, you can be assured that they are made from high-quality wheatgrass grown under the best circumstances. Wheatgrass tablet manufacturers buy their wheatgrass from well-known suppliers.

• Wheatgrass is a chlorophyll rich food, which helps prevent or reduce the effects of many diseases. It detoxifies the body by removing fecal matter, mucous and crystallized acids. It contains saponin and improves the body’s lymphatic system by removing toxins from cells.

• Wheatgrass is an antibacterial, living food. It cleans the blood, gastrointestinal tract and organs.

• The high chlorophyll content in wheatgrass guards against carcinogens more efficiently than other foods. Chlorophyll strengthens cells while fighting carcinogen absorption.

Here are some of the other health benefits of wheatgrass:

1. Wheatgrass Stimulates Circulation

By increasing the amount of oxygen in the blood, wheatgrass stimulates circulation. It may dilate blood vessels to increase circulation and improve the flow of nutrients to your body’s organs.

2. Wheatgrass Reduces Fatigue

Wheatgrass helps relieve by increasing the oxygen supply to tissues and cells. This boosts cell regeneration, giving you more energy and boosting your immune system. This green superfood contains energy-boosting B-complex vitamins, iron, magnesium and other fatigue-fighting vitamins and nutrients. 

3. Detox Your Liver With Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass can detoxify the liver due to its a high chlorophyll content. It eliminates harmful waste in the blood, reducing the chance of liver cancer. Taking a wheatgrass supplement regularly will improve liver function and help individuals with a fatty liver condition. Flush out toxins from your liver and blood by taking a wheatgrass supplement. With its enzymes and nutrients, wheatgrass can work wonders on a compromised liver.

4. Avoid Anemia with Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass may increase the creation of red blood cells, since its primary nutrient, chlorophyll, is similar to hemoglobin. Wheatgrass oxygenates tissues, boosting red blood cell count to fight fatigue and keep energy levels high for people prone to anemia.,

5. Wheatgrass is an Appetite Suppressant

Wheatgrass is a natural appetite suppressant, a great side effect you’ve probably never considered. The nutrients in wheatgrass detoxify your body and load it up with high-value vitamins and minerals. This supercharged infusion of vitality curbs hunger, preventing you from overeating or snacking throughout the day.

6. Wheatgrass Aids Digestion

The digestive enzymes in wheatgrass help decrease toxins and tough to digest substances in food. These enzymes may help treat ulcerative colitis, according to a study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology in 2002. Another study showed that patients with ulcerative colitis had a reduction in rectal bleeding and bowel movements. The antioxidants in wheatgrass stop inflammation caused by ulcerative colitis, keeping the digestive tract healthier. Wheatgrass reduces the symptoms caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), indigestion and acid reflux. Since wheatgrass has high-fiber content, it keeps you regular, relieving constipation.

7. Wheatgrass May Improve Arthritis

Wheatgrass is packed with inflammation-fighting chlorophyll. It removes heavy metals from the joints and guards against bacteria that may harm them. Chlorophyll offers many overall healh benefits to keep your muscles and bones stronger and reduce the severity of arthritis and its side effects. The magnesium in chlorophyll improves muscle tone while the B vitamins increase energy and endurance. And it even has Vitamin D and calcium to make bones and joints stronger.

8. The Chlorophyll in Wheatgrass Protects DNA against Bad Foods

Fried foods contain chemicals that damage the DNA and tissue in colon cells. A study conducted by the National Institutes of Health showed that people who ate good foods, including yogurt and chlorophyll after eating fried foods had less DNA damage in colon cells.¹

9. Wheatgrass Helps Control High Blood Pressure

Wheatgrass helps increases red blood cell count, which decreases the chance of cardiovascular diseases including high blood pressure. This superfood is low in sodium and has high fiber and Vitamin C, two nutrients necessary to maintain healthy blood pressure and low cholesterol. Wheatgrass is good for weight loss and maintenance, so it reduces the chance of obesity, a main cause of high blood pressure.

10. Wheatgrass May Regulate the Menstrual Cycle

Since wheatgrass stimulates red blood cell production, it can help regulate menstrual bleeding and rid the body of heavy blood clots. It may also reduce the smell of blood for some women, since the chlorophyll in wheatgrass has odor reducing properties. Wheatgrass may improve the health of weak or malnourished women and restore their regular menstrual cycle.

Wheatgrass Contains Essential Amino Acids

The nine essential amino acids in wheatgrass assist in the building of proteins and are necessary for cell growth and regeneration. They are:  histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. Taking a wheatgrass supplement containing these building blocks improves muscle tone and strength. It’s no surprise many bodybuilders take wheatgrass as part of their daily supplement routine! Essential amino acids aren’t produced by the body. You must get them from a balanced diet containing fruits, vegetables, fish, dairy or take a wheatgrass supplement to ensure you get the proper amount of amino acids each day.

Health Benefits of Essential Amino Acids in Wheatgrass

Histidine

Histidine helps ensure tissue stay healthy. It’s essential for protecting the myelin sheaths over nerve cells and ensures the transmitting of messages from the brain to other parts of the body runs smoothly. Balanced histidine levels ensure good mental and physical health. If levels are too high, it may cause anxiety or schizophrenia. Low histidine levels may cause deafness or rheumatoid arthritis. Histidine helps prevent radiation damage and removes heavy metals from the body. It helps form white and red blood cells.

Threonine

Threonine maintains a proper protein balance in the body to promote normal growth. It contributes to liver, immune system, central nervous system and cardiovascular function. Threonine helps create the amino acids serine and glycine, which are used to produce muscle tissue, collagen and elastin. It helps keep connective tissues throughout the body strong, and builds stronger bones and tooth enamel. Threonine contributes to the production of antibodies, and its presence in the central nervous system makes it helpful for treating depression.

Isoleucine    

The amino acid isoleucine is essential for clotting and repairing muscle tissue at an injury site. It increases endurance and is often used in supplement form by athletes and bodybuilders. Along with valine and leucine, it’s a branched chain amino acid, which speeds up recovery after strenuous exercise. It helps regulate blood sugar and people with an isoleucine deficiency may develop hypoglycemia.

Tryptophan

When you feel sleepy after eating Thanksgiving dinner, it’s partly due to the amino acid tryptophan in turkey meat. Tryptophan helps make the mood-regulating brain chemical serotonin. This brain chemical contributes to relaxation, sleepiness and a sense of calm.  An individual lacking in serotonin may suffer from depression. Antidepressant drugs are designed to increase the amount of serotonin in the brain.

Methionine

The essential amino acid methionine ensures that your body treats and eliminates fats. Methionine contains sulfur, and helps create cysteine and taurine, two other sulfur-containing amino acids. Sulfur is needed to produce glutathione, the body’s most plentiful antioxidant. Methionine is a chemical substance called a lipotropic, which aids the liver in fat-processing. Like inositol and choline, methionine promote normal function of the liver by preventing fat accumulation. Methionine helps in the formation of creatine, a substance found in muscle tissues that gives muscles the energy to move. Creatine is often used in supplement form by athletes and bodybuilders.

Valine

A branded chain amino acid, valine contributes to normal growth patterns, along with the other BCAAs, isoleucine and leucine. Valine is needed for proper mental function, and  helps fuel the central nervous system. During exercise and other intense physical activity, valine supplies additional glucose for energy. It removes extra nitrogen from the liver and may help treat damage inflicted on the body by alcoholism or drug abuse.

Phenylalanine

This amino acid promotes healthy function of the central nervous system. It reduces the harmful effects of depression and helps to control chronic pain. It can cross the barrier between the brain and blood to treat brain disorders. The protective area around the brain is formed by the glia of the brain and red blood cells to guard the brain against dangerous toxins. Phenylalanine can cross this barrier to help treat brain disorders. It’s crucial to mental health and brain function because it’s needed to form the neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine, which influence the way you respond to and interact with the world around you. Phenylalanine aids in melatonin production, helping you sleep better. It makes you happier and more alert.

Leucine

Leucine repairs muscles along with two other amino acids, isoleucine and valine, and aids muscle repair after exercise. It helps regulate blood sugar and boosts the amount of growth hormones in the body. Leucine breaks down and converts to glucose more quickly than isoleucine and valine, so it’s better at stopping muscle loss than the other BCAAs.

Lysine

Lysine prevents cold sores and herpes due to its antiviral properties. It produces antibodies to ensure a healthier immune system. Lysine helps make collagen and muscle protein, and aids in recovery from surgery or sports injuries.

A Word about Wheatgrass Juice from Health Clubs/Restaurants

Wheatgrass is probably best-known to the general public as a juice you buy at health clubs or juice/smoothie chains restaurants, but beware of drinking wheatgrass shots or smoothies from theses outlets. If not prepared properly, wheatgrass drinks won’t give you the best nutritional benefits and may make you sick if blenders or preparation utensils aren’t cleaned or used properly.

Get The Health Benefits of Wheatgrass and More with Zeal O2, REVV and Happy Girl

Wheatgrass Love offer three different wheatgrass supplements that provide the power of this superfood, along with other nutrients, to increase energy, mental function and make your body healthier.

REVV Chocolate Mint Wafers are “Atomic Rocket Fuel for the Body”. Take these delicious chocolate wafers as needed throughout the day when you need extra energy and focus. They offer all the health benefits of wheatgrass, plus the power of caffeine and L-Taurine for alertness and periwinkle herb to increase blood flow to the brain for better mental clarity.  Buy REVV here: http://wheatgrasslove.com/products/revv-buy-now

Zeal O2 keeps you healthy and energetic while you’re counting calories. It contains wheatgrass and over a dozen herbs, including green tea extract, cayenne pepper, fo-ti, white willow and ginkgo biloba, to address all the nutritional needs of individuals who are on a diet – or maintaining their weight. It also contains bitter orange(Citrus aurantium) to help curb your appetite. Buy Zeal O2 here:  http://wheatgrasslove.com/products/natural-weight-loss-supplement

Happy Girl harnesses the power of wheatgrass to boost mood, clarity and mental function. Get happy and increase your vitality and with a blend of wheatgrass, ginseng, sarsaparilla, green tea extract, guarana extract and other herbs designed to improve clarity and mood for people (yes, it works for men and women) who suffer from mild to moderate depression or an occasional bout of the blues. Buy Happy Girl.

Wheatgrass Love uses only the highest quality ingredients in our nutritional supplements. Satisfaction guaranteed or send the unused portion back for a refund. (Always talk to your doctor before using any nutritional supplement.)