The health conscious crowd is typically against cane sugar, as its nutritive properties are far outweighed by its glycemic* and caloric load. Mainstream synthetic sweeteners, such as Splenda® and Sweet N Low® are also given the boot, because of the immense amount of processing they undergo.

So where do we turn for sweeteners that are good for us? There are natural alternatives that offer the real taste of “sweet” and some real health benefits. From Agave Nectar to Stevia to Honey, in this 3-part series, The Skinny on Sweeteners, we’ll help you make your personal choice in keeping in sweet.

Glycemic Index and Load

Glycemic Load is the measurement of the impact that a food has on our blood sugar. Foods that have carbohydrates that turn quickly into sugar (such as cane sugar) in turn triggers the release of insulin and increasing our blood sugar. Foods with a low glycemic load or index have carbohydrates that are complex (i.e., not easily turned into sugar). Usually these foods have good fiber content or have a complexity to them that makes it not as easily convertible.

From a health perspective, consistently high blood sugar levels are linked to ailments such as type II diabetes, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, obesity, and more.

To find out what the glycemic load is of any given food, multiply its glycemic index by the number of non-fiber carbohydrates in a single serving, then divide the result by 100. The following is a guide to a food’s glycemic load:

• 20 or more = high glycemic load
• 10 to 19 = medium glycemic load
• less than 10 = low glycemic load

Agave Nectar – a brief history 

The Agave Plant

Agave Nectar has a distinguished history in the native Americas. Native peoples have used this sweetener throughout history as both a tasty treat and as a medicine.

The Aztecs were known to mix agave nectar and salt to dress wounds and to treat skin infections. Agave nectar is indeed a proven remedial, as it works against pyogenic (pus producing) bacteria. The addition of salt boosts its anti-microbial essence. Agave nectar was also used as a treatment for intestinal bacteria.

Agave Nectar – nutritional benefits

Low Glycemic Load: A serving of Agave Nectar (2 Tbs) has 32 carbohydrates. With a glycemic index of 30, the glycemic load is a mere 9.6 (32 x 30 / 100).

This low glycemic value means that agave nectar offers sweetness without the cost of raising your blood sugar. Agave Nectar is a fantastic alternative sweetener for diabetics or anyone else who may be watching their blood sugar levels. Agave nectar is naturally sweetened by a compound called inulin, which is more complex than regular sugar.

Sweetness: Agave Nectar is about 1.5 times sweeter than regular sugar. As a result, less agave nectar is needed to sweeten the same. As far as calories are concerned, agave nectar and sugar boast about the same numbers, but with the reduction of the amount needed to sweeten, calorie counters should save a few using agave nectar.

Minerals: Agave Nectar has small amounts of calcium, potassium, iron, and magnesium. Unlike sugar, which has no nutrients, Agave Nectar is a sweetener that adds some oompf to your daily values. These minerals support bone density, blood cells, and overall health.

Organic: The agave plant is a natural food straight from the desert. Many agave nectar brands will carry the organic label. Choose organic when you can for better taste and better bio-availability.

Raw: Agave nectar is comes in a raw version as well. This makes it a delightful addition to raw desserts and smoothies. The health benefits of agave are available across the board whether you choose a raw version or not.

Proponents of agave nectar tout the health-promoting qualities of this sweetener. From immune support to blood building support to a method of weight loss, agave nectar is a viable alternative sweetener for the health conscious person.

Agave Nectar, Almonds and Banana Smoothie 

Agave Nector

• 1 ripe banana, frozen (peeled, chopped)
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 Tbs almond butter
• 1 Tbs agave nectar
• 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder

Mix everything up in a blender and enjoy!

Sources:

• http://www.fitday.com/fitness-articles/nutrition/healthy-eating/6-health-benefits-of-madhava-agave-nectar.html
• http://www.allaboutagave.com/health-benefits-of-agave-nectar.php

Need a pick-me-up? Try this power-packed wowzer of a juice full of greens and citrus. Wheatgrass offers a much needed dose of energy at just the right times. Click here for more posts all about wheatgrass, and then try this afternoon energy booster:

• 1 handful of freshly picked wheatgrass
• 1 handful of organic spinach
• 1 spear of pineapple

Juice it up and feel the jolt! Click here for our nutritional profile on pineapple.

The spinach in this recipe offers some of the essential nutrients our bodies need to keep running, and if you’ve been reading this blog with any regularity, you know that at 877MyJuicer our credo is the greener the better!

Nutritional benefits of spinach

Spinach, no bones about it, is one of the most nutrient dense foods around. Filled with vitamins and minerals from K to A, from manganese to magnesium and from iron to calcium—spinach is a vital addition to any diet.

Antioxidant Power: Spinach ‘brings it’ when it comes to antioxidants. The power nutrients of the antioxidant world are Vitamin C, Vitamin E, beta-carotene, and manganese. Spinach is an excellent source for all of these nutrients, from 29% daily value of Vitamin C to 84% the daily value of manganese.

Spinach also offers zinc and selenium at 9% daily value and 4% daily value, respectively. These two minerals are known power houses of antioxidant goodness.

Anti-Cancer and Anti-Inflammatory: A recent study on the relationship between prostate cancer and vegetable consumption concluded that “only spinach showed evidence of significant protection against the occurrence of aggressive prostate cancer” (aggressive being considered stage 3 or stage 4).

The study looked at spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, mustard greens, turnips greens, kale, collards, and brussels sprouts. Spinach is a must-have addition in the male diet. Other cancers such as stomach and breast cancer have also been shown to be positively affected by the consumption of spinach.

Strong Bones: A cup of raw spinach provides about 200% of the daily value of Vitamin K. Vitamin K is an essential nutrient for bone density and overall health. Spinach also contains calcium and magnesium which are also bona fide supports for our skeletal system.

Dieter’s Delight: Spinach has only 41 calories per raw cup. Those watching their weight can eat spinach all day and not worry about blowing their calorie count. But more importantly, the nutrient richness of spinach will ensure that as you diet, you are properly nourishing your body.

Fun spinach lore

Spinach is part of the chenopod family, which also include beets, chard, and the grain quinoa.

Persian (today’s Iran) in origin, spinach traveled to China and onto Europe via Spanish explorers. It was referred to as “the Spanish vegetable” by Britons.

The famous Catherine de Medici of 16^th century Florence, Italy, was known to adore spinach. So much so, she not only included it in every meal, but imported her own cooks to have it prepared to her preference. To this day, dishes prepared on a bed of spinach are called “a la Florentine” in honor of this regal woman.

Some would say spinach was popularized in the United States by Popeye. Though it was unfortunate that he ate it out of a can in our eyes, since canning the vegetables reduces its nutritional ‘oomph.’ Eating spinach raw or lightly cooked helps this green goddess of a veggie retain its super powers.

Selection and Storage

Spinach should look alive and vibrant with deep green leaves and stems. The leaves should look tender. Fresh looking spinach leaves have higher concentrations of vitamin C.

Avoid any spinach that is yellowed, bruised, or wilted. If the spinach looks a bit slimy, compost it as it has begun to decay.

Store unwashed spinach in a plastic bag that has as much air squeezed out of it as possible. Fresh spinach usually keeps for up to 5 days.  Don’t bother keeping cooked spinach; it doesn’t store well.

Wash spinach before juicing or cooking. Trim any roots and separate. Wash by placing into a bowl of lukewarm water and swish the veggie around. Repeat until the leaves are clean. You can pat dry the spinach with a towel or use a salad spinner to remove excess water.

Dark chocolate and raw oysters historically hold the claim to fame as aphrodisiacs. However, it seems that many whole fruits and vegetables and a few spices are giving these two some competition in the bedroom.

An aphrodisiac is a substance that is purported to increase the libido. Luckily, for us healthy juicers and raw food eaters, there are plenty of fruits and vegetables that will naturally enhance sexual desire in both men and women.

Enjoy this list of libidinous foods, juice them up in interesting combinations and let us know how it goes! With both the recipe and the, ahem. . . well, you know. . .

Food and Sex: A Winning Combination

Almonds contain essential fatty acids which assist in the production and regulation of male hormones. Almond lore says that the smell of these delectable treats arouse a woman’s passion. Almonds have a long and distinguished history as a sexual stimulate and stimulating fertility. Click here for additional nutritional information on almonds.

Asparagus contains a massive amount of Vitamin E, which has a reputation as being the “sex vitamin”. A solid dose of Vitamin E will boost the libido in both men and women. It’s suggested that for the most advantageous effect, eat asparagus for three days prior to sexual engagement (or just eat a lot of asparagus regularly and go with the spontaneity!)

Avocado contains a large dose of folic acid and vitamin B6 which together increases the production and regulation of testosterone. Eating avocado can increase the sexual drive in both men and women. Add an avocado to a smoothie, a juice, or eat it raw out of the skin. In avocado lore, the Aztecs called the tree ahuacatl, or “testicle tree”! If you’re watching your weight, be wary of eating large amounts of avocado since they are high in calories. Excess weight can lower your libido.

Bananas contain an enzyme called bromelain, which stimulates the male libido. Bananas also contain riboflavin and potassium which helps to convert carbs into raw energy and, like the avocado, increases sex hormone production.

Basil is a powerful herb that produces a general sense of well-being in both mind and body. Basil increases circulation when eaten. And when smelled, basil can also increase the sex drive. They say that the oil from this plant was used as a perfume by prostitutes to attract customers back in the day!

Blueberries and their antioxidant power can increase your sexual stamina. So while it may not increase your drive, they will certainly keep your drivetrain on course once you’re on the road!

Cardamom is an aromatic spice known to increase sexual stimulation rapidly. It is said to be especially helpful in treating male impotence. Caramom contains cineole, a nervous system stimulant (think of your brain as your biggest sex organ), and is also thought to increase blood flow to certain parts of the body.

Celery is an unassuming vegetable that’s two-fold in it’s usefulness for both sexes. Celery contains the male hormone called androsterone. This substance is released through male perspiration. Yes, I’m talking about pheromones!

Men, by eating celery, you’ll increase the potency of your pheromones and attract those who may be sniffing for your particular brand of chemicals. As a result, women who eat celery are more ‘in the mood’ than ever for sexual connection.

Meet For A Drink: Banana, Almond, and Cardamom Smoothie

• 1 medium banana, peeled
• 1 cup unsweetened, almond milk.  Choose an organic brand or make your own.
• 1 tbs raw, unsalted almond butter
• ½ to 1 tsp cardamom
• Honey or agave nectar to taste

Mix everything up in a blender and enjoy! Alternatively, blend your smoothie and heat it up a bit to serve it warm and cuddle up next to your partner. Don’t forget to make enough for two!

Garlic is the cat’s meow of aromatic herbs. Garlic is a member of the lily (or Allium) family. It’s also related to the onion and the leek. On its own, it is known as “the stinking rose”, a reflection of its strong odor, but honoring its therapeutic benefits.

Nutritional Benefits of Garlic

Garlic’s powerbase comes from its sulfur compounds. These compounds are not only responsible for its pungent smell, but are the source for garlic’s myriad of health benefits.

Garlic is also a fantastic source of manganese (which feeds our mitochondria – the energy production factories of our bodies). Garlic also offers vitamin B6,  vitamin C and selenium; all are working hard as antioxidants to provide health benefits.

Garlic Rocks for Heart Health

Garlic is a protector of our cardio system. It can lower cholesterol, but more importantly, garlic’s key nutrients protect our blood cell and blood vessels. This keeps our hearth healthy and the blood flowing. Garlic helps to reduce plaque formation and clogging.

Part of these benefits are attributable to garlic’s ability to lower blood pressure. Garlic is an important addition to our daily diet for keeping our heart and blood pressure in top working order.

It’s an Anti-Inflammatory

Garlic brings the pain when it comes to reducing inflammation. From our muscular, skeletal, and our respiratory system, garlic is an all around tonic. Garlic is thought to also combat obesity, which is believed to be in many ways just another form of inflammation. If you’re trying to reduce your weight, eat more raw garlic!

Garlic is an Antibacterial and Antiviral

Garlic’s super claim to fame is its antibacterial and antiviral properties. Garlic is proven to control infection from bacteria and viruses. It also controls infection from yeasts, fungus, and worms. Garlic is an overall cleanser of our body’s system and can assist us in maintaining optimum overall health.

Iron Metabolism Done Right

It’s also thought that garlic is key in helping our bodies properly metabolize iron. Iron is an important nutrient for our blood and cells. Garlic helps the transportation of a protein called ferroportin, which helps keep the iron moving through our bodies as it’s needed.

Raw vs. Cooked Garlic

It is generally recommended to include one clove of garlic in your diet at least once a day. To obtain the best that garlic has to offer, eat the clove raw.

Here’s some general tips for easy handling of your garlic:

• To use garlic, separate a clove from what’s called the “bulb”. To remove the skin easily, place the clove on a hard surface and then gently apply pressure with the palm of your hand at an angle. The skin will separate and you then can peel it away.
• To give the garlic’s enzymes a chance to activate, peel your clove at least 5 minutes before adding it to your juice. This method lets the garlic reach its peak proficiency before combining it with other ingredients.
• If raw garlic simply doesn’t do it for you, consider adding it to just about any dish you ever cooking.  Add it a few minutes before the end of cooking time will help it retain its verve. Cooking garlic too long reduces its health-promoting ability and brings forth a bitter flavor.

Garlic Yum!

• 2 tomatoes - Click here to learn more about how tomatoes keep you in tip-top shape
• 2 apples - Click here to find out more about apples
• 1 clove of garlic (prepare your clove 5 minutes before juicing)
• 1 sprig of parsley

Juice them, mix them, and enjoy them!

A little more about garlic

Garlic is native to central Asia. It has been grown for over 5,000 years, making it one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world.

But it was ancient Egyptians (Khemet) that first began to cultivate garlic. They held it as sacred and the garlic clove was often placed in the tombs of Pharoahs.

Also in Egypt, garlic was held as the pinnacle of the food pyramid (quite literally in fact, as it was given to the slaves that built the Pyramids to enhance their strength and endurance!)

In ancient Greece and Rome, athletes partook of garlic prior to competition and soldiers consumed it before battle. Garlic’s ‘power’ was held in high esteem.

Garlic traveled the world with migrating tribes and adventurers. It was found in India and China by the 6^th century BC.

In garlic’s long and distinguished history, it’s been used as a sacrament, for culinary endeavors, and for medicinal purposes. With current scientific research touting garlic’s healthful power, this little bulb continues to be as popular as ever.

Selection and storage of garlic

Choose fresh garlic whenever possible for your cooking or medicinal needs. Garlic’s greatness is found in its freshness.

Choose cloves that are plump and have an unbroken skin. Garlic should feel firm and not squishy. Steer clear of garlic that has begun to sprout or looks shriveled. The older the garlic, the less flavor and nutritional benefits it will provide. The size of the garlic bulb or cloves give little indication as to the quality.

Store garlic in a bowl or covered container in a cool and dark place. Avoid placing garlic in direct sun or near a heat source. Freezing or refrigerating garlic reduces both its flavor and nutritional value.

Fresh garlic of superior quality will keep for up to a month if stored well. However, once you break a garlic bulb open, the shelf life reduces dramatically to just a few days.

Fennel is a lovely addition to your juicing resources. When juicing fennel, you can use just the bulb, or you can include the stalk and all the leaves. All parts of this versatile veggie are edible.  Fennel is related to the parsley, dill, and coriander plant family.

Fennel’s smell and taste is distinct. To truly enjoy fennel you have to be a fan of both licorice and anise flavors.

Nutritional Benefits of Fennel

Vitamin C: Fennel has an excellent amount of Vitamin C, serving over 17% of your daily value.  The benefits of including Vitamin C in your diet are well-known.  As the leading water-soluble antioxidant, Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals throughout all water environments of our bodies.  And since we are made of mostly water, Vitamin C is King.

Immune Support: The Vitamin C in fennel is directly attributable to immune support.  Combined with potassium (10% daily value) and manganese (8% of daily value), fennel delivers powerful nutrients to your body. Juice fennel to keep your body running in tip-top shape.

Cardio Health: In conjunction with folate (6% daily value), the potassium in fennel works wonders when it comes to protecting blood vessel walls and lowering blood pressure. Fennel contributes to the protection against stroke and heart attack.

Nectar of the Gods

• 1 fennel bulb (alternatively add the leaves and stalks)
• ½ beet with greens
• 2 apples. Click here to learn more about how an apple a day makes awesome smoothies!

Juice all together and drink up the divine!

History of Fennel

Fennel has a rich history, especially in Greece. Fennel was called “marathron” because it was given as a reward to runners and athletes who reached arête. Legend has it that knowledge was given to humankind by the Olympians via a fennel stalk filled with coal. Fennel was apparently sacred to the Greek God Dionysus.

The ancient Greek and Roman world used fennel both medicinally and for culinary purposes.

Fennel originates in the area around the Mediterranean Sea and Near East. Primary cultivators today are located in France, India, Russia, and the United States.

Selection and Storage of Fennel

Choose fennel with bulbs that are white or pale green in color.  Consistency should be firm with a solid feel and clean look. Avoid fennel that are split, bruised, or spotted.  The stalks should be tight around the bulb.  If stalks are splayed, the fennel is aged. Stalks and leaves should be green. Quality fennel will give off a subtle licorice-like aroma.

Store fennel in the refrigerator crisper for up to four days.

Do you have any awesome fennel uses? Share them in the comments below!

With each new season, enjoying a colon cleanse is a great way to maintain good health.

Cleansing the colon is a fantastic way to purge toxins from the body.  The cleansing also provides us with increased energy, a boosted immune system, and keeps us going strong as the weather changes.

The big three of colon cleansing fruits and veggies are carrots, apples, and cucumbers.  Add a lemon for a liver tonic and you’re in cleansing and health business.

All Season Colon Cleanser

• 1 red apple
• 1 medium size carrot
• ½ medium size cucumber
• 1 stalk of celery
• 1 8oz glass of cold purified water
• 1 tbs of honey or agave or 1 tbs apple cider vinegar
• Juice from one lemon

Juice the apple, carrot, celery, cucumber and lemon in the juicer. Slurry them together with the cold water.  Add honey or agave to taste.  Drink immediately, and preferably, do it first thing in the morning.  Or alternatively, dice the veggies and fruits and mix this all up in your blender.

Veggie and Fruit Cleansing Benefits

Apple: The apple’s skin contains pectin which assists in the removal of toxin.  Pectin also prohibits the protein matter in your G.I. tract from putrefying.  Apples also help regulate blood sugar levels.

Carrot: Ease inflammation of the colon. Carrots contain beta-carotene, a great nutrient for the eyes.

Cucumber: Contains an enzyme called erepsin which digests protein. Cucumbers have a high water content which soothes and eases the digestive tract and colon.

Celery: Flushes the kidneys, liver, pancreas, and gallbladder.

Lemon: A natural antiseptic, the acidity of lemon juice destroys harmful bacteria

Apple Cider Vinegar: Prevents the formation of kidney and gall bladder stones.

Honey: Anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial. Boosts the immune system and provides increased energy.

How Much to Drink

The beauty about this colon cleanse is how simple and direct it is.  This juice recipe can be taken daily if you want a deep cleanse or once a week to maintain good health.  Add this cocktail of health to your daily regime and feel the benefits:

• Clearer skin and a natural, healthy glow
• Bright eyes with stronger eyesight
• Easier and smoother digestion
• Regular and productive bowel movements
• Increased energy levels
• Eases frequency of headaches for headache sufferers
• Reduction in allergy attacks

Salsa is an everyday vegetable favorite.  It’s low in calorie, high in fiber and nutrients, and easy on the G.I. tract with no preservatives or complexities to bog you down.

Healthly Ingredients

Lycopene:

Basic salsa is rich in lycopene as its primary ingredient is tomatoes. Lycopenes are carotenoids that are good for the heart.  They may also have a direct role in preventing cancer, particularly prostate cancer.  Lycopenes are found in both raw and cooked tomatoes, though cooked or heated tomatoes make the nutrient easier to absorb.

Chili Peppers:

Whether you like them mild, medium, or super hot, adding some chili peppers to your salsa brings a world of health goodness.

Chili peppers contain capsaicin, which is known to be anti-cancer, anti-ulcer, and anti-bacterial.  Peppers are also known to stimulate the blood flow to the stomach lining and increase mucous content, aiding in the digestive process.

The main benefit of chilies are its anti-inflammatory properties. Chili peppers can be beneficial for those with rheumatoid arthritis. Moderation is always key with chili peppers, as it’s best to have just enough of a good thing!

Low in Calories

Salsa is great for those watching their calories.  Throw some atop your salad, burger or omelets to liven up the flavor and keep the calorie count low.

You can also substitute salsa for ketchup and therefor avoid the extra sugar. Salsa has no added sugar, keeping it fresh, light, and delightful.

Also, the active ingredient in peppers, capsaicin, has also been shown to decrease appetite and increase calorie burn.  Salsa is a simply superb addition for dieters.

Vitamin and Mineral Powerhouse:

Salsa has loads of vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin C.  It also brings iron, magnesium, and potassium to the table.  The last two are vital to maintain a healthy blood pressure.

Salsa is by far one of the healthiest condiments around. Make yours fresh with juicing pulp and get the benefits of concentrated fiber and nutrients all in one shot!

Simple Salsa

• 2 cups tomato pulp
• ¼ cup onion pulp
• 1 tsp cilantro, chopped (or pulp)
• 1-2 jalapeño or other chili pepper, chopped (or pulp)

Mix well.  Serve with baked tortilla chips, sliced veggies, or over any dish as a sauce or condiment.

Juicing is for more than ‘just’ fresh juice in the morning. Fresh juice is a versatile and great way to get focused nutrients throughout the day.

A healthy diet includes raw greens such as those found in salads, like arugula, butter lettuce, mesclun, oak leaf, romaine and radicchio.  Add some additional raw veggies such as squash, carrots, beets, celery, and jicama, and you’ll have a powered-up fiber fiesta filled with vitamin and mineral power.

But every salad needs a little something to top it off.  With these recipes, you can make your own raw juice-based dressings to add a splash of excitement for a yummy twist.  Try them over the following salad ideas:

The Classic Raspberry Vinaigrette

• ½ cup raspberry juice (1 cup or so fresh fruit, juiced)
• 1 tbs. raspberry pulp
• 1 tbs. white vinegar

Toss escarole, endive, and radicchio.  Add julienned carrots, beets, and jicama.  Drizzle with raspberry vinaigrette and sprinkle with almond slivers.

Orange Vinaigrette

• 1 cup orange juice (2-3 large oranges, peeled)
• ¼ cup orange pulp
• 1 tbs. white vinegar

Drizzle the vinaigrette over a mesclun mix. Add orange slices and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.  Add some feta cheese.

Pineapple Mango Vinaigrette

• 1/4 cup pineapple juice (a few pineapple spears, rind removed)
• 1/4 cup mango juice (1 mango, peeled)
• 1 tbs. mango pulp
• 1 tbs. pineapple pulp
• 1 tbs. white vinegar

Use a base of mesclun mix and add cubed pineapple, sliced mangoes, and copped cashews.  Drizzle with the vinaigrette.

Strawberry Balsamic

• 1 cup strawberry juice
• 1 tbs. strawberry pulp
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

Marinate whole strawberries in the vinegar, then juice 3/4 of the strawberries.  Combine the romaine, endive, and radicchio.  Add sliced marinated strawberries, pecans, and feta cheese., and drizzle with the strawberry vinaigrette.

Make these dressings perfect

Choose the ripest fruit for these recipes to get the most juice and the most nutrients. Be sure to store any unused fruit in a covered container to use within 2-3 days.

Put the vinaigrette in a clear glass bottle and store in the fridge.  The vinaigrette will keep for up to 3 days.

Green Smoothie Goodness

This bright green smoothie is a pleasant pick-me up.  Use after your morning workout or in replacement of afternoon caffeine.

Yum! Green Smoothie

• 1/2 or 1 banana (fresh or frozen)
• ¼ – ½ cup of pineapple (fresh or frozen). Here are some nutritional benefits of pineapple
• 3-5 strawberries (fresh or frozen)
• ¼ tsp (or one serving) of dehydrated wheatgrass juice or 1 oz fresh wheatgrass juice.  Here are some nutritional benefits of wheatgrass juice
• 21 drops of Chlor-Oxygen¹
• Optional: 1 teaspoon of Almond Butter
• Optional:  1 tablespoon of Chia Seeds.  Here are some nutritional benefits of chia seeds
• Mix with purified water  (add purified ice if using fresh fruit  rather than frozen)

¹Chlor-Oxygen is a concentrated chlorophyll supplement. Click here for information on Chlor-Oxygen.  Any concentrated chlorophyll supplement can be used.

Banana Health Benefits

Fantastic Fiber:  the great thing about smoothies is that all the fiber is retained in the drink.  One medium-sized banana offers 16% of the daily value of dietary fiber.  Fiber  rich diets are great for overall health and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Marvelous Muscles:  Bananas have a high concentration of potassium (10% of our daily value) which keeps the heart and nervous system operating at peak performance. Potassium is a salt that is essential for muscle health. The contraction action of our muscles is regulated by potassium.  From our heart to our glutes to our deltoids to our digestive tract, the muscle contraction is part of potassium’s purview.  If you’re an athlete, a banana (or two) a day keeps muscle cramps away.

Cool Calcium:  the banana helps kidney and bone health, because the potassium suppresses calcium excretion through urine.  The potassium also helps reduce the risk of kidney stones.  Due to potassium’s ability to reduce calcium excretion, banana consumption is a great way to combat osteoporosis (the loss of bone density).

Trippy Tryptophan:  Bananas are a mild source of Tryptophan, an amino acid that acts as a stress-reliever.  Tryptophan is essential to the production of serotonin, which calms the brain and induces a more positive mood and mindset.  Tryptophan also acts as a mild sedative.  Eat a banana if you need to calm down after a work-out or need a nap.

Bodacious Blood: Bananas have a high concentration of Vitamin B6 at 20% of the daily value.  Vitamin B6 helps the body to produce hemoglobin which is an essential part of our blood.  Vitamin B6 also helps in the production of anti-bodies and our immune response.  This vitamin is well-rounded as it also converts carbohydrates to glucose to maintain healthy blood sugar level.  While bananas are higher on the glycemic index than say, an apple, the Vitamin B6 in the fruit acts as a balance for our blood sugar.

Oh, and last, but not least:

Centered C:  A medium sized banana contains 16% of the recommended daily value of Vitamin C.  Vitamin C is an essential element in good health and immune response.  Vitamin C is one of the most recommended supplements for the body and is a proven part of optimum health.

The Gaia Green Smoothie is optimized to re-energize and invigorate your mind and body so you can sail through your day.

Health Benefits of Turmeric

Turmeric is primarily known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric is so good a combating inflammation, it’s been suggested as a replacement to pharmaceuticals, without the side effects.  Turmeric’s active ingredient is curcumin, which is what gives turmeric its notable color.

But Turmeric is a giant when it comes to health:

• An antiseptic and antibacterial agent you can use to disinfect cuts and burns.
• Naturally detoxifies the liver.  Regular use combined with a liver cleanse will keep this vital organ at peak condition
• A treatment for inflammatory diseases such as arthritis.  Turmeric has been shown to reduce swelling, stiffness, and enabled arthritic suffers to move and walk longer.
• Can be used regularly after athletic endeavors to keep the muscles supple and the joints lubricated.
• Used as a treatment for depression by Chinese medicine.
• Has a deep research history in the treatment of cancer from either stopping tumor formation or destroy cancer cells. The research includes data on breast, prostate, pancreatic, and childhood leukemia.
• Is thought to protect against the advent and/or progression of Alzheimer’s disease by removing the plaque build-up from the brain.
• May reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Used in Chinese and Indian medicine to also treat jaundice, chest pain, bruises, toothache, hemorrhage, bloody urine, flatulence, and menstrual issues.

Turmeric can be taken in raw, powder, pill, or tincture form.  It’s typically used either raw or as a powder when cooking.  As a general supplement, you can take turmeric as a pill or tincture.

Contraindications: If you have gallstones or a bile obstructions or are pregnant, please consult your health practitioner before using turmeric.

Nutritional Breakdown of Turmeric

A 2 teaspoon serving of turmeric contains only 16 calories, and:

• 18% of the daily value of manganese. Here’s some great recipes for getting your daily dose of manganese!
• 10.4% of the daily value of iron
• 4% of the daily value of Vitamin B6
• 3.3% of the daily value of potassium

Sun Milk

• ¼ cup turmeric powder
• ½ cup purified water
• 1 cup of almond milk (need to learn how to make almond milk?)
• 1 tsp almond oil
• Honey or agave nectar to taste.

In a small saucepan, mix the turmeric and water until it boils.  Reduce heat, stirring constantly, until a paste forms.  The paste is good for up to 40 days stored in an air tight container that’s placed in the refrigerator.

After making the paste, blend together 1 cup of almond or other nut milk with 1 tsp of almond oil, ¼ teaspoon of turmeric paste.  Add honey or agave nectar to taste.

Raw option: add turmeric to nut milk or raw milk and serve cold.

A Little History

Turmeric has a long history in its native Indonesia and India where it has been used for over 5,000 years.  While used as a textile dye and in cooking, turmeric is hailed as primary member of ancient pharmacopeias and used in both Indian (Ayurvedia) and Chinese medicines.

Introduced to Europe as early as the 13^th century, Turmeric was largely ignored by the West until recent research about its amazing medicinal properties gained public awareness. Turmeric has been called ‘Indian saffron’ due to its deep yellow-orange color.

Selection and Storage

Because Turmeric is an Eastern spice, check local ethnic markets to see what varieties of turmeric are available.  They may have the raw rhizome or a wider selection of turmeric. The color of turmeric differs per variety, so it’s not an indicator of freshness.

For the full benefits of turmeric, choose raw or powdered turmeric rather than a curry powder mix.  There is typically little turmeric in curry mixes.

Store the turmeric powder in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dark, and dry place.  Fresh turmeric should be stored in the refrigerator.