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Top 5 Benefits of Cashews

Nuts are renowned for being one of the healthiest types of foods in the world. One of the healthiest and most delicious types of nuts is undoubtedly…Cashews. Cashews are easily identifiable by their crescent moon or kidney shape. They can be found in subtropical climates and are native to northeastern and coastal Brazil and South Africa.

Cashews make an ideal snack and go great when mixed with raisins, almonds, and fruits or as an addition to trail-mix. They also make a perfect and delicious addition to any stir-fry and salad. Interestingly cashew nuts are actually seeds from apples that grow on Cashew trees.

Not only are cashews a tasty treat, but they also have loads of health benefits.

1. Wards Off Heart Disease

Studies have shown that cashews are beneficial to heart health. This is because cashews raise HDL (good cholesterol) and lower your LDL (dangerous cholesterol). Cashews also contain arginine, which helps blood flow to arteries and the heart as well as protects artery walls. Also, phytosterol compounds in cashews prevent plaque build up on artery walls. Cashews are also a rich source of heart healthy monounsaturated fatty acids.

2. Promotes Bone and Muscle Health

Cashews are a rich source of magnesium. Magnesium regulates our muscle tone and nerves. Magnesium also plays a pivotal role in healthy bones. Magnesium deficiency can lead to all sorts of health problems. Cashews are also a rich source of copper. Severe copper deficiency can lead to poor bone mineral density and potentially osteoporosis. Sufficient copper is necessary to replace damaged bone tissue and prevent bone health problems like joint issues.

3. May Help Weight Loss

Studies have shown that those who consume nuts regularly are more likely to lose weight as opposed to those who do not. Those who did not eat nuts regularly were more likely to see weight gains. Cashews are high in omega 3 fatty acids which improve metabolism which leads to improved weight maintenance.

4. High Magnesium Content

Studies have shown that magnesium can help reduce migraines and lower blood pressure which can help reduce the risk of heart attacks.

5. High Antioxidant Content

Cashews are high in the element copper. Copper is high in antioxidant and antoxidants fight against free radicals, which also helps in protecting against heart disease and cancer.

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Are Mulberries a “Superfood”?

What are mulberries? Mulberries are the fruit that grows on mulberry trees. They are primarily grown in North America and Asia and are grown for their leaves which are in demand because they are the only leaves that can be eaten by silk worms.

The popularity of mulberries for human consumption has risen worldwide recently due to the many health benefits, sweet taste, and the fact that mulberries are, quite simply, a nutritional powerhouse. Another positive quality of mulberries is their versatility. Creative foodies can use them to make tea, wine, fruit drink, jam, or just as an ideal snack.

Here are 3 reasons to start eating mulberries:

1. Impressive Nutritional Profile

Mulberries contain phytonutrient compounds like polyphenol pigment antioxidants as well as vitamins and minerals to promote excellent health. They also have a low calorie count (43) per 100 grams. Additionally, mulberries are a superb source of Vitamin C and iron, which are vitally important for optimal health.

2. May Help Fight against Heart Disease and Cancer

Mulberries are a rich source of the antioxidant family Anthocyanins, which may lower LDL cholesterol (dangerous kind) and prevent heart disease. Studies have shown that the eating of berries can help fight against cancer, aging, inflammation, bacterial infections, diabetes, and neurological disorders. Mulberries may also reduce oxidative stress, which in turn may decrease the risk of cancer.

3. Helps Prevent Stroke and Improves Blood Sugar

Mulberries also contain another polyphenol flavanoid antioxidant called resveratrol. This antioxidant helps prevent stroke by manipulating molecular mechanisms in blood vessels. Mulberries also contain the compound 1-deoxynojirimycin. This compound helps prevent an enzyme in the gut from breaking down carbohydrates. Mulberries are an ideal food for diabetics because they help slow down the rise of blood sugar levels after eating.

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Chocolate… A Superfood?!

How could such a tasty food be so good for you?! I will explain why Cacao is one of the most amazing foods on the planet!

First off, what is cacao? Cacao are the beans where chocolate is derived from. In fact, chocolate only has one ingredient…cacao. Chocolate in its pure and raw form does not contain added sugars, butter, chemicals, or any other additives. Hence, Hershey’s chocolate bars are not natural chocolate. Cacao is commonly bought in powder form as well as “cacao nibs”.

It’s native to Central and South America and it has a long and rich history of use among the ancient Aztecs and Mayan civilizations. Interestingly, Mayans and Aztecs so valued cacao that they actually used it in place of gold.

Cacao is the most antioxidant rich food in the world. Here’s an amazing fact: Cacao has more antioxidants than blueberries, pomegranates, red wine, and Goji berries combined! Among other things, antioxidants benefit the heart and you can read how here.

If that wasn’t impressive enough, cacao also boasts the #1 source of magnesium on the planet. Magnesium is not only one of the most important minerals for humans, but it’s also one of the ones we are most lacking. Magnesium is crucial for the health of the heart and muscles because of its relaxing abilities. Magnesium helps your veins and arteries to dilate which helps nutrient and oxygen flow throughout the body, which in turn lessens the demands or work load of the heart. Also, magnesium relaxes skeletal muscles, which helps prevent soreness and cramping. Cacao can also help with bone health bowel movements because of its magnesium content which relaxes the digestive system. Magnesium is vital for all of us and, generally speaking, we are so deficient in this mineral.

A magnesium deficiency can cause significant symptoms. Some of the most prominent include:

hypertension and cardiovascular disease

kidney and liver damage

peroxynitrite damage that can lead to migraine headaches, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma or Alzheimer’s disease

nutrient deficiencies including vitamin K, vitamin B1, calcium and potassium

restless leg syndrome

worsened PMS symptoms

behavioral disorders and mood swings

insomnia and trouble sleeping

osteoporosis

recurrent bacterial or fungal infections due to low levels of nitric oxide or a depressed immune system

tooth cavities

muscle weakness and cramps

impotence

Why is magnesium deficiency so common? A few factors are at play: soil depletion that lowers the amount of magnesium present in crops; digestive disorders that lead to malabsorption of magnesium and other minerals in the gut; high rates of prescription medication and antibiotic use that damages the digestive tract to the point that magnesium cannot be absorbed and properly utilized from foods.

Magnesium Benefits

  • Helps Increase Energy
  • Calms Nerves & Anxiety
  • Treats Insomnia & Helps You Fall Asleep
  • Helps With Digestion by Relieving Constipation
  • Relieves Muscle Aches and Spasms
  • Regulates Levels of Calcium, Potassium and Sodium
  • Important for Heart Health
  • Prevents Migraine Headaches
  • Helps Prevent Osteoporosis

– source: (https://draxe.com/magnesium-supplements/)

Cacao is also good for the heart because it contains a compound called Theobromine, which helps to dilate arteries to relieve the heart of pressure. It also contains tryptophan which is the prelude to serotonin which helps with mood disorder and mood swings.

WARNING: Cacao should be eaten in small servings and moderation to avoid poisoning from Theobromine.

– Some information in this article from Dr. Michael VanDerschelden

Get access to exclusive discounts (30-90% off) on superfoods such as cacao nibs, cacao powder and cacao butter.

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Coconuts

Coconuts are grown or produced by coconut palm tress. These palm tress can be found in subtropical, humid, and warm climates that all receive plenty of rainfall and sunlight. Humidity is essential for the formulation of coconuts which is why they will not grow on palm trees in southern California, for example. Coconuts mostly come from the Philippines.

Their are two components of coconuts: the coconut flesh or meat and the coconut water. Lets take a look at Coconut Water first.

Coconuts are a natural water filter. It takes 9 months for the water to filter through to the coconut shell. Coconut water has the highest source of electrolytes that can be found anywhere in nature. This makes for an excellent alternative to artificial sports drinks like Gatorade, which have high fructose corn syrup and a lot less potassium and sodium content to boot.

Interestingly, coconut water is almost like a twin sister of human blood plasma. This is important because it makes coconut water a universal donor of blood. It was highly utilized in World War II. If you want a natural way to blood cleanse, a 55% coconut water and 45% green juice drink would be a great way to do it.

Now lets take a closer look at what is probably the most nutritious food known to man: Coconut Meat

Coconut meat is where the oil and cream come from. Coconut meat has a very high saturated fat content (13 grams 63%). We now know that saturated fat is good for you, not bad. This meat is composed of medium-chained fatty acids which are easier for the body to digest, absorb, and metabolize as opposed to animal fatty acids which are long-chained and more difficult to digest. This increases your metabolism enormously.

Coconut fat also has antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-fungal benefits mainly to due to its Lauric Acid content. Coconut meat helps release microbes and viruses in the body so they become easy targets for your white blood cells to destroy. Saturated fat is crucial to the human body because it acts as an instant building block for your body’s cell membranes. And one of the best things about consuming coconut oil is that you can eat plenty of it every day and you will still lose weight! This is due to the fact that saturated fats are not stored in the body as fats. Eating coconut meat will reduce belly fat and speed up metabolism.

Interestingly, farmers in the 1940’s wanted to fatten up their cows to slaughter and sell them. So they decided to feed them coconut oil. However, they began to notice their cows were losing weight and getting healthier and rather robust. This obviously backfired, but it goes to show the weight loss and health benefits of coconut oil even in cows from the 40’s.

Coconut Oil

One of the best health benefits of coconut oil is that it increases thyroid function. Coconut oil can be an ideal supplement especially for those who have hypothyroidism because it accelerates the thyroid gland. When thyroid function is increased, your thyroid helps increase your LDL cholesterol (good kind) and decrease your HDL cholesterol (dangerous kind). It actually helps convert your LDL into anti-aging steroids like Pregnenolone and DHEA, which help with anti-aging, longevity, and muscle growth. Pregnenolone specifically, can help prevent obesity and cancer and is beneficial especially for skin health. It helps memory, nerve protection, decreasing bags under eyes, facial muscle contraction, and skin circulation. Coconut oil also inhibits the growth of plaque on artery walls. But wait, there’s more…

Here’s what to look for when buying coconuts:

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Chlorella is the Chlorophyll King

Chlorella is a single-celled blue green-algae. Its best attribute is that it contains the most chlorophyll of any other plant in the world. Science has shown that chlorella improves radiation protection, detoxification of alcohol and heavy metals, inflammation, digestion, helps weight loss, brain and liver function, the healing process, regeneration, and strengthens the immune system. Check out these awesome health benefits:

1. Detoxes the Body

Chlorella acts directly on the liver, pesticides, alcohol, and heavy metals. In particular, it helps to cleanse the blood from alcohol. It also helps to rid the body of heavy metals like arsenic, lead, cadium, uranium, and mercury. Chlorella breaks down heavy metals from food, vaccines, drinking water, and amalgam fillings. It also absorbs toxins from the intestines and increases probiotics.

2. Boosts the Immune System

Chlorella increases the amount of white blood cells in the body. In a study on people who underwent chemotherapy and suffering from chronic illness, it was found that the health of those who consumed chlorella improved faster. This is due to the white blood cells and immune system cells in chlorella that help fight sicknesses. Chlorella also helps fight bacterial and viral infections. In a study done on mice who took a daily supplement of chlorella, it was found that the mice had 50% more superoxide levels. Chlorella increases what’s called Gamma Interferon, which helps stimulate natural killer cells that help battle against viruses.

3. Chlorella Grows Rapidly

Chlorella is the fastest growing crop in the world as it has a remarkable ability to quadruple its growth in 24 hours! Why is this important for you? Well,when chlorella is consumed it helps the body to heal and restore tissues. This is also important for gut health as it helps the growth of beneficial bacteria. This is crucial for the function of your immune system as it is composed primarily of gut bacteria. One study showed that Chlorella quadrupled the growth rate of the gut bacteria Lactobacilli. Chlorella’s ability to restore nerve tissue makes it a great product for those suffering from nerve and brain illnesses such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.

4. Digestion Benefits

Chlorella has helpful digestive enzymes like pepsin and chlorophyllase. Pepsin helps the body to digest proteins.

Recommended Uses

-Information from Dr. Michael VanDerschelden

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Cacao Nib Recipes

Cacao nibs! This scrumptious superfood is so versatile and can be added to so many recipes to give a more rich and complex flavor. Cacao has tons of nutritional value, so you can satisfy your chocolate craving (which is actually your body craving magnesium) without feeling guilty AT ALL.

To find out a little more about the many benefits of cacao, click here.

Here are some amazing recipes to help you incorporate this delicious superfood into your diet.

Smoothies/Milk Shakes

Desserts/Snacks

Kids Recipes

WARNING: Cacao should be eaten in small servings and moderation to avoid poisoning from Theobromine.