A new probiotic bar said to contain 10x more live culture than yogurt has been released to the market. Pop Culture Probiotic Bars contain GanedenBC30(TM), a patented probiotic strain that can survive baking and manufacturing processes, remain viable even if unrefrigerated, and –take this– withstand the acidic stomach environment. Apparently, the secret lies on the bacteria being protected by a “naturally-occurring hardened shell of organic material”.
I can’t find information on what bacteria they are using (would be good to know what they’re putting in your food, wouldn’t it?) and what this organic material shell is made of. If this …read more

The following entry is a contribution from Guest Blogger Grace who keeps a website on Goji Juice.
The goji berry is a small fruit that hails from Asia and Eastern Europe. Although it grows in many different areas, it is only found in real quantity around China and Mongolia, where it can be farmed in large amounts. The goji berry is a very unique food, and has been noted for thousands of years for its amazing properties. It is one of the most adaptive foods on the planet, with the ability to survive in nearly any climate. It contains many unique …read more

It’s fairly common knowledge that there’s no cure for the common cold. However, a new study indicates that Wellmune WGP, a natural immune-enhancing ingredient manufactured by Biothera, could prevent fever and alleviate the symptoms of a cold, to the extent that you no longer feel the need to miss work or school due to the cold-like symptoms.
“This study’s results are exciting because they show the potential for Wellmune WGP to naturally enhance the body’s innate immune response to protect against and ameliorate the symptoms of something that every one of us encounters—the common cold. These results are consistent with numerous …read more

Aside from being the American Heart Month, apparently, it’s also the American National Grapefruit Month. Fresh grapefruit and grapefruit juice are high in Vitamin C, which acts as antioxidants and boosts the health of your skin, immune system, heart, and has also been linked to reduced cancer risks.
Check out “Skinny Chef” Jenny Iserloh’s heart-healthy grapefruit recipes such as Teriyaki Salmon Skewers with Grapefruit, Almond Crusted Chicken with Grapefruit Basil Salad and Grapefruit and Yogurt Pops.
Got great grapefruit recipes of your own? Join the How Sweet Is Your Love for Florida grapefruit recipe contest and stand to win $1,000 cash and …read more

This is the sixth of a series of blog posts on healthy breakfast ideas from Elizabeth Ward, who already shared with us easy solutions to squeeze in breakfast. Elizabeth Ward, M.S., RD is a multi-published nutrition consultant. Her latest book is The Pocket Idiot’s Guide to the New Food Pyramids (Alpha Books, 2006).
Breakfast tip #6: Small whole grain muffin, carton of yogurt, carton of 100% orange juice.
Health Benefits:

Whole grains are naturally rich in selenium, a mineral that thwarts cell damage and promotes a healthy immune system.
In addition to protein, yogurt is a source of zinc, necessary for producing DNA, the …read more

Over the next few days, I will be featuring healthy breakfast ideas from Elizabeth Ward, who already shared with us easy solutions to squeeze in breakfast. Elizabeth Ward, M.S., RD is a multi-published nutrition consultant. Her latest book is The Pocket Idiot’s Guide to the New Food Pyramids (Alpha Books, 2006).
Breakfast Idea #1: Orange-Pineapple Smoothie. Combine 8 ounces calcium- and vitamin D-fortified 100% orange juice, 1/4 cup pineapple chunks and 1/2 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt in a blender or food processor. Blend on high speed for two to three minutes and serve immediately.
Health Benefits:

Yogurt is packed with protein for building …read more

Yakult is probably the most widely sold probiotic product in the world. It’s been around for more than 70 years now and even as a child I already knew those little bottles delivered to us by so-called Yakult ladies. Today, my son gets it daily from the kindergarten and it is a constant in our grocery list.
What makes Yakult healthy? Yakult UK summarizes the health benefits of Yakult:
The good gut flora helps to neutralise some of the toxic by-products of digestion, reduce harmful substances (such as toxins and carcinogens), and discourage harmful bacteria and yeasts from setting up home within …read more

Over the holidays, we’ve been drinking a lot of homemade mulled “wine” and cider. Yup, even though we’re sweltering here in Asia, it’s a habit we’ve been accustomed to and our efforts to awaken the holiday spirit around us.
Now before you start thinking I need AA sessions, let me remind you that in preparing mulled wine, the simmering allows most of the alcohol to evaporate, unless you add a shot of schnapps or liquor towards the end. And since I’m pregnant, I’ve been reduced to partaking the kids’ version, which uses red grape juice instead of red wine.
Whether you use …read more

Probiotics has been considered to be a powerful tool in helping strengthen immune systems and reduce the effects of allergies, asthma, and other chronic immune-related diseases.
Although I find this article to be a bit too negative on the use of antibiotics, it does explain well how probiotics can put our body microflora into balance, particularly after a long treatment regimen with antibiotics.
“It’s important to remember that the other half of the therapy is to replant the forest with the good bacteria,” Huffnagle says. And while scientists are still trying to determine exactly how the microflora in the digestive tract …read more

Have you ever eaten an orange cauliflower? I have to admit I haven’t even seen one. Apparently, it’s a result of a genetic mutation, a quirk that allows the plant to hold more beta-carotene.
Scientists have now identified the genetic mutation responsible for this and will be exploring its use in creating other transgenic crops with enhanced beta-carotene. Such crops may be useful in fighting vitamin A deficiency which is common in developing countries, and leads to compromised immune systems and blindness.