Going With The Grain

For thousands of years now, hearty whole grains have been the basis of the human diet. As a matter of fact, one of the definitions of the word “meal” is: “coarsely ground foodstuff; especially seeds of various cereal grasses or pulse” Put another way, ground grain.

Whole grains are an important source of many nutrients including dietary fibre, several B-complex vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and folate, the minerals iron, magnesium, and selenium, unsaturated fatty acids, and phytochemicals. Whole grains also contain complex carbohydrates that are broken down during digestion and converted to glucose, which is the substance the body prefers to burn for energy.

The Goodness Of Garlic

Garlic is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world. Affectionately called "the stinking rose" garlic dates back over 5000 years, is native to central Asia, and has long been a staple in the Mediterranean region. Worshipped by the ancient Egyptians and consumed by Roman soldiers going into battle, this pungent little bulb also packs numerous therapeutic benefits. Over the millennia garlic has become indispensable in many cultures for both its culinary and medicinal properties. More recently it has gained increased popularity as researchers continue to scientifically validate its numerous health benefits.

Also known as Allium sativum, a diet rich in garlic may help lessen the incidence of several types of cancer, including cancer of the stomach, colon, breast and cervical. Research is also demonstrating that garlic may lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, may be helpful in the prevention of free-radical damage and in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. It has also been used to fight infections, treat colds and rid the body of parasites. Simply put, garlic is a potent disease-fighting food. 

The GI Factor, understand how to control your blood sugar with food.

The glycemic index (GI) is a measure of the effects of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels. In the early 1980s, Dr. David Jenkins (professor of nutrition at the University of Toronto) and his colleagues developed the glycemic index (GI) in their research to determine which foods were best suited for control of blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. In was concluded that carbohydrates which break down quickly during digestion and release glucose rapidly into the bloodstream have a high GI, while carbohydrates that break down more slowly and release glucose gradually into the bloodstream, have a low GI.

There are three major components of food; proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Because carbohydrates are a rich source of the body’s primary fuel (glucose), they have the greatest effect on blood sugar levels. (Glucose is what the body uses for energy.) 

Delicious and Nutritious Berries

Berries are delicious and nutritious. They’re loaded with vitamins, minerals, fibre, phytonutrients, and antioxidants, which provide numerous health benefits. Considering their size, berries pack an enormous portion of nutrients, and including them in your diet will help to keep you healthy.

If you are fortunate enough to have some of these delightful treasures in your own back yard you already know how wonderful fresh berries can be and are able to enjoy the health benefits they have to offer right away. For the rest of us, purchasing local berries is the next best thing.

Here are some of the more common berries and what they have to offer:

Blueberries contain antioxidants and score high in their ability to fight free radicals. They heal damaged cells, help to keep brain cells alive, improve memory, promote cardiovascular health and have also been found to reduce belly fat.

Blackberries also contain antioxidants which neutralize free radicals that accelerate aging and age-related diseases and help protect the body from cancer.

Red Raspberries have antimicrobial properties and are helpful for people with irritable bowel syndrome, and the properties in the seed and oil of this fruit are thought to act as a natural sunscreen.

Strawberries are an especially good source of vitamin C, potassium and fibre and the antioxidants in strawberries can help neutralize the destructive effect of free radicals while helping to repair tissue and also provide anti-inflammatory benefits for sufferers of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, gout and asthma.

Black and Red Currants are rich in vitamins, have anti-inflammatory properties and are thought to help maintain electrolyte balance.

Most grocery stores carry a wide variety of fresh berries but choosing local berries is better for the environment. Imported fruits leave a substantial carbon footprint and often don’t contain as many nutrients as local fruits do. When choosing berries look for ripe, firm and colorful berries with no sign of mushy spots or mold and make sure you wash them well before eating.

For the freshest berries, your local farmers’ market will have a nice variety and most of them offer berries that have been harvested the same day. You can also find berry farms that allow you to pick your own. Visit PickYourOwn.org to find a pick-your-own farm near you.

Although berries are usual sweet enough to eat on their own, here are some other ways to enjoy them:

- Add berries to a bowl of whole-grain cereal.
- Toss them in to a salad. Strawberries go nice in a spinach salad.
- Stir your favorite berry into plain yogurt.
- Top a bowl of berries with a little light-whipped topping and a sprinkle of nuts.
- Combine berries with bananas and low-fat milk to make a smoothie.

Scientific research is showing that berries can help prevent cancer and heart disease, slow the aging process, control blood glucose, improve vision and sharpen brain function, and on-going research is discovering more and more health benefits berries have to offer.

Along with all of the other fresh fruits and vegetables the summer season has to offer, make sure to include delicious and nutritious berries.

Go Nuts

Nuts are good for us. They contain protein, vitamins and minerals, and are a good source of healthy fats. They’re rich in carbohydrates, antioxidants and fibre and also provide B vitamins, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and other valuable nutrients. Nuts are also a great dietary source of healthy monounsaturated fats. Nuts are definitely part of a healthy diet.

Most people don’t eat enough of them, which is partly due to their high calorie and fat content. Yes, they may be high in fat, but they contain high levels of healthy fats, which are known to have heart-protective benefits. Researchers have found that people who eat nuts regularly have lower risks of heart disease, and research is showing that health benefits appear to increase as nut consumption increases. Research suggests the risk of coronary disease and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes both appear to decrease as nut consumption increases from consuming them less than once a week, to consuming them once or more per day. To gain the maximum benefits, studies suggest that 30 to 60 grams of nuts should be consumed daily. (Research is from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition).

As nuts come from a variety of plant types, each variety of nut has its own nutritional benefit. A few examples are:

Almonds provide vitamin E, copper and iron, protein and dietary fibre, which can promote healthy aging, protect against Alzheimer's disease, decrease free radial damage and help the digestive system work effectively. Almonds can promote healthy skin and are know to improve bone density.

Brazil nuts are rich in protein, fiber, selenium, magnesium, phosphorous, vitamin E and thiamine. Selenium in these nuts helps to ward off the risk of cancer and helps fight carcinogenic free radicals. Brazil nuts can also help maintain weight and may help in the proper functioning of the thyroid gland.

Cashews provide us with protein, iron, zinc, magnesium and copper. They have high levels of monounsaturated fats, which promote good cardiovascular health. Cashews can help to reduce triglyceride levels in people with diabetes and research suggests incorporating cashew nuts in the diet can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Cashews are also a rich source of antioxidants, which can help in eliminating free radicals that can cause harm to our cells.

Pecans are a good source of protein, vitamin E, the B vitamin thiamine, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, monounsaturated fats and fibre. Pecans can help with blood pressue, breast cancer, prostate health and heart health.

Walnuts are a rich source of omega –3 fatty acids and magnesium. They help strengthen the immune system, protect the heart and help nourish the brain. They help reduce cholesterol levels in the body and aid in production of good cholesterol. They are also known to increase bone density and prevent gallstones.

When purchasing nuts, look for natural unsalted nuts and buy organic if possible. Also watch the added salt content on packaged nuts. The sodium content can be quite high which isn’t good for hypertension and other health issues. Another thing to keep in mind is although nuts make a perfect snack, don’t get too nutty over them. A handful of nuts packs around 200 calories, so it’s best to dole them out in a small container rather than eat them right out of the bag/can.

Whether it’s almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans, pistachios or walnuts, the list of benefits each nut provides is endless. The next time you feel like a snack, reach for some nuts. Don’t fret too much they may be high in fat and calories; they’ll do the body more good than you can imagine. Go ahead and go nuts!

Note: Nuts should not be eaten by anyone who has an allergy to them. Always check for allergies before giving any nuts to children or adults.

Summertime Endurance

Sports and power drinks become increasingly popular during this time of year with more and more people spending time outdoors. Whether we are working in our yards and gardens, exercising, participating in sporting events, or working in the heat, there comes a time when we feel hot, tired and exhausted. Our body temperature feels as though it’s going through the roof and we need fluids to help counteract the effects of such heat.

When sweating takes place during sports, exercise, or other strenuous activities, it causes loss of fluids and electrolytes, making the body dehydrated. In hot, humid weather, we can become dehydrated in as little as 15 minutes. If not taken care of, dehydration can cause fatigue, impaired performance, heat stroke and circulatory difficulties. Fluid loss can also diminish the capacity for performing muscular work. It’s important to stay well hydrated during physical activity, and although water is a perfect choice for replacing fluids, replenishing electrolytes and other nutrients the body loses is equally important.

Considering everything we do depends on energy, which is constantly being depleted, we need to make sure that it is continuously restored. The primary source of energy for every function that occurs within each cell of the body is adenosine triphosphate (ATP). If ATP is depleted, cells cease to function properly, which can also result in many of the diseases we associate with stress or aging. ATP rejuvenates our cells, blood and tissues, and increases energy levels without boosting our heart rate, which can occur with products such as caffeine or ephedra. Replenishing ATP levels with a supplement can reduce fatigue, protect vital organs, provide energy, help to improve muscle strength and recovery and has anti-aging benefits.

AIM Peak Endurance™ provides PEAK ATP®, the only brand of ATP clinically proven to elevate ATP levels within the body when taken orally, and is so unique it is protected by several patents. In addition to PEAK ATP®, grape-flavoured AIM Peak Endurance™ contains electrolytes, and is truly an “energy drink”. Electrolytes are minerals that are necessary for conducting nerve impulses in our bodies. As we sweat, valuable electrolytes such as chloride, calcium, phosphate, magnesium, sodium and potassium are excreted making it important to replace them on a regular basis, especially when we perspire due to intense exercise or hot weather.

A typical commercial sports/energy drink may contain only three electrolytes and a whooping 10 to 49 grams of sugar! AIM Peak Endurance™ contains all six major electrolytes (sodium, potassium, phosphorous, calcium, magnesium and chloride) in proper balance and is low in sugar. Sweetened with all-natural stevia and lo han fruit extracts there is only half a gram per serving. It contains six of the B vitamins – B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine) and the easy-to-absorb form of B12 (methylcobalamin) and is also a source of vitamin C, supplying 11mg, which is about what you get from an apple (8mg) or a banana (10mg).

Some of the key benefits Peak Endurance™ provides are:

-Elevates ATP levels in cells, blood, and tissues
-Increases energy levels and reduces fatigue
-Supports cardiovascular and respiratory health
-Replenishes electrolytes lost during exercise or strenuous activities
-Supplies B vitamins that are lacking in vegetarian diets
-Improves muscle growth, strength, and recovery

Especially during the hot, humid summer months when so many of us are enjoying the nice weather and increased activity it’s important to stay hydrated and replenish fluids and nutrients the body loses when we perspire. Peak Endurance™ will not only replenish lost electrolytes and ATP but also will revitalize you. If you’re looking for some added summertime endurance, give Peak Endurance™ a try.

For more information about AIM Peak Endurance™, please visit My AIM Store website at http://myaimstore.com/awealthofhealth/ where you can read more, download a data sheet and watch a video. As with any supplement it is always recommended to read the literature thoroughly to find out if this product is right for you, and consult a health care practitioner if you have any medical conditions or concerns.

Authors note: My husband and I have owned and operated a home improvement service for over twenty-two years. We work outside a great deal during the hot, humid weather and are finding Peak Endurance™ a lifesaver. We used to drink the “other” brands on the market, but since using Peak Endurance™ we are finding there is no comparison. When we’re out working in the heat we add a serving to a bottle of water (500ml) and drink. Within minutes our body temperature is moderating and we feel a sense of renewed energy. We also drink Peak Endurance™ while doing our yard work and gardening. It’s great!

Please Don’t Super-Size Me

They may not refer to it as “super-sizing” anymore but the sizes of meals in the fast food chains are still pretty hefty. And in this day and age of economic slow-down, it’s easy to want more for your money. For a few extra cents, you can double the serving size of your French fries and soda and even get a sugary dessert treat. This may look like a great deal but the truth is, when it comes to our health it’s a really bad deal.

Portion sizes are getting larger and so are our waistlines. We’re eating more food now than we ever have before, and what we’re failing to realize is that while the calories we are consuming are up, our activity levels are down. We’re watching too much television, we sit in front of our computers for hours on end, and instead of walking or biking we drive everywhere…even to the corner store. In North America, reports estimate that caloric intake is up by an average of 340 per day due to the availability of inexpensive, calorie-dense foods and eating out at fast-food joints regularly. Vegetables, fruit and fibre are often absent from high-calorie diets, and these types of high-calorie diets provide little or no valuable nutrients our bodies need to maintain good health. Not only is fast-food high in calories it is typically high in sodium, saturated fats and trans fats, and some fast-food is very high in sugar.

Nutrient depleted and high-calorie foods as well as lifestyle choices are taking their toll on the health of many people. Obesity, type 2-diabetes (also known as adult on-set diabetes), high blood pressure and heart disease are becoming the ‘regular’ chronic diseases of Western civilization, and other developed countries are not far behind. There is no doubt that fast-food is here to stay and unless we start to change our choices when we’re grabbing that quick meal, experts warn we are creating a generation of very unhealthy people who create a huge burden on the health care system.

The good news is that there are ways of making healthier choices when eating fast-food and the key is to educate ourselves about different options. One place to start is realizing a ‘regular’ serving size isn’t that regular anymore and instead of eating everything put in front of us, we need to pay attention to the ‘I’m full’ feeling we get when we eat a little more slowly. Many fast-food joints and restaurants are offering more nutritious alternatives as well as providing customers with nutrition information. By choosing grilled or broiled foods, a salad instead of the fries, skipping the sauces and cheese, asking for the butter, sour cream and salad dressing on the side and choosing water or fresh juice instead of soda we can begin to take control of our health choices. And if you must eat at these places, please avoid the drive-thru and get out of the car, walk in and get your fast-food fix.

Another thing to keep in mind about fast-foods is that by consuming them we are creating an acidic environment in our body due to the high fat, sodium and sugar content in them, and disease thrives in an acidic environment. Because of this it’s important to limit our intake of these nutrient depleted foods and strive to maintain a steady pH (acid-alkaline) balance of body fluids. Reducing (or eliminating) the amount of fast-foods we’re consuming and eating a diet rich in fresh colorful vegetables and fruits, whole grains, raw nuts and seeds, fish and lean meats, unprocessed oils and fats, drug-free and free-range eggs, and low-fat organic dairy products can have a very beneficial effect on our health.

Green barley grass juice is also an ideal food to enhance our nutritional intake and one of the most fundamental benefits of barley grass juice is its incredible alkalizing effect. Barley grass juice has a neutral pH of 7.0, and contains alkaline minerals that can neutralize acidic materials. A whole food concentrate made from green barley juice is AIM BarleyLife® which provides us with vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, phytochemicals, protein, amino acids, and chlorophyll. When taken every day, BarleyLife® helps our cells to function optimally and the rich source of nutrients contained in BarleyLife® helps to maintain whole body health.

The next time you feel like a fix of fast food, check your appetite at the door and try to choose something a little healthier from the menu. If we listen to our bodies and not our taste buds, we’re sure to hear that inner voice saying “please don’t super-size me”!

For more information about AIM BarleyLife® please visit http://www.followthegreen.com/ My AIM Store website at http://myaimstore.com/awealthofhealth/ where you can read more, download a datasheet and watch a video. As with any supplement it is always recommended to read the literature thoroughly to find out if the product is right for you, and consult your health care practitioner if you have any medical conditions or concerns.

What’s In Your Shopping Cart?

When you go to the grocery store and look in your shopping cart, is it full of fresh colorful healthy foods or is it packed full of pre-packaged dead food loaded down with salt, sugar and preservatives? It is a good question to ask yourself and one that is worthwhile having a closer look at.

More and more studies are proving the association between eating a healthy diet to promote good health and eating an unhealthy diet and bad health. For instance, high intakes of sodium, sugary foods and refined grain products are associated with hypertension (high blood pressure). Low intake of calcium, poor vitamin D status and low intakes of vegetables and fruit is associated with the development of osteoporosis and bone fractures. A diet high in saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol intake with a low intake of vegetables and fruit is associated with heart disease. Cirrhosis of the liver is associated to poor overall diet and excessive alcohol consumption, and cancer is being associated with low vegetable and fruit intakes. It appears that to be healthy we need a diet that is low in sodium, sugar and refined grain products, contains lean sources of protein, and is high in fiber, complex carbohydrates and vegetables and fruits.

As consumers, there are many factors which can determine what types of foods we eat. Food costs, convenience, availability, health concerns, education, culture and religious beliefs can all contribute to our diet. Labeling can also have a huge impact on what we purchase for food. Some labels can be very misleading making the food sound healthy when in fact it really is not.

There are steps we can take to help us make informed decisions about the food we are buying and consuming. Making healthy food choices is essential for maintaining good health and can help in the prevention of many of today’s health disorders. An easy way to start is with the Canada Food Guide or the USDA ChooseMyPlate program in the USA. These food guides are a good tool to use to see if we are getting the right types and amounts of the foods we need. You can visit the Canada Food Guide website at: http://hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/index-eng.php or the ChooseMyPlate website at: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/.

Another thing we can do to determine whether the food we are buying is good for us or not is to read the label. Look at what is listed in the ingredient list and if it is something you do not know or cannot pronounce it is generally a good rule of thumb to avoid it. If you would like to know what a lot of the chemicals and additives are, there is a multitude of websites and books available that explain what you are eating. Google food additives for a huge directory on the essential information about what is really in the food we eat, which additives we should avoid, and which are downright unsafe. There are a lot of books on the subject as well. Check with your local library or bookstore.

We can also make an informed choice by reading the Nutrition Facts panel on the label. The Nutrition Facts panel can help us make healthy choices for our family and ourselves. The information is based on a specific amount of food, which we can compare to the amount we eat. It also shows the percent Daily Value to see if a food has a little or alot of a specific nutrient. The table also shows how much fat, saturated fat, trans fat, sugar and sodium the product contains. Please keep in mind when reading these panels that the serving size may be significantly low. In other words, 50 ml or 1 teaspoon is not a lot of food but may contain high amounts of fats, sodium and/or sugar. (I will discuss food labeling in an upcoming issue of the newsletter.)

Choosing foods that are high in fibre and low in fat can help to keep us healthy and fit. Lots of fresh veggies and fruit are a must in today’s diet and the fresher and organic we can get is best. The local farmers markets are starting up at this time of year so it is a great way to shop for our fresh food needs.

Eating lots of fresh colorful vegetables and fruits, rich whole grains, raw nuts and seeds, unprocessed oils and fats, drug-free and free-range eggs and lean meats, and organic dairy products while reducing the amount of packaged and processed foods we consume can have a very beneficial effect on our health.

Having a healthy diet is also important in reducing our risk of many of today’s chronic ailments. Not only does eating a healthy diet prevent us from health issues, it also makes us perform better, provides us with more energy, gives us a healthy glow and makes us feel great. What’s in your shopping cart?

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AIM For Strong Bones

The adult human skeletal system is typically made up of 206 bones, whereas a newborn baby has more than 300 bones in their body. Some of the bones in a baby are made of regular bone and some are made of cartilage, which is soft and flexible. As we develop and grow, the cartilage also grows and over time slowly hardens into bone. During this process bones fuse together to form larger bones. The change from cartilage to bone occurs until about the age of twenty.

Both men and women have the same number of bones. Our bones give us shape and support, and help to protect our heart, lungs, brain and other vital organs. They team up with our joints and muscles to produce movement, and if we don’t take care of our bones they become weak, brittle and even break. Strong bones are essential for whole body health and wellness.

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and also one of the most essential as it is required for so many bodily functions. Considering that about 99 percent of our body’s calcium is stored in our bones and teeth, it makes good sense to keep our supply topped up. If our daily diet is low in calcium, bone is literally broken down to keep our blood calcium level normal--because calcium plays other critical roles in supporting our bodies’ vital functions such as maintaining our heartbeat and controlling our blood pressure.

Our body continually removes and replaces small amounts of calcium from our bones. If the body removes more calcium than it replaces, our bones will become weaker and have a greater chance of breaking. Because bones have their own ‘calcium bank account’ it’s important we keep this account balanced. If we ‘withdraw’ too much calcium and we’re not ‘depositing’ enough into our ‘calcium bank account’ we run the risk of creating a calcium deficiency, which can lead to an increased risk of fractures, osteoporosis and other ailments.

There are many ways to get calcium in our daily diet and ensuring we’re getting enough, through diet and supplementation, is crucial in maintaining strong, healthy bones. Our diet should include the primary food sources of calcium—dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, kale and cabbage. Sardines, eggs, tofu and low-fat (preferably organic) dairy products are also rich in calcium, which help support a healthy skeletal frame.

It’s also important we get regular exercise and sufficient sleep. Because bones are living tissue, weight-bearing physical activity causes new bone tissue to form, which makes bones stronger. Not only is this type of physical activity good for our bones, it also makes our muscles stronger. By pushing and tugging against each other, and gravity, both our bones and muscles benefit. Some examples of weight-bearing physical activities include: walking, running, dancing, aquafit, rebounding, stair climbing, hiking and weight lifting.

Considering calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body we tend to think it’s only purpose is keeping our bones and teeth healthy. However, this mineral is also needed for the proper function of our heart, muscles and nerves. Recent studies are linking high-calcium diets to weight loss and are suggesting that a diet rich in calcium may even help lower and maintain blood pressure levels.

Recognizing the importance of calcium to our health, The AIM Companies™ formulated CalciAIM™ which provides highly absorbable calcium and other supporting nutrients which are crucial for proper skeletal function and overall wellness.

Carefully formulated to determine the most beneficial types of calcium, the most effective method of delivery, and a combination of nutrients to help achieve superior whole-body health, CalciAIM™ (along with a healthy diet and exercise) can help us have and maintain strong healthy bones. A combination of 3 types of calcium, magnesium, L-lysine, vitamins C & D, zinc, and copper, this unique powder drink mix delivery system provides excellent calcium absorption levels helping in the development and maintenance of our bones,cartilage, teeth and gums.

We all need to AIM for strong bones and CalciAIM™ can help!

For more information about CalciAIM™ please visit My AIM Store website at http://myaimstore.com/awealthofhealth/ where you can read more, download a datasheet and watch a video. As with any supplement it is always recommended to read the literature thoroughly to find out if the product is right for you, and consult your health care practitioner if you have any medical conditions or concerns.

Can’t Beat A Beet

Did you know beets are a natural cleanser helping to remove toxins from the body and nourish the bloodstream? Not only do beets cleanse the liver and purify the blood, they also aid in digestion and stimulate lymphatic activity. Beets contain powerful nutrients that can help protect against heart disease, birth defects, and certain cancers such as colon cancer.

Botanically known as Beta vulgaris, the beet evolved from their wild ancestor known as sea beet, which is a native of the coastlines of Northern Africa, Southern Asia and Europe. The root was carrot shaped and during early times the beet greens were eaten rather than the roots. At first, the ancient Romans were mostly interested in beets for medicine, however they are believed to be one of the first civilizations to cultivate beetroot for food.

Amongst other ailments, the Romans used beetroot in curative broths as a treatment for fever, constipation, and other ailments. They also considered beetroot juice as an aphrodisiac. It wasn’t until the sixteenth century the rounded root shape we’re familiar with today was developed, and became popular in Central and Eastern Europe a couple of hundred years later. Over the millennia beetroot has been used to treat a variety of conditions, especially illnesses related to digestion and the blood. Today the beetroot is still championed as a universal cure-all.

Raw beetroots contain folate, niacin, biotin, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium, vitamin A and vitamin C. They’re low in fat and high in complex carbohydrates, providing our body with fuel and fibre. During pregnancy, folate is important for normal fetal development and folate also aids in the formation of red blood cells. Potassium, along with sodium, helps to regulate the water balance and acid-alkaline balance in the blood and tissues. The pigment batacyanin, which gives beets their rich purple-crimson colour, is a powerful cancer-fighting agent and its effectiveness against colon cancer in particular has been demonstrated in several studies. Iron improves energy, prevents anemia and provides each cell with oxygen to function better, and the iron in beet juice is noted for being more easily assimilated than other forms of iron supplements.

Beets may also help to lower levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) while raising levels of beneficial cholesterol (HDL) which can improve cardiovascular health. Beetroots are also known to have the ability to counter damaging effects on the liver. Over the last four centuries beetroot has been used for the treatment of hepatitis and has been thought to be beneficial for the detoxification of the liver. Theories suggest the high concentrations of betaine found in beets help support and detoxify the liver by limiting fat deposits. Betaine is also known to lessen inflammation and also play a role in reducing homocysteine of which high levels of homocysteine are associated with cardiovascular disease.

We know that fresh fruits and vegetables provide us with a broad spectrum of essential nutrients and fibre necessary for proper digestion, assimilation and whole body health. They provide phytochemicals, enzymes and antioxidants and consuming them the way nature intended in their raw form is usually the best, however, some vegetables do need to be cooked otherwise they would be very hard to eat. Because cooking destroys valuable enzymes, which are essential for the thousands of chemical reactions that occur throughout the body, juicing provides a means to ensure we’re getting the maximum amount of nutrients available.

Available in a ready to mix powder, AIM RediBeets® provides a convenient way to enjoy the benefits beetroot has to offer without all the extra work and mess. The half pound of beets used to make a teaspoon of RediBeets® is residue-free. When the beets are processed to separate the juice and its valuable nutrients from the fiber, the beets are not subjected to high temperatures that may damage their nutrients. AIM uses only the root of red beets and it takes approximately 25 pounds of beets to make one pound of RediBeets® powder.

Considering the powerhouse of nutrition and all the benefits beets have to offer, it makes good sense to consume them as part of our dietary routine to help maintain whole body health, prevent illness and provide us with total wellness. When it comes to good wholesome food, you sure can’t beat a beet!

For more information about AIM RediBeets® please visit My AIM Store website at http://awealthofhealth.myaimstore.com where you can read more, download a datasheet and watch a video. As with any supplement it is always recommended to read the literature thoroughly to find out if this product is right for you, and consult your health care practitioner if you have any medical conditions or concerns. While there is no processed sugar in RediBeets® it is made up of about 70 percent natural sugars. These natural sugars are what give RediBeets® its sweet taste.
Anyone who is diabetic or concerned about blood glucose levels should consult a health practitioner before using AIM RediBeets®.