What exactly is this simple, healthy food?  You make yogurt by adding two bacterial cultures, Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, to pasteurized milk to trun it into a thicker, fermented form.  All forms of yogurt contain these cultures at the start, and many supplement with additional probiotics that are associated with specific health benefits. 

The healing benefits of yogurt have been known for centuries.  The active live cultures used for the making of yogurt and kefir are the good bacteria needed for your body to function at its highest level, can help you live longer and may fortify your immune system.  The good bacteria prevents the growth of harmful bacteria that cause bacterial infections and disease.  Good bacteria prevents imbalances in your body’s yeast levels.  Urinary tract infections and yeast infections can be prevented when your body is in balance.  Antibiotics will destroy the good bacteria present in your body.  Stress, sugar, menopause and processed food can also affect your body’s bacteria levels.  It is said that active live cultures actually reduce the yogurt’s level of lactose, therefore making yogurt a dairy alternative.  There are also many varieties of soy, rice and coconut milk yogurt.  Don’t be afraid to ask your local grocery if you don’t see it on the shelf.

Dairy yogurt is made from dairy products milk and cream that is cultured with active live cultures.  Your body’s intestines are filled with bacteria that has to maintain a delicate balance of power to keep you functioning.  If one type of bacteria flourishes, your intestinal flora will be off balance.  Yogurt will help restore balance in the intestinal system.  Eating yogurt is also good for, digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, gas and bloating.

Yogurt is also a great source of calcium, phosphorus, riboflavin-vitamin B2, iodine and protein.  Protein is essential for many of your body’s systems and is also good for curbing your appetite.  You can add fruit, nuts, granola and fresh berries to yogurt.  Yogurt can also be added to fruit smoothies or you can substitue yogurt for milk in some recipes. 

In 2003, a Finnish study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, showed a common link to women who consumed probiotic-fermented milk products and fresh berry juice had a lower recurrence of urinary tract infections.  Daily consumption of just 3 ounces of probiotic yogurt improved the cholesterol profile, lowered LDL (bad cholesterol) while raising the good cholesterol, in a study with women volunteers.  Studies have also shown that freezing yogurt will not affect or reduce the probiotic content.  Probiotic supplements can also be taken.  Choose one that shows an expiration date for its living organisms.

It’s certainly best to buy organic yogurt.  I stay away from dairy and soy, so I purchase the rice or coconut milk yogurt.  I also don’t want any added sugar to my food, so I try to pick up the natural or vanilla yogurt and add the fruit, granola, agave nectar or honey for breakfast or snack.  I don’t care about the low fat variety because of the artificial sweeteners in them.  Look for yogurt that is low in sugar and doesn’t add trans fat or high fructose corn syrup.  Check the levels of active live cultures.  The more there are the better the benefit.  You can also use yogurt as a substitution for sour cream on baked potatoes, yams or other veggies (cooked or uncooked). 

I’m ending this blog with an update about my Dad.  He recently went into the hospital for bypass surgery.  Although the surgery was successful, almost four weeks later he is still in the hospital.  I was with him for the first two weeks and watched nurses (not all) going through “the motions” of care.  Unfortunately, my Dad was given a combination of five different drugs one night when he couldn’t sleep.  Not only did this set him back in his recovery, but it proved to me why I don’t like hospitals.  There is so much more to say about his care during his time in the hospital.  I can only hope that if someone you love is in the hospital, you or someone you trust is there at all times to oversee what the staff is doing.  I realize it is not an easy job to be a caregiver, doctor or nurse, especially when caring for the elderly.  And those who do are to be commended.  Thank you for your service.  I’m speaking from firsthand experience and from a daughter whose father is still in the medical system.

These statements are informational only. Please consult with your physician if you have questions.

In these times when we are hearing so much about swine flu, I thought I’d add my two cents regarding how I feel about the rumors and the lies being told.  To be honest, I don’t know which are lies and what is the truth about this issue.  I DO KNOW this, it is possible to protect and promote good health.  I also know that I have set a plan with my daughter in college just in case “they” come around and start requiring immunizations at her school (that’s not from a fear standpoint…that’s just common sense).  I will share some things I’ve heard about the flu and what I know as the truth about keeping your body in balance.  I’m sure you will make your own informed decision regarding this.  Swine flu is going around at my daughter’s college.  It just started this week (9/9).  There are signs all over campus.  They are keeping up on it, however another college in her town just had one death from swine flu.  This person had underlying circumstances.  The college tell you to stay at least six feet away from your roomate and stay in your room until 24 hours after you’ve had a fever.  It is important now, more than ever, to boost your body’s immune system.

I’ve read that even if you believe the so-called vaccine will work, it would take vaccinating 200,000 people to prevent the death of just one person from swine flu.  And if that many people were vaccinated, chances are there would be death or harm from the side effects.  In addition, this vaccine has never been subjected to any long-term testing.  I’m writing this blog to make you aware of some things you can do now to boost your health, not just during flu season.  I do believe in washing your hands.  I do believe in (actually I’m a little anal about) the anti-bacterial hand sanitizers.  There is a natural hand sanitizer named Hand Sanz, available in health food stores.  It kills 99.9% of germs and bacteria without chemicals.  It can be used anywhere without water.  I’m not a hand shaker during this season and yes, I use the wipes when I go to the grocery store and wipe my cart.  Again, to me, that’s just common sense.  And no, I won’t be getting the swine flu vaccine and I’m hoping my daughter isn’t forced into one either.  I’ve never gotten any flu vaccine. 

So what can you do or not do?  Donald Miller, MD, says “Seventy percent of doctors do not get a flu shot.”  According to Cochrane Database Syst. “There is also a lack of evidence that young children benefit from flu shots.  A systematic review of 51 studies involving 260,000 children age 6 to 23 months found no evidence that the flu vaccine is any more effective than a placebo.”  Flu shots contain mercury (a neurotoxin), formaldehyde (known cancer-causing agent), aluminum (may cause Alzheimer’s), and other additives known to be toxic.  Vitamin D deficiency is likely one cause of flu, pneumonia and cardiovascular disease. 

Msn.com states “Antibiotics are among the most frequently prescribed medications in modern medicine.  Antibiotics cure disease by killing or injuring bacteria.”   When one type of bacteria flourishes it causes an imbalance.  This imbalance can occur from taking a course of antibiotic medication, which will attack the good bacteria in your intestines as well as the bad.  Yogurt (dairy or soy or rice), has good bacteria.  Many yogurts are supplemented with additional probiotics that are associated with health benefits.  A daily dose of yogurt can help with resulting stomach issues.  Yogurt is also good for those suffering from digestive problems such as irritable bowel, gas and bloating.  Yogurt is a great source of calcium, protein and vitamins.  I use soy yogurt and avoid the presweetened and flavored varieties, which have added sugars and are higher in calories.  You can add fresh fruit or granola to sweeten it up naturally or add to your favorite smoothie.  Probiotics are not tested or regulated by the FDA but are recognized as safe.  Avoid anything with bacillus or enterococci on the label.  Keeping a healthy bacteria environment in your body is a great start in overall health and avoiding colds and flus too. 

Keep up with your vitamin C intake and stay well rested.  I also like Airborne.  I usually take it at night if I’m feeling exhausted and like I’m starting to come down with something.  Eat more raw food.  Enzymes in raw food will benefit you in more ways than you can imagine.  Yesterday I woke up with a horrible headache.  I’ve never had a migraine, but this headache was horrible.  It lasted through the day and I started feeling very achy in the evening.  I went to bed and wondered what was happening?  I immediately did some EFT(Emotional Freedom Techniques) and felt better immediately!  Remember, you are in charge of your health. 

Stay healthy. Think healthy.  Eat healthy. 

These statements are informational only.  They are my opinions alone based on what I have been reading   online and in the news.  The information contained here is only meant to keep you informed of your options.  Please make your own decision.

According to Wikipedia, “Non-dairy creamers are liquid or granular substances intended to substitute for milk or cream as an additive to coffee or other beverages.  They do not contain lactose and are therefore not considered dairy products……”.   These so called “dairy substitutes” contain sodium caseinate, corn syrup or other sweeteners and flavorings, and partially hydrogenated soybean oil.  What I do know about these is you don’t have to store them in the refrigerator.  That always scares me.  Like that yellow cheese my Mom used to make grilled cheese when we were kids that was stored on the shelf!

Let’s break down these ingredients and then you can decide for yourself if you’d like to continue using them for your coffee.

On nutrition labels, the ingredients are listed in order, from the greatest amount contained in the product to the least amount.  The principal ingredients in all non-dairy creamers are sugars and vegetable oils.  In powdered “milk”, the first ingredient is corn syrup solids.  This is dried corn syrup, the same ingredient found in soft drinks and processed food that is one of the causes of obesity in children and adults.  This ingredient accumulates in the liver and has a direct effect on our triglycerides, sending them straight up.  A good boost first thing in the morning, no?  NO!

Partially hydrogenated soybean oil is next.  This is a trans fat.  Even though the label states “0g of trans fat”.  The labeling laws say if a product has less than .5g of trans fats per serving, the manufacturer can claim there are NO trans fats in it.  Manufacturers make their serving size small enough so they can claim “no trans fats”.  This would benefit the food industry, not your health.  Not only do these chemicals boost your triglycerides, but also increase your chances of cancer, heart disease, high cholesterol, and liver disease from hydrogenated soybean oil, the most highly processed, genetically modified oil on the market.

Sodium caseinate is a milk protein, but does not contain lactose.  According to Vegparadise News Bureau, “The sodium caseinate’s purpose is to provide a hint of dairy flavor as well as to create a thickening and whitening for a creamy look and feel.  Sodium caseinate is obtained from fresh and pasteurized skim milk by acid coagulation of the casein, neutralization with sodium hydroxide, and drying in a spray dryer.”  Even though the label reads “non-dairy”, the label also reads, “milk derivative” and states it “contains: milk, soy“.  Sodium caseinate is actually a glue used to put a label on a bottle of beer.  Also the glue that holds together wood furniture.  Your body sees this casein as a foreign protein and you produce histamines that end up as mucus.

Not convinced yet to read more of your food labels?  Dry, non-dairy creamers are also flammable.  The powdered substance becomes dispersed in the air and a small spark can set fire to it.  The rest of the label is hardly pronounceable.  We all know that if we can’t pronounce it, it probably isn’t good for us.  Oh, and the shelf life of these products?  Two years!  Be a label reader.  Be proactive.

Just found this song by Third Eye Blind, the chorus is, “So what’s it going to be?  Are you real to me?  Or are you nondairy creamer?”

Men in the audience, feel free to take a walk for this blog.  I won’t be insulted.  ; )

My male cat recently came down with a urinary tract infection (UTI).  My Vet tells me it’s not so much what he’s been eating, but what he hasn’t been getting in his diet.  Where have I heard that before?  Oh right, I said that.  I have been feeding him too much of the canned, tasty variety of food.  Even though I buy organic and so-called “healthy” for him, it’s not enough.  The Vet says it’s very common for male cats to suddenly come down with this problem after having no issues at all for many years. Some of you may already know this about your cat.  I will continue with his dry food and of course I’ll supplement with wheatgrass juice. Fortunately he loves to sit still while I give him dropper full doses of the sweet, green stuff.  It’s as much about what I am taking out as what I am going to add to his diet.  Unfortunately I waited too long to realize this.  Sometimes we wait until there is a problem before we come up with a solution.

Bladder, urinary tract, yeast (candida), and mild vaginal infections such as BV or vaginitis, are very common in women.  More so than we like to admit.  “Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal infection of women of childbearing age”, says the CDC.  When I was first diagnosed with BV, I was confused. The doctor told me the cause was from the following: having sex with a new partner, having multiple partners and douching.  I’m pretty sure none of you know me, but you do know that I am one person who tells the truth and I am not embarrassed about any said truths, but NONE of these so-called “causes” fit me.  I kept trying to tell my GYN this and she gave me that look that said she most certainly did not believe me.  How about stress or sugar, can’t these cause this problem?  The CDC states that BV is a “condition in women where the normal balance of bacteria in the vagina is disrupted and replaced by an overgrowth of certain bacteria.  It is sometimes accompanied by discharge, odor, pain, itching, or burning”.  Although most women live with this condition without any of the annoying symptoms, sometimes there is an outbreak and I am convinced stress can cause it.  I again found myself suffering from some annoying symptoms.  I kept saying this happened to my cat because he was feeling the stress of the household (I am in the process of closing my 20 year business and moving to a different state).  The stress was too much for both of us.  So what now?  I knew I wasn’t going back to that doctor and I certainly wasn’t going to take an antibiotic or any other allopathic treatment when I know these only increase the risk of a yeast infection. 

How to get the good bacteria back and decrease the harmful bacteria?  First I needed to find out some of the real causes of BV, and stop feeling guilty for the judgment that one doctor put upon me.  There’s so much guilt we, as women, put upon ourselves.  Time to stop.  Other causes of BV include stress, refined sugars and menopausal women, however researchers admit there is difficulty in determining exactly what causes BV.  In most cases it is the combination of germs and other factors that cause this problem.   We need to focus on rebalancing the normal vaginal flora.  The imbalance is caused by the bacterium lactobacilli, which is responsible for keeping a healthy and normal balance of microorganisms in your vagina.  E. coli can also reach the vaginal area from wiping the wrong way.  If you’ve reached menopause or are diabetic or your body resistance is low due to certain reasons (STRESS), you’d be at greater risk.  THANK YOU!  Finally some other answers!  This infection can be contracted through sexual intercourse and African-American women with single partners have a higher prevalence of this infection.  Here are some natural treatments I found.  These treatments should be started at the first sign of infection since waiting can increase your risk for pelvic inflammatory disease, endometritis, cervicitis and pregnancy complications.

1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to 1 pint of water.  Douche up to twice a day (this is the one time when douching is considered ok).

Yogurt: Lactobacillus acidophilus and L. bifidus are present in yogurt. Look “for live culture” on the label and stay away from the fruited varieties, too much sugar.  Plain yogurt can be taken orally or tampon soaked and inserted vaginally overnight.

Probiotics- Acidophillus capsules can be taken orally or inserted vaginally.  Sepia, a homeopathic treatment, helps with pressure and burning.  Tea tree oil (antimicrobial properties) suppositories, douching, soaked tampons and wiping with a solution of tea tree oil and water can help along with topical and oral applications of vitamin E.

Foods to avoid: foods that yeast organisms thrive on like cheese, soy sauce, sugar, fruits, chocolate, alcohol and refined carbohydrates.

Foods to have on hand: Cranberry juice, goldenseal, garlic (nature’s antibiotic), plain yogurt, water and apple cider vinegar.

You never know who can teach you about your body.  Stay alert.  Do your research.  There’s so much out there to learn. Ask questions and don’t let anyone allow you to not trust your intuition.  I’ve been testing my pH levels every few days.  They are in the low to normal range.  The testing gives me incentive to keep eating right and taking my supplements.  Sometimes our bodies just can’t do it all alone.

 I almost forgot about Louise Hay. She says this about female problems: Denial of the self.  Rejecting feminity.  Rejection of the feminine principle. 

How about tapping to this “choice statement” from Louise…”I rejoice in my femaleness.  I love being a woman.  I love my body.”

These suggestions should not take the place of your veterinary or medical health professional.  It is important to diagnose what type of vaginitis you have before starting any form of treatment.

I just realized that I haven’t had a canker sore since I started my raw food lifestyle almost three years ago!  One of the big benefits of eating more living food is that your body chemistry becomes balanced in minerals, acidity, and alkalinity.  (You can do a self-test to determine whether your body fluids are either too acidic or too alkaline by following the test in the book, Prescription For Nutritional Healing on pg. 65).

What else causes canker sores?  Canker sores can be brought on by fatigue, stress, fever, menstrual cycles, nutritional deficiencies and sensitivity to certain foods.  They can be small, or large as a quarter with a red border and white center.  A well balanced, nutritious diet is vital.  As I said previously, I was a vegetarian and eating healthy, I thought, but still getting canker sores.  Once I turned to a living food lifestyle, not only did canker sores disappear, but allergies, stomach aches and headaches also diminished.  Some foods that contribute to canker sores are cherries, chocolate, citrus fruits, nuts, tomato products and animal protein, which produces excess body acid.  When you have an outbreak, eating a bland diet with no acidic fruit, salty or spicy foods, or sugary foods should lessen the discomfort.  Plain yogurt is helpful or taking acidophilus tablets.

Studies showed that some canker sore sufferers were deficient in iron and B vitamins.  These two seem to be deficient in many people.  Vitamin E applied directly to the sore can lessen its duration.  Using baking soda or table salt on the canker sore will temporarily relieve pain.  I tried this many times and it didn’t work for me.  Reducing acidic beverages like orange juice always helped me, and reducing stress in your life….that’s another common cause of many of the dis-ease in the body.  Try yoga, meditation, any form of exercise where you can shut off the mind and go into the body to feel, is great for stress reduction.

Some folk remedies for you.  Aloe vera gel, moist tea bag (red raspberry, sage, chamomile, goldenseal, or strawberry), antacid tablet or a swish of milk of magnesia in the mouth may reduce the inflammation and garlic capsules act as a natural antibiotic.

Here’s what Louise Hay says about canker sores in her book Heal Your Body….Festering words held back by the lips. Blame.  A mantra to help you?  I create only joyful experiences in my loving world.

Take what resonates with you.  Assimilate it into your life and eliminate the rest.

Experiment with what works for you.  Be proactive about your health and well being.

Sores that last more than 3 weeks should be evaluated by your physician.  This information should not take the place of your primary doctor.

Now I know this blog is for health nuts but I got to thinking (which can be dangerous)… What if, somehow, however inconceivably, someone found their way onto this blog whose interest in healthy living was marginal. I know, I know. It’s a kooky thought but this person could be you, reading right now. Maybe you find the writing humorous but aren’t really ready to go all out. Maybe having to keep track of the difference between a centrifugal and a masticating juicer and the benefits and reasoning behind each is a bit arduous. Maybe you don’t care all that much about the difference between juicing and blending or why one should dehydrate their food or grind their own grain. Maybe the how and why of it all is just a bit too much. Maybe you just want to keep it simple. After all isn’t simplicity crucial to a healthy lifestyle? I think so. Stress about diet as I’ve said again and again is just another stress and even those who think green can be neurotic about their lifestyle. So I thought possibly a little something about essentials would be appreciated. So here you have it; 8 essential foods to eat daily and a little bit about why.

1) Let’s start with spinach. Popeye was no dope however strange his musculature. Spinach builds bones, enhances eyesight and sexuality, grows muscle, and keeps your heart in tip top shape. It’s a rich source of plant-based omega-3s and folate, which decrease the risk of stroke, heart disease, and osteoporosis plus, folate increases blood flow to the penis. It’s also packed with lutein, a compound that fights age-related macular degeneration. It’s great in salads, cooked or juiced. Some worthy substitutes are Kale, bok choy or romaine lettuce.

2)  Let’s go from Popeye to Bugs and talk about my favorite veggie to juice, carrots. Now that’s what’s up Doc. Carrots are incredible cancer fighters which also enhance eyesight and boost immunity. It’s all about the carotenoids. These fat-soluble compounds are associated with reduction of a broad range of cancers, as well as reducing the risk and severity of inflammatory conditions such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. The best substitutes are sweet potato, pumpkin, butternut squash, yellow bell pepper or mango. Most red, yellow, and orange vegetables and fruits are spiked with carotenoids but none are as easy to prepare, or are as low calorie as carrots.

3). Yogurt—mmm mmm good! Now look my vegan buddies just let people do their thing. This 2000 year old food’s health benefits are undisputed. Like spinach, yogurt is a bone builder but it also fights cancer and boosts immunity. Fermentation spawns uncountable probiotic organisms that reinforce the millions of beneficial bacteria in your body. These boost the immune system and provide protection against cancer. Not all yogurts are probiotic so buy ones that read “live and active cultures” or better yet, make your own. Yogurt is also a great add to blended smoothies. For variety try kefir or soy yogurt.

3). “You say tomato, I say tomato”, wait… could those lyrics be written? Anyway, however you say it tomatoes are a beautiful and brilliant fruit (that’s right, scientifically speaking, tomatoes are a fruit people). They fight cancer keep your heart healthy and boost your immune system. Red ones are where it’s at because they’ve got more of the antioxidant lycopene, and it’s ok if they’re processed because it’s easier for the body to absorb the lycopene that way. Studies have shown that a lycopene rich diet can decrease the risk of bladder, lung, prostate, skin, and stomach cancers, as well as reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. Tomatoes can be eaten raw or juiced but aim for at least a full glass or eight red cherry tomatoes a day. Other lycopene rich foods are red watermelon, pink grapefruit, Japanese persimmon, papaya and guava.

4). Blueberries; the core of any good smoothie and possibly the most antioxidant food on the planet. Blueberries are a brain stimulant and are even called the “brain berry” because of their ability to help prevent age related memory loss. They’re also an incredible cancer fighter, they keep your heart healthy, prevent diabetes and boosts immunity. Blueberries are also rich in fiber and vitamins A and C and they are as potent frozen or dried as they are fresh. Açai berries are the new fad and are an adequate substitute but you can also try purple grapes, prunes, raisins or strawberries.

5) Beans, beans, good for your heart; the more you eat, the more you’re smart… (well they’re a brain stimulant too. What did you think I was going to say?) They also make you strong because they help promote muscle growth. Black Beans are the best by far because they’re filled with anthocyanins, an antioxidant compound that has been shown to improve brain function. Close seconds are pinto, kidney, fava, and lima beans as well as peas and lentils.

6) Sometimes you feel like a nut and sometimes you don’t but you should eat them anyway. Nuts, particularly walnuts promote muscle growth, stimulant your brain, fight cancer boost immunity and keep your heart strong. Walnuts are richer in omega-3s than salmon, they’re packed with more anti-inflammatory polyphenols than red wine and they’ve got as much muscle-building protein as chicken. Almonds, peanuts, pistachios, macadamia and hazelnuts are a close second but none really compare to the walnut.

7) Mairzy doats and dozy doats and liddle lamzy divey. A kiddley divey too but you shouldy doats. Lots of em. If this joke’s gone past you, google “Mairzy Doats” and understand that I’m talking about Oats. And I’m saying you should eat them, like the mares and does do… (Explaining jokes just ruins them huh?) Anyway, Oats are the last but certainly not least of the 8 essentials because they’re incredible for your heart, they stimulate your brain and they promote muscle growth. Why? Because they’re crammed with soluble fiber, which lowers the risk of heart disease and they’ve got 10 grams of protein per ½-cup serving so they deliver steady muscle-building energy. Quinoa, flaxseed and wild rice are great as well.

Wow… for a keep it simple article this sure turned into a long one.

Be Well,

Juicy Josh

877MyJuicer.com

So before getting into it I’ll make the usual challenge of $5 off any purchase to anyone who names the song and artist that title is from. I make that type of offer a lot and I’m continually surprised when no one takes me up on it. (I find chastising is an effective way to begin so as to engage the reader.)

Now let’s get into the meat of this article (calm down veggies). They say “beauty’s but skin deep”. I’m not sure exactly what that means but I’ve heard it and using quotes is another way to engage the reader and to make yourself look intelligent. They also say that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” so according to these two sources it can be found either in the skin or the eye. Of course I’ve misunderstood things before. But there’s one place I know it can’t be found and that’s wolfing down half pound angus burgers from Mickie D’s every day or so. Yes, we’re a beauty obsessed culture. But I believe there’s a big difference between real beauty and the cookie cutter, surgically enhanced ideal put forth by pop culture. There is beauty in all of us and unfortunately, most often it is our own attitude and lifestyle that restrains it. Fortunately there are some very simple ways you can go about choosing the right foods that can give you clear skin, shiny hair, a brighter smile and bring out the most beautiful you possible.

Omega-3 fatty acids help decrease inflammation, aid in treating psoriasis (an inflammatory skin condition) and improve blood circulation which produces a healthy glow. One study in Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that elderly people who had eaten more fish and veggies over their lifetime had fewer wrinkles. The best source of omega-3s is fish; Wild salmon, sardines, Atlantic mackerel and herring.

Fill your diet with color. Dark orange, red or green fruit and vegetables like carrots, butternut squash, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and spinach all contain a high level of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that converts to vitamin A in your body and switches on DNA that’s in charge of producing new skin cells and shedding old ones. This keeps the surface of your skin smooth, fresh-looking and resistant to irritants and damage. Beta-carotene also destroys free radicals that cause DNA mutations that can lead to wrinkles. Many of these fruits and veggies can be juiced or blended while maintaining their nutritional integrity.

Dairy products, especially yogurt, are a great source of calcium but did you know that all green, leafy vegetables contain calcium. Great sources are kale and collards, beets and turnip tops and of course broccoli (all of which can be juiced). Calcium is important for teeth and a beautiful smile. It creates cavity-resistant tooth enamel when you’re young and maintains it as an adult to keep your teeth strong. Studies show that people who get enough calcium are less likely to have severe gum disease.

Zinc is a critical beauty enhancer, contributing to nearly every enzyme in your skin, including those that help create collagen and produce new cells. It also aids in healing wounds and there’s some evidence that the anti-inflammatory properties in zinc supplements play a role in calming skin conditions such as acne. Both zinc and iron are key to cell production in hair follicles so a deficiency in either nutrient could also cause hair to thin or even fall out. Your nails benefit from zinc and iron as well. Whole grains, fortified cereals, lean beef and oysters are great sources of zinc and iron.

Dark chocolate, sunflower seeds and green tea are packed with antioxidants that protect skin from free radicals. Sunflower seeds have tons of vitamin E which blocks free radicals from attacking the membranes so cells stay alive. Compounds found in green tea can suppress agents that trigger inflammation and both green tea and dark chocolate provide powerful antioxidants known as polyphenols. Regular intake of polyphenols found in cocoa may keep skin hydrated and lessen the effects of a sunburn; researchers aren’t sure why but speculate that it has to do with the polyphenols’ ability to increase blood flow to the skin.

Strawberries, citrus, red bell peppers and broccoli are all loaded with vitamin C which triggers fibroblast cells that make collagen, the support system under the skin’s surface. The healthier your infrastructure of collagen, the firmer and smoother your skin will look.

Now… go be gorgeous.

Be Well,

Juicy Josh

877MyJuicer.com