Cellulose: Down with OPP

You may be wondering what we mean by "down with OPP". Well, we can say it’s not the Naughty By Nature lyrics you may be thinking of from the 90′s. What we mean by (OPP) is "Opportunistic Plant Parts" which is what cellulose is!

Here is a quick science lesson: Cellulose is what makes up the walls of a plant cell. Humans cannot digest cellulose thus we consider it "dietary fiber".

The human benefits of cellulose:

•    Supports regularity

•    No caloric value

•    Promotes feelings of satiety

•    Supports a healthy colon

Hopefully our creativity with classifying cellulose as “opportunistic plant parts” isn’t too far of a stretch of the imagination for you. From the above potential benefits, they most certainly can provide a healthy opportunity to better your health regiment.

By the way, MannaLife International adds cellulose to their 100% vegetarian protein meal replacement drink, Vtein. Read more

Portion Control – Dirty words or worth the effort?

What many people don’t realize it that portion control can make a HUGE difference in weight management just like caloric restriction (staying under a certain amount of calories a day). What most people also don’t realize is that they are probably eating 2-3 portions per meal and it’s even worse when you go out to eat.

You would think that treating yourself and your family to an evening out – not having to worry about what to cook for dinner – would be carefree. Think again. Most restaurant servings are similar to those you automatically eat at home – 2-3 serving sizes.

QUICK TIP – EATING OUT

We know you’ve had this happen to you before. You order and when they bring out your plate – your eyes get big and you say, ‘Wow, that’s a big meal, I wasn’t expecting that from the picture.” BUT…you end up eating the entire meal.

Here’s what to do: Split and entrée with a friend or family member.

This will reduce the amount you can eat and get you closer to having one serving.

QUICK TIPS – AT HOME

We know you’ve seen those snack bags at your local grocery store. Those are the best invention for someone who wants to watch their portions. They generally hold about one serving of any food. Keep in mind you don’t want to fill the baggie to the brim!

Take the time after you do your weekly grocery shopping and put all your snack foods into individual serving sizes. It’s time consuming – we know – but well worth it.  Pre-portion benefits;

• Helps you only eat one serving

• Helps you pack lunches quicker for school (think about it they are already in baggies! It’s grab and go time!)

• Gives you more time to stay away from the kitchen (when you’re in the kitchen you want to eat!)

• Helps you become more aware of true serving sizes

• Saves you money! (You’re food supply will actually start to last longer.)

I think you will find that forming good foundational nutritional habits will only support you on your journey to living a more fulfilling, healthy and happy life.

Boost Your Metabolism Before Eating

If you decide you will enjoy a tasty but maybe not a good nutritious meal, here are a few ways how:

•  Do at least a 40 minute workout at 80% of your maximum heart rate (MMR) capacity.

Here’s how to figure that out. Calculate your MMR first by subtracting your age from 220. So 220 – (Your Age) = Your Maximum Heart Rate. Then take 80% of that number. Example: A 34 year olds maximum heart rate is 186. 80% of 186 = 148.

•  Kettlebell Swings for 20 minutes. Yes only 20 minutes. Kettlebells target almost all of your major muscles groups at once when done correctly. Do as many as you can, stop and rest for 30 seconds to catch your breath, then repeat. Do this for maximum of 20 minutes.

•  Go lift some weights at the gym for 30 minutes BEFORE you do your cardio. You’ll gain more strength and burn more fat  – a double bonus feature!

•  Eat a protein packed breakfast and/or lunch. The protein actually helps you burn more fat. Great time to try vegetarian protein powder – Vtein™. Easy, quick, and 20 grams of easily digestible, lean protein per serving. more info

There is one more thing you can do. There is a product we have to mention called Vlocity™ that is thermogenic. It is designed to help your body boost its metabolic rate, naturally. Take 2-3 capsules right when you wake up and take 2-3 capsules right before you start eating your food feast. The body will love a little extra help from time to time. This will also provide an energy boost in the process. read more

No mess. No stress. Just MannaFresh™

The MannaFresh Drying Process concentrates live whole foods and fresh raw juices into nutrient dense, unpasteurized, great tasting, juice powders for the ultimate in all natural and convenient nutrition. All of this is completed amazingly within 30 seconds! During this process, the product temperature averages 65°F and never exceeds lO5°F, which is considered an extraordinary achievement in the drying industry. All of this is accomplished within hours of a ripe produce harvest! The short period of time between harvest and the locking of the natural life force of our whole foods into a powder form is one of the critical reasons why our MannaLife products are the most nutritionally dense in the industry today!

What are MannaFresh™ Foods? MannaLife International has coined the phrase MannaFresh™ to accompany all of its whole food nutritional supplements. MannaLife International offers three distinct whole food concentrate supplements that are literally for everyday use in everyday life.

MannaLife International’s MannaFresh™ Foods include:

MannaFeast™ Complete Food Supplement – the most nutrient rich supplement available today. Over 170 whole food ingredients including organic greens, a full array of organic fruits, wild-harvested antioxidant powerhouses like Acai and Mangosteen, plus 22 different probiotics and more. It costs less than $1.70 per day

Vtein™ Protein Powder – and all natural, vegetarian protein powder made of hemp, pea, and brown rice.

Vlocity™ & Vlocity 3X™  – natural energy, natural thermogenic, PLUS the Vlocity 3X™ delivers up to a whopping 9 hour energy boost at less than 30% of the cost of potentially hazardous energy drinks.

MannaLife International guarantees that its MannaFresh™ products are the freshest available (often times even fresher than what you find in the grocery isle). How is that possible? We take the majority of our ingredients directly from the farm to the production facility within hours of harvesting. This ensures that the nutrient density of each ingredients is at its highest and protects those valuable bio-elements that our body’s need to function optimally.

MannaFresh Juice Powder concentrates provide the most bio-available, easily digested, nutrient dense product on the market. These wholesome ingredients are then blended, packaged and labeled at our own facilities and shipped directly to you! MannaLife International’s MannaFresh™ foods are dedicated to delivering easy, convenient ways for you and your family to eat proper, whole food nutrition. More Information

Almonds & Vitamin E

Almonds are a wonderful Whole Food and science has discovered the benefits of eating them in their whole form. Research reveals that the flavonoids in almond skin works synergistically the vitamin E found in almonds. This synergistic combination creates more than 200% the antioxidant power of the almonds and almond skins when separated. "We have identified a unique combination of flavonoids in almonds," said Jeffrey Blumberg, Ph.D., senior scientist and director of the Antioxidants Research Laboratory at Tufts University. "Further blood tests demonstrated that eating almonds with their skins significantly increases both flavonoids and vitamin E in the body. This could have significant health implications, especially as people age."
Blumberg's team tested the effects of almond skin's flavonoids alone and then in combination with the vitamin E found in almonds. The tests were done on blood samples containing LDL cholesterol. While almond skin flavonoids alone enhanced LDL's resistance to oxidation by 18%, when the almond’s vitamin E was added, LDL's resistance to oxidation was extended by 52.5%!
"The synergy between the flavonoids and vitamin E in almonds demonstrates how the nutrients in whole foods such as almonds can impact health," says Dr. Blumberg.

Exercise Your Brain

Just as research has demonstrated how important physical exercise is to aging well, experts now say there are things we can do to reduce our risk of mental decline, or even reverse it. It's called the mental workout, and as baby boomers search for more ways to enjoy their longevity, interest in it is beginning to explode. As we age, most of us can live with a little bit of physical decline but we want to maintain our cognitive abilities. So what can we do about it?

That's a question that all of us should be asking. It's estimated that about 5.1 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease, including 4.9 million people age 65 and older. The Alzheimer's Association predicts that by 2050, the number of people age 65 and over with Alzheimer's could range from 11 million to 16 million.

Fortunately though, brain plasticity studies have shown that the brain can “rewire” itself into old age, and even add new cells in response to stimulation. Researchers say some people may have a better shot of maintaining their brain health by adopting a few preventive strategies, such as using computer programs, learning a new language, playing chess, doing crossword puzzles, playing scrabble or leaning a new skill or craft.

Learning a new musical instrument, for example, has been found to have a protective effect against cognitive decline, even in those younger than 65, according to the 2001 report "Achieving and Maintaining Cognitive Vitality With Aging," sponsored by the Institute for the Study of Aging and the International Longevity Center-USA, among others.

So get excited about exercising your brain in ways that are fun and be sure to nourish your brain by drinking plenty of water and enjoying your favorite Wholefood Farmacy foods at the same.

Omega-3 Fish Oil Benefits:

The Power of Cranberries

Imagine a little red berry that fights cancer, age-related diseases like loss of memory, heart disease, ulcers, and even cavities. Sound to good to be true? Allow us to introduce our friend, the Cranberry!


In 1996 laboratory studies conducted by University of Illinois scientists and published in Planta Medica demonstrated the potential anti-cancer properties of cranberries. More recently researchers at the University of Western Ontario demonstrated, in animal models, that human breast cancer cells showed significantly lower incidence of tumor development when the experimental group's diet was supplemented with cranberries.


USDA scientists at the Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging at Tufts University have been finding promising results associated with diets high in antioxidants and other phytonutrients. Preliminary studies suggest that diets containing fruits and vegetables with high ORAC values may provide protection against chronic age-related afflictions like loss of coordination and loss of memory. ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity which is a measure of the antioxidant activity for a particular food. Cranberries score very high on the ORAC scale at 1750 ORAC units per 3.5 oz. serving.


A study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association reported that a unique cranberry juice component, a high-molecular-weight nondialysable material (NDM), has the ability to reverse and inhibit the coaggregation of certain oral bacteria responsible for dental plaque and periodontal disease in vitro. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition reported on a preliminary clinical trial using a mouthwash containing cranberry NDM. Saliva samples of the experimental group showed a two order of magnitude reduction in Streptococcus Mutans compared with the placebo group. This is exciting news because a large percentage of cavities can be attributed to Streptococcus Mutans.


Flavonoids have been shown to function as potent antioxidants both in vitro and in vivo and may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis (clogged arteries). Cranberries contain significant amounts of flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds that have been demonstrated to inhibit LDL (bad cholesterol) oxidation. Ongoing research continues to suggest that cranberries may offer a natural defense against atherosclerosis.


Peptic ulcers are increasingly being attributed to infection by Helicobacter pylori bacteria, as pposed to stress and/or stomach acidity. A high-molecular-weight nondialysable constituent of cranberry juice has been shown to inhibit the adhesion of H. pylori to human gastric mucus in vitro. These preliminary results suggest that cranberry may be beneficial in the prevention of peptic ulcers through the inhibition of H. pylori adhesion to gastric mucus and stomach tissue.


You can find cranberries in your favorite Wholefood Farmacy foods such as, Craanberry Crunch, Cranberry Phi, Phi Plus, Fruitalicious, and Fruitalicious Plus. Cranberries are also an awesome addition to a smoothie made from any of our fruit based Farinas such as BeautiPhi, ClariPhi, ElectriPhi, FructiPhi & GloriPhi. Here’s an idea to try – in your blender, add 2 tbsp of your choice of Farina, a little ice water, a couple of ice cubes and a handful of cranberries. Blend on high for about 30 seconds and enjoy!

Information:

Walnuts May Prevent Breast Cancer

DENVER - Walnut consumption may provide the body with essential
omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants and phytosterols that reduce
the risk of breast cancer, according to a study presented at the
American Association for Cancer Research 100th Annual Meeting
2009.

Elaine Hardman, Ph.D., associate professor of medicine at
Marshall University School of Medicine, said that while her
study was done with laboratory animals rather than humans,
people should heed the recommendation to eat more walnuts.

"Walnuts are better than cookies, french fries or potato chips
when you need a snack," said Hardman. "We know that a healthy
diet overall prevents all manner of chronic diseases."

Hardman and colleagues studied mice that were fed a diet that
they estimated was the human equivalent of two ounces of walnuts
per day. A separate group of mice were fed a control diet.

Standard testing showed that walnut consumption significantly
decreased breast tumor incidence, the number of glands with a
tumor and tumor size.

"These laboratory mice typically have 100 percent tumor
incidence at five months; walnut consumption delayed those
tumors by at least three weeks," said Hardman.

Molecular analysis showed that increased consumption of omega-3
fatty acids contributed to the decline in tumor incidence, but
other parts of the walnut contributed as well.

"With dietary interventions you see multiple mechanisms when
working with the whole food," said Hardman. "It is clear that
walnuts contribute to a healthy diet that can reduce breast
cancer."

Omega 3 Information:

Where's The Fruit?

Over half of the most aggressively advertised children foods that prominently feature fruit on their packaging contain no fruit at all, according to a study released by the Strategic Alliance for Healthy Food and Activity Environments. The study - Where’s the Fruit? reveals that 51 percent of these products do not contain fruit, and another 16 percent contain only minimal amounts of fruit despite prominent fruit promotions on the packaging.

"Parents drawn to products that seem healthier for their children based on references to fruit on the packaging are being deceived," explains Leslie Mikkelsen, a registered dietician with the Strategic Alliance and lead author of the study. "Food and beverage companies are some of the most sophisticated communicators in the world and are clearly capable of accurately reflecting what is in their products if they wanted to."

The Where’s the Fruit? study identifies the most heavily advertised children food products that include words and images of fruit and/or fruit ingredients on the packaging. A total of 37 products were included in the final study, and their ingredient lists were analyzed to determine the presence of fruit ingredients. A full 51% of the products contained no fruit ingredients at all despite the images of fruits and use of words such as “fruity,” “fruit flavors” and “berry” on the packaging.

"The nation is facing a staggering epidemic of chronic diseases that result from poor eating and physical inactivity," cautions Dr. Andria Ruth, a pediatrician for the Diabetes Resource Center of Santa Barbara. "Children are particularly affected and these food companies are making parents’ jobs even harder by using misleading packaging to lead them to think that they are making a healthy choice when they are not."

If you’re tired of being misled when it comes to the food that your children eat, then let the Wholefood Farmacy be your oasis of truth amidst this desert of deception. At The Wholefood Farmacy we believe in truthfully describing our products and we don’t rely on fancy artwork or neon colored pictures to get the job done. All of our full sized food packages feature a clear see-though front panel so that you can actually see what’s inside. Fruitalicious is 100% Fruit - and we’re proud to show you what’s inside.

Fruitalicious

Fruitalicious is a sweet, fruity alternative to traditional snack foods. It is a combination of low-pressure and sun-dried ingredients: Apples, Raisins, Banana, Strawberry, Mango, Raspberry, Dates, Coconut, Currants, Figs, Cranberry, & Red Flame Raisins. This raw fruit snack packs a powerful fruity punch. Fruitalicious is a tasty immune boosting treat that is also a great source of dietary fiber & slow sugars.

Click Here For More Info!

Why are we having so much trouble with the food supply?

It could be our growing love of technology. We can build a computer that previously only humans could do. But the technology we're using on our food could be harming people on a daily base. The problem seems to be humans are not machines. The human body is a complex organism that takes in food, sun, air and water. It absorbs what it eats and mostly discards the rest. Everything consumed becomes a complex interaction.

It all starts with some basic vitamins and minerals. The body is comprised of approximately four to six percent minerals. What the proper minerals, vitamins cannot function in the body. Vitamins are organic micronutrients essential to normal human metabolism. Each one performs an important function in the body and is necessary to maintain a proper balance. Most are not manufactured by the body and need to be

Hydrophilic minerals are the minerals used by our body. These are plant derived minerals which means they enter the plant through its root system. They are 200 to 2000 times smaller than metallic minerals. They are water soluble and easy to dissolve without digestion. The absorbs almost 100% of Hydrophilic minerals.

There are two different classifications of vitamins which are Fat Soluble and Water Soluble. The Fat Soluble vitamins are vitamin A, D, E and K. Fat soluble vitamins can be stored in the body. There are nine types of Water Soluble vitamins E. There are eight EC just the vitamin is in has identified B vitamins and vitamin C. Water Soluble vitamins cannot be stored by the body and must be replaced. These are just the vitamins that man has identified to date and there is no telling how many remain to be discovered.