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 material is so tough to withstand baking and other processing, as well as stomach acids, I wonder whether the bacteria are ever released into the gut at all. What good would it do in a tough casing like that?

Post from: Blisstree

New on the Market: Pop Culture Probiotic Bars

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 complex carbohydrates, or polysaccharides, which allow it to create amazing changes to compensate for different temperatures, climates, and environments. If, for example, the soil it is planted in is thick in bacteria, the goji berry will increase production different nutrients and enzymes in order to fight off infection and continue to thrive. It will perform similar actions if it experiences drought, flood, or extreme temperature changes.

More impressive, however, is the berry’s plethora of health benefits and its powerful store of nutrition. The goji berry is recognized as the “most nutritionally dense food in the world,” and has been used for medicinal purposes in traditional Chinese medicine for at least 1900 years, though its undocumented use extends back at least 4000 years. The people of the eastern world have long credited it with giving them improved energy, unrivaled health, longer lives, and for keeping them feeling younger much longer than normal. Chinese healers, both modern and ancient, strongly recommend its use to keep a person healthy and fit.

Though it has been common in use in the eastern world, it has only been recently implemented in the western world, where it has received popular attention from the scientific community and the media. Time magazine recognized the goji berry as the “Superfruit of the year,” while on the Oprah Show, Dr. Mehmet Oz recommended it for its health benefits and ability to improve athletic performance. The goji berry has created a large amount of interest from the scientific community, shown by the record number of scientifically published journals, reviews, and write-ups on it. On Pubmed.gov, a federally sponsored site that catalogues public scientific research, the goji berry has over 80 entries, nearly ten times greater than any other health fruit.

Eager to extend the amount of scientific study performed on goji, Freelife International, a company that sells a juice made from the goji berry, recently had several independent studies performed on their product, GoChi Juice, for peer review. GoChi Juice is made from the goji berry, and is the staple product of Freelife International. The studies were specifically conducted using the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled format, as it is the most scientifically valid and accurate format to date. It is important to note that no other natural health drinks have ever had peer reviewed scientific studies such as these conducted on them, and that these studies mark an important first in western medication. Three studies have been published as of current, yielding these results:

Study #1

The first study was to determine the effect GoChi Juice had on people in many different areas of their life. This test conclusively showed 13 different strong health benefits after 14 consecutive days on the product. Of these 13 different areas of health improvement, the placebo group only showed statistically significant improvement in one area, Increased Happiness. The group who were given GoChi Juice experienced improved athletic performance, reduced stress levels, increased energy, feeling calmer, increased ability to focus, sharper mental acuity, better quality of sleep, easier ability to wake up in the mornings, feeling more content, feeling healthier, feeling happier, and improved regularity. This study has also officially been accepted and published on PubMed.gov.

Study#2

The second study was designed to document the effect of GoChi Juice on the immune system. In doing so, some of the key components of the immune system were monitored.

Those who had GoChi Juice in this study showed an Increase in Lymphocytes by 27%. These are some of the most integral parts of the immune system, and make up T cells, B cells, and NK cells.

Those who had GoChi Juice showed a 58% increase in Interlukin-2, which is instrumental in helping the body fight off microbial infections.

Those in the study given GoChi Juice also showed a 19% increase in Immunoglobulin-G, an important part of the immune system which helps to locate and identify foreign invaders.

Study #3

The third study was designed to measure the antioxidant reaction in people who took GoChi Juice. This study is important because it documents antioxidant levels in the only applicable way – within the human body. While there are many tests that can be performed to measure antioxidant levels in certain foods, these can be incredibly inaccurate as they do not measure how well the body will actually absorb those antioxidants.

Those who took GoChi Juice in this study showed an 8.39% increase in SuperOxide Dismutase, a potent anti-inflammatory agent.

Those who took GoChi Juice in this study showed a 9.87% increase in Glutathione Peroxidase, responsible for detoxifying reactions.

Those who took GoChi Juice in this study showed an 8.66% decrease in malondiadehyde – one of the most toxic free radicals in the body.

These studies continue the strong scientific interest that the goji berry has come to accept. Although it is unusual for a fruit of any kind to garner such attention, convincing studies like the ones above have proven what those of the eastern world have claimed for thousands of years. Freelife International also has many more studies in the works, all of which will be peer reviewed. The studies above will be published in scientific press later in 2008. Although western medication has not yet embraced the usage of foods like the goji berry, the attention is has gained, along with scientific proof of its benefits, is quickly changing the minds of some very reputable physicians.

Post from: Blisstree

Health Benefits of Goji Juice

“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 other immune health studies conducted with our ingredient, and indicate the real-life benefits that Wellmune WGP supplementation can provide.”

What is Wellmune, exactly?

Wellmune WGP is a functional food, beverage and dietary supplement ingredient available worldwide through Biothera and its distributors. This natural compound (gluco polysaccharide) is isolated from the cell walls of a strain of yeast. Wellmune WGP is patented, GRAS-approved, Kosher, non-allergenic and GMO-free. Numerous peer-reviewed studies support the safety and efficacy of Wellmune WGP, which is the culmination of years of research and a technology investment of more than $250 million. Wellmune WGP is available as a soluble and dispersible powder for ease of formulation in a wide range of foods and beverages, including clear liquids.

Find out more from Biothera.

Post from: Blisstree

Wellmune Dietary Supplement Alleviates Colds Symptoms

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 a trip to Florida to cook side-by-side with the Skinny Chef!

Post from: Blisstree

Go Ga Ga for Grapefruit!

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 blueprint for every cell in your body, among dozens of other functions.
• The vitamin C in orange juice keeps blood vessels strong and resilient.

For more information, visit Florida Juice.

Post from: Blisstree

Breakfast Tip #6: Fight Cell Damage and Promote a Healthy Immune System

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 bones and repairing cells and muscle tissue.
• In addition to phytonutrients, 100% orange juice is an excellent source of vitamin C, which promotes a robust immune system as well as healthy gums and connective tissue, such as collagen.
• Fortified orange juice provides as much bone-boosting calcium and vitamin D as milk.

For more information, visit Florida Juice.

Image: Orange Pineapple Crush from Tesco

Post from: Blisstree

Breakfast Tip #1: Orange Pineapple Smoothie

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 the gut. In addition, the products of its growth help the cells of the gut grow and stay healthy.

Basically, what Yakult does it to introduce good microorganisms in your gut (Lactobacillus casei Shirota strain) which can displace the harmful ones. If you’re keeping tabs on your sugar consumption, there’s also the Light version, which only contains 3.6g sugar (instead of 11.2g).

Have you tried Yakult?

Post from: Blisstree

Yakult Probiotic Drink

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 red wine or grape juice, this drink is rich in the antioxidant compound resveratrol. And I suppose you already know the health benefits of resveratrol, right?

Post from: Blisstree

Mulled Wine is a Health Drink!

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 affect the immune system, he says, studies have shown that probiotics can be a powerful tool to help strengthen immune systems and reduce the effects of allergies.

Probiotics, found in foods like yogurt and aged cheeses, “are eventually eliminated after a couple of days,” he says. “But they straighten up the house while they’re there, making an effort to create a more normal flora and to get the ratios right by the time they’ve disappeared.”

Post from: Blisstree

Probiotics May Reduce Allergies, Stengthen Immune System

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.

Post from: Blisstree

Orange Cauliflowers