All about Garlic

Garlic is one of the most valuable foods on this planet.  It has been used since biblical times and is mentioned in the literature of the ancient Hebrews, Greeks, Babylonians, Romans, and Egyptians.  The builders of the pyramids supposedly ate garlic daily for endurance and strength.

Garlic lowers blood pressure by dilating the blood vessels.  It thins the blood by inhibiting platelet aggregations, which reduces the risk of blood clots and aids in preventing heart attacks.  It also lowers serum cholesterol levels and aids in digestion.  Garlic is useful for many diseases and illnesses, including cancer.  It is a potent immune system stimulant and natural antibiotic.  It should be consumed daily.  It can be eaten fresh, taken in supplement form, or used to prepare garlic oil.  An alternative to fresh garlic is Kyolic.  Kyolic is an odorless, “sociable” garlic product, and is available in tables, capsule, and oil extract forms. 

Garlic contains an amino acid derivative, alliin.  When garlic is consumed, the enzyme alliinase, which converts alliin to sllicin, is released.  Allicin has an antibiotic effect; it exerts an antibacterial effect estimated to be equivalent to 1 percent of that of penicillin.  Because of it antibiotic properties, garlic was used to treat wounds and infections and to prevent gangrene during World War I.

Garlic is also effective against fungal infections.  There is some evidence that it may also destroy certain viruses, such as those associated with fever blisters, genital herpes, a form of the common cold, smallpox, and a type of influenza.

What is the Acai Berry?

The Acai Berry is an inch-long reddish, purple fruit. It comes from the acai palm tree (Euterpe Oleracea), which is native to Central and South America. Acai berries have been said to be one of the elite super foods with anti-aging and weight loss properties. Studies have shown that the Acai fruit pulp has a very high antioxidant capacity with even more antioxidant content the cranberry, raspberry, blackberry, strawberry, or blueberry.

Acai contains several substances called anthocyanins and flavonoids. Anthocyanins and flavonoids are powerful antiocidants that help defend the body against life’s stressors. They also play a role in the body’s cell protection system. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants may interfere with aging and the disease process by neutralizing free radicals. It is also an excellent source of dietary fiber. Fiber promotes a healthy digestive system. Research studies suggest soluble fibers may help lower blood cholesterol. The insoluble fiber may help to reduce the risk of developing certain types of cancers.

 Besides its outstanding content of protein and unsaturated lipids, acai is also rich in carbohydrates which provide your body with the necessary energy while working or practicing any kind of sport.

Acai is truly an amazing berry, why not give it a try?

Heart Healthy

Are you heart healthy?  I wondered after I read an article about 5 surprising signs of an unhealthy heart.   What I could do to help have a healthy heart.   There is a lot of talk about taking vitamins that can help with having a healthy heart, while fish oil supplements are going to help there is more to it than that.  Below are 7 steps that can help your goal of being heart healthy:

1. Don’t smoke, or if you do try to quit.  Not only does it stink and cost a ton of money, it is pretty bad for you.  Smokers are at a higher risk for developing an assortment of health problems such as atherosclerosis, the buildup of fatty material in the arteries, which can result in heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.  Smoking itself is considered to be the most important preventable cause of premature death in this country, the AHA reports.
2. Lower you’re Body Mass Index.  To protect your heart, aim for a body mass index lower then 25, the AHA says.  If that number seems a little high right away it is a goal to work toward.  The truth is if you are overweight any loss is beneficial. 
3. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise…  If you need to work your way into now is the best time to start.  The key is if you are doing nothing, do something.  If you are doing something, do more.  You really should exercise at least 3 times a week, or 150 minutes of moderate intensity or 75 minutes of high intensity. 
4. Maintain a healthy diet.  To control your weight and blood pressure, add a variety to your diet by including fruits and vegetables that are low in calories but high in vitamins, minerals, and fiber.  Eating fish at least two times a week may help decrease your risk from heart disease by supplying you with some omega-3 fatty acids.
5. Control your Cholesterol.  Having a total cholesterol level of less than 200 milligrams per deciliter is the goal for ideal heart health. While you’ve most likely heard talk about “good” and “bad” types of cholesterol, “what research shows is that one number matters most to the most people, and that’s the total cholesterol,” Yancy says. A blood test at your doctor’s office can let you know where you stand.
6. Lower you’re Blood Pressure.  One in 3 adults has high blood pressure, but about 21 percent don’t know they have it, according to the AHA. Considered the most significant risk factor for heart disease, hypertension—if left uncontrolled—can be deadly. It can result in heart attack, stroke, heart failure, or kidney failure. Normal blood pressure is less than 120/80. Doctors can prescribe medications to help control blood pressure, but drug-free approaches—such as a nutritious diet, regular exercise, stress management, decreasing alcohol use, staying away from tobacco smoke, and keeping your body at a healthy weight—may help, too.

Vitamin C: More Than Your Average Vitamin!

Ask the average person why Vitamin C is important for us, and the majority of them would give you pretty similar answers. Answers like: “It helps you not get sick” or “It supports your immune system” would be popular responses.

These are both correct statements, vitamin C supports a healthy immune system, and helps to prevent sickness, but there’s more to vitamin C than just sickness prevention. One such thing, is that Vitamin C acts as a natural antihistamine. It helps our bodies to fight off infections, viruses, and allergic reactions. Vitamin C plays a primary part in the production of collagen, and aids in healing many kinds of injuries and wounds such as broken bones, burns, and cuts. When taken orally, Vitamin C helps in healing wounds faster. It can also be applied on the skin to protect it from the UV radiation of the sun.

The antioxidant properties of Vitamin C help to protect DNA and cells from different types of mutations and damage.  The antioxidant properties are also very helpful in preventing cataracts, and improving vision. Vitamin C is also a critical component in treating and preventing cancer. Vitamin C is very important to prevent the oxidation of cholesterol in the blood stream. This means that Vitamin C can help to prevent strokes and heart attacks. Vitamin C reduces the high blood pressure which is one leading cause of heart disease.

Vitamin C is one of the most versatile and effective vitamins a person can take. So if you don’t take any vitamins, we here at Nokomis Nutrition URGE you to consume foods rich in Vitamin C like: red berries, kiwi, red and green bell peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, grapefruit, and oranges. You may prefer to try taking Vitamin C supplements instead. Either way, the results will be noticeable, and your overall health will surely benefit! Just check the Vitamin C supplements on the website HERE. If you don’t know which to go with, or would like some kind of recommendation, Nokomis Nutrition employees like Now Foods brand supplements, Trace Minerals Research, and Greens World.

Regular Flax Consumption to Keep YOU Regular!

Flax seed is one of the most effective ways to get a proper amount of fiber in your diet. Thus, flax seed is a great supporter for a healthy digestive system.  Flax will help those suffering diarrhea and is effective in alleviating constipation, due to its high fiber content. Some studies are showing that flax seed consumption leads to a reduction in blood sugar levels. This makes it an effective tool for diabetics and anyone else concerned about their blood sugar levels.

One of the more long term benefits of flax is that it can reduce cholesterol levels and boost the immune system. Both of these are important in keeping good overall health. So, how does flax do this? With the aid of powerful antioxidants! The antioxidants in flax seed are capable of fighting off free radical cells that damage the cells in our bodies. This is important in order to prevent the development of cancerous cells in our bodies. This is why flax is proving very promising as a cancer-fighting product, particularly with breast and colon cancers. Also, flax seed is chock full of Omega 3 oils, which are powerful anti-aging components. Omega 3’s also help reduce inflammation in the joints. This can highly benefit anyone suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, or other types of joint conditions related to inflammation.

Flax can be taken in a few different ways. One way is by buying pre-ground or powdered flax seed from retailers. Another way is by consuming breads or other grain products containing it. Another similar way of getting flax benefits is by consuming flax seed oil. This method will not get you the fiber content like the whole seeds or meal will, but it will provide you with the Omega 3’s in a highly concentrated form, as well as providing you with powerful antioxidants. One more method for flax consumption is by buying the whole flax seeds and grinding them yourself. 3 Nokomis Nutrition recommended flax brands are: “Northern Edge Milled Flax Seed“, “Nature’s Gem Premium Ground Omega3 Gold Flax seed“, and “Now Foods Golden Flax Meal“.

    

Flax seed is a very potent, powerful product, so if too much is consumed, harmful side effects are possible. If you decide to buy pre-ground flaxseed, it is important to read the directions for the product. If a reasonable portion is consumed, the health benefits are greatly realized. Just be careful not to overindulge in this greatly beneficial product!

7 Things You Should Know About Green Tea!

1 – Green Tea helps with: Weight Loss

Drinking Green Tea with meals helps you feel fuller, so it can help to curb your appetite, causing you to eat less to feel satisfied. Drink a cup of this beverage before and during your meal, and it can help you to feel fuller faster. It may also help you burn more calories, according to a study published in November, 1999, by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

2 – Green Tea helps with: Anti Aging

 Green tea is rich in powerful antioxidants. The vitamins E and C are the antioxidants found in abundance in green tea. Antioxidants destroy free radicals that cause oxidation damage to the cells of our body. Damaged cells lead to health troubles such as cancer, Alzheimers, premature aging, and diabetes. So the antioxidants in green tea can help in the fight against these.

3 – Green Tea helps with: Lowering Cholesterol

Studies have shown that this drink may help lower cholesterol with no side effects. By lowering cholesterol, the body receives help in fighting heart disease and stroke as well.

For the last 4 benefits click HERE to go to the Nokomis Nutrition archive.