cacao Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Beyond Keto Cacao Pumpkin Muffins

The AHA! Team — Wed, 15 May 2024 08:09:36 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Pumpkin recipes are one of the best blessings of Autumn. When you use real pumpkin puree and ingredients, you get nutrients that fortify your body from your head to your toes. And, our Beyond Keto Cacao Pumpkin Muffins are full of pumpkin! Ready to try them yourself? They boost real pumpkin, healthy coconut flour, pumpkin spice, cacao nibs and more. Here’s how to make them and why you should. Delicious Beyond Keto Cacao Pumpkin Muffins Ingredients 1 tablespoon avocado or olive oil for the muffin liners 4 large eggs ½ cup organic pure pumpkin puree 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled) 3/4 teaspoon organic liquid stevia (equals about ⅓ cup sugar) 2 teaspoons real vanilla extract 1.5 teaspoons pumpkin spice 6 tablespoons coconut flour 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 cup cacao nibs OR coconut flakes Instructions Preheat oven to 350°F. Line 6 muffin cups with foil or silicone liners. Spray or wipe liners with oil to prevent sticking (coconut flour can stick especially if you use paper liners). Set aside. Whisk eggs, pumpkin puree, melted butter, stevia, vanilla, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Add in the coconut flour and salt, mixing patiently until very smooth. Then, mix in the baking powder. Finally, fold in cacao nibs or coconut flakes. Using a 4-tablespoon scoop (1/4 cup), scoop and pour the batter into the prepared muffin cups. Bake muffins until they are set and a toothpick inserted in their center comes out clean, 22-25 minutes. Transfer the muffins to a cooling rack and cool them completely before enjoying them (if they look odd to start, don’t worry – their texture significantly improves as they cool). Muffins can be stored in a sealed container for up to 5 days (but they won’t last!). They also freeze well up to 3 months. Enjoy! Nutrition info (1 muffin): 196 calories, 15 grams fat, 9 grams saturated fats, 4.5 gm net carbs (10.5 grams total carbs, 6 grams fiber), 6 grams protein, 3 grams protein Health Benefits of Cacao Pumpkin Muffins One of the best parts of Autumn is pumpkin. These days, we find it everywhere. In our coffee, in our soups, and certainly in our snacks. Fortunately, offers amazing health benefits (1). Here’s what pumpkin has for your body: 1. Antioxidants Pumpkin contains alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin. These are strong antioxidants, and they will work together to fight free radicals, reduce the risk of cancer, promote heart health, reduce cholesterol-plaque formations, and preserve eye health. In fact, when pumpkins are analyzed, lutein is the most abundant carotenoid therein (2). Lutein and the other carotenoids can protect body organs and tissue from free radical damage and oxidative stress. This is incredibly beneficial as oxidative damages are always related to cancer, premature aging, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, atherosclerosis, and a series of other degenerative diseases (3). 2. Anti-Inflammatory Nutrients The cell walls of pumpkin contain pectin. Pectin contains components that are highly anti-inflammatory. How does this help you? Anti-inflammatory diets can improve many chronic diseases and symptoms. These include heart disease, joint pain, arthritis, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, asthma, and more. 3. Cellular Health The flesh of the pumpkin is not the only valuable component. Pumpkin seed oil is highly nutritious and beneficial to the body. In fact, pumpkin seed oil has specifically been shown to reduce the risk of cellular overgrowth and unhealth in the prostate, breast, colorectal, gastric, joints, heart, and lungs (4, 5, 6). Amazing! This is a great reason to also buy whole pumpkins, roast, and eat the seeds! 4. Heart-Health Components Pumpkin seeds also contain phytosterols. Phytosterols are the components used in cholesterol-lowering supplements, functional foods, and more. They are often termed plant sterols. What’s more, the carotenoids in pumpkin flesh can protect the heart and other body organs and tissue from free radical damage, oxidative stress, and plaque formation (3). 5. High Energy and More Nutrients Additionally, pumpkin is a great source of fiber, monounsaturated fats, omega-3s, B-vitamins, and copper. B-Vitamins and Copper both play a part in energy production, and can make a difference in your get-up-and-go! Pumpkin Spice Nutrition In addition, the spices used in our homemade pumpkin spice recipe are no nutrition slouches. Individually and together, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger provide anti-inflammatory, digestion, brain, circulation, heart health, anti-cancer, anti-bacterial, and other health benefits. Additionally, it fights free radicals and oxidative stress. Read all about them, and learn how to make your own homemade pumpkin spice here. Cacao Nutrition Lastly, cacao nibs are great for full-body health. In fact, their polyphenols can provide benefits to your heart, brain, and energy levels. Cocoa nibs promote reduced inflammation, reduced oxidative stress and free radicals, cellular health, and neurodegenerative protection. Bottom Line It simply doesn’t get better than this: amazing flavor and amazing health benefits! Our Beyond Keto Pumpkin Muffins are just what the doctor ordered for Autumn. Enjoy! To read the original article click here.

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Keto Smoothie Recipe with Avocado, Chia Seeds & Cacao

AHA Publisher — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 07:00:45 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DNM, CN – Have you heard about the keto diet? It’s possibly the best diet for weight loss, and it can even reverse insulin resistance and reduce cardiovascular risk factors, according to recent research. No wonder more and more people are starting to go “keto.” My keto smoothie is an easy way to get started. It includes protein foods and healthy fats, while being very low in carbohydrates. All of the ingredients in this smoothie are nutritious, heart healthy and keto-friendly — plus, they’re delicious! What Does “Going Keto” Mean? “Going keto” means putting your body into a state of ketosis, which is a metabolic state that occurs when most of the body’s energy comes from ketone bodies in the blood, rather than from glucose (or sugar). On the keto diet, you are tricking your body into thinking it’s fasting by eliminating glucose that is found in carbohydrate foods. Your body begins burning fat for energy rather than carbohydrates, so after going keto, most people lose excess body fat rapidly, even when consuming lots of fats and adequate calories through their diet. The ketogenic diet, like any other low-carb diet, works through the elimination of glucose. Our bodies normally run on glucose for energy, but once glucose is no longer available from food sources, we begin to burn stored fat for energy instead. This process will not only help you to shed those extra pounds, but it also helps to control the release of hormones like insulin, which plays a role in the development of diabetes and other health problems. Nutrition Facts One serving of this keto smoothie recipe using cacao powder and without toppings contains the following, including only 6.1 net carbs (total carb grams minus fiber grams): 394.5 calories 40.1 grams fat 11.64 grams carbohydrates 5.5 grams fiber 3.68 grams protein 2.52 grams sugar 22 milligrams sodium 189.5 milligrams magnesium (45.1 percent DV) 6.85 milligrams iron (38.1 percent DV) 328.5 milligrams phosphorus (26.3 percent DV) 2.45 milligrams vitamin E (16.3 percent DV) 2.49 milligrams niacin (15.5 percent DV) 0.17 milligrams thiamin (14.2 percent DV) 0.16 milligrams riboflavin (12.3 percent DV) 36 micrograms folate (9 percent DV) 96 milligrams calcium (7.4 percent DV) 0.73 milligrams zinc (6.6 percent DV) 229 milligrams potassium (4.9 percent DV) 0.073 milligrams vitamin B6 (4.3 percent DV) 2.5 milligrams vitamin C (2.8 percent DV) How to Make A Keto Smoothie A keto smoothie is made up of healthy fats and protein, all foods that are naturally low in carbohydrates. Using a high-powered blender, add in these heart-healthy, keto diet–friendly foods. My keto smoothie recipe starts with 1 to 1¼ cups of full-fat coconut milk as the base. Coconut milk contains a beneficial fat called lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid that’s easily absorbed and used by the body for energy. It serves as a great keto diet food. Next add in 1 tablespoon of chia seeds (soaked in 3 tablespoons of water for 10 minutes), which contain essential fatty acids, plus vitamins A, B, E and D and minerals including iron, magnesium, niacin and thiamine. And then add 1 tablespoons of your favorite nut butter to the mix, whether it’s almond butter or even sunflower seed butter. (I recommend that you avoid peanut butter.) For the next ingredient for this keto smoothie, you have a choice of either 2 teaspoons of cacao nibs, cacao powder or cocoa powder, or 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder. Protein powder made from bone broth is packed with protein, low in carbs and low in sugar. You can get the benefits of bone broth easily by adding it to your keto smoothie. Cacao nibs or powder is also healthful and packed with nutrients that fuel the body. The last two ingredients for my keto smoothie are ½ frozen avocado and 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. Adding avocado to this smoothie will give it a delicious creamy texture and its an excellent source of healthy fats, which is especially important when you’re going keto. Now all you have to do is blend the ingredients until they are well-combined, adding water if necessary, and you’re done! If you want to add some bulk to the texture of your keto smoothie, or if you don’t have a frozen avocado on hand, add in some ice, too. Top your keto smoothie with cacao nibs and cinnamon, and enjoy! Keto Smoothie Recipe with Avocado, Chia Seeds & Cacao DESCRIPTION My keto smoothie is an easy way to get started on the keto diet, or just as a great breakfast. It includes protein foods and healthy fats, while being very low in carbohydrates. All of the ingredients in this smoothie are nutritious, heart healthy and keto-friendly — plus, they’re delicious! INGREDIENTS 1–1¼ cups full-fat coconut milk ½ frozen avocado 1 tablespoon nut butter of choice 1 tablespoon chia seeds, soaked in 3 tablespoons of water for 10minutes 2 teaspoons cacao nibs, cacao powder or cocoa powder OR 1 scoop of chocolate protein powder made from bone broth 1 tablespoon coconut oil ice (optional*) for topping: cacao nibs and cinnamon ¼ cup water, if needed INSTRUCTIONS Add contents into a high-powered blender, blending until well-combined. Top with cacao nibs and cinnamon. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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How These Mushrooms & Adaptogens Can Help Grow Brain Cells, Reduce Anxiety, and Fight off Depression

AHA Publisher — Fri, 30 Oct 2020 07:00:55 +0000

Dr. Caroline Leaf – When many of us think of mushrooms, we either think of the ones we cook with, the ones people use to get “high” or the ones that are very dangerous. But did you know that certain mushrooms are superfoods that can boost your mental and physical health? In this podcast (#217) and blog, I speak with Tero Isokauppila, a health and wellness expert and founder and CEO of Four Sigmatic, a company that creates everyday health products to upgrade your daily routine. We discuss why mushrooms are good for our moods, minds, and mental health, what adaptogens are and how to use them, how superfoods like mushrooms can improve our physical health and help us deal with stress, common myths about mushrooms, simple ways to upgrade your daily health routine and more! As Tero points out, the brain and nervous system is the next frontier in science. This is a very new field of science, and we are learning more and more every day, including how the brain gets energy. Only certain compounds that can enter through blood-brain barrier, so it can be challenging for brain to get good nutrition. Superfoods like cacao and certain mushrooms have compounds that are small enough to cross the blood-brain barrier and provide the brain with different nutrients. In fact, cacao is one of the most nutritionally diverse foods in the world, which is why Four Sigmatic has a range of healthy hot cacao drinks to help you improve your health. A lot of the smaller compounds in cacao are neurotransmitters that can pass through this blood-brain barrier and activate the brain, providing nutrients and energy that can improve our mental and physical wellbeing. Science is just beginning to show how and in what way natural compounds like mushrooms and cacao, which have been used for centuries in different cultures, improve our health. This is a new, exciting era of wellness! However, since the science is so new, there are a lot of misconceptions about mushrooms out there that need to be addressed: Mushrooms are not plants – they are fungi. Fungi is its own biological kingdom, one that is closely related to humans. We share up to 50% of our DNA with fungi! They don’t all grow on the ground. Many mushroom superfoods like lion’s mane actually grow on trees. They are not all psychedelic. Superfood mushrooms like reishi, lion’s mane and cordyceps will not get you “high”. They are not weird or “kooky”. Mushrooms are among the most researched foods in the world. Many of them are important ingredients in pharmaceuticals. They are not all poisonous. Ancient foods like mushrooms are important for immunity, gut health and brain power. Just like certain foods in the plant and animal kingdom are nutritionally dense, certain mushrooms are really good for us! For example, the lion’s mane mushroom, which grows on trees, can help with the remyelination of nerve cells, which can, in turn, improve thinking speeds and stimulate the growth of brain cells. Studies have even shown that this mushroom may help prevent or reduce the symptoms of cognitive decline. Cordyceps is another great mushroom for our health, which increases maximum oxygen intake and help fuel the brain and body, while mushrooms like reishi can help combat the negative effects of a high stress environment, as they support the HPA axis and endocrine system, which can help balance the stress response. These superfood mushrooms are also adaptogens. These are ancients plants or mushrooms that help you adapt to physical and mental stressors. They are natural, non-additive foods that you can eat every day to boost energy and stamina. However, they are not just uppers or downers; they are non-specific (impacting multiple systems in body) and restore harmony to brain and body. Four Sigmatic also has their own range of edible skincare products! Why? Your skin is your largest organ. What you put on your skin is absorbed into your body and can impact your mental and physical wellbeing. As research has shown, we should be aware of what we are putting into AND what we are putting onto our body. Indeed, many artificial skin products can actually negatively impact the blood-brain barrier and our health! However, as Tero points out, nutrition is not the be all and end all of health. Our mind and what we think is really important too, as well as our lifestyle practices! This is why, every day, Tero makes sure he takes care of both his mental and physical self-care by: Choosing to see obstacles as opportunities to grow and learn. Starting the morning hydrated. Taking naps, a siesta or breaks after a meal, which includes meditation and mindfulness practices and using his acupressure nail bed mat (which helps the nervous system and releases tension). Taking breaks are so important if we want to stay healthy and happy!! Practicing regular deep breathing (for more on how to do this listen to my recent podcast episode #216 and check out this blog). Getting outside every day and exercising. Eating real foods rich in nutrients and antioxidants like those found in cacao. Check out Four Sigmatic’s delicious products to find ways to incorporate these superfoods into your daily routine! Practicing mental self-care through brain building and self-regulation. For more mental self-care tips, pre-order my new book 101 Ways to be Less Stressed, which is now on sale at 20% off! You can also check out my app SWITCH, which is a great tool for helping you learn how to manage your mind every day, deal with the roots of your mental distress, and overcome thought patterns and behaviors that impact your wellbeing through the mental process of reconceptualization. Doing thermal exercise. This includes heat exposure, such as using a steam room or sauna as well as cold exposure, like taking an ice bath or cold shower. (For more on why saunas are so great for your mental and physical health and to learn what sauna I use every day, check out podcast episode #192 and blog, and for more on cold exposure and mental health, listen to my recent podcast episode #216 and check out this blog).

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Collagen Chocolate Caramels for Whole-Body Wellness

AHA Publisher — Sat, 18 Jul 2020 07:00:01 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – If you could quickly make delicious collagen chocolate caramels with only 2 grams of net carbohydrates, would you put it on your schedule? If you knew the collagen in them could support your hair, nail, skin, and joint health, would you drop everything and do it now? Yes, indeed. These fat-bomb collagen chocolate caramels are a great fit in the Keto Zone and will satisfy chocolate cravings with good-for-you ingredients. Get out your food processor and whip some up today! Collagen Chocolate Caramels Ingredients 1 cup raw walnuts 1 tablespoon cocoa powder or raw cacao powder 2 tablespoons organic coconut oil 2 scoops chocolate collagen hydrolysate 1 tablespoon sugar-free salted caramel syrup (such as Torani) coarse sea salt (optional) Instructions Place walnuts in a food processor and grind until they resemble a sticky dough. Add cocoa powder, collagen powder, and Torani syrup. Pulse to combine well. Move mixture to a bowl. Add coconut oil. Stir/mix until well combined. Spoon mixture into all 12 sections of an ice cube tray. Optionally, sprinkle with sea salt. Freeze until solid, about 2 hours. Store in the refrigerator or freezer. Makes 12 squares. Try also: Use other nuts such as macadamia, pecans, or cashews. Nutrition info (per 2 squares): 186 calories, 18 grams fat, 2 grams net carbs (3 grams carbs, 1 gram fiber), 5 grams protein (87% of calories derived from fat) Whole-Body Wellness From Collagen Chocolate Caramels Not only do these collagen chocolate caramels taste amazing, but they also promote whole-body wellness. First, they provide healthy fats from walnuts and coconut oil. Then, they deliver potent antioxidants from cacao. But, the real star of the recipe is the collagen. In fact, these squares offer an easy way to ingest great-tasting hydrolyzed collagen day after day. In fact, if the collagen is derived from both marine and chicken sources, it can provide three different types of collagen important to human health. These three types of collagen do different things in the body. Here’s the breakdown: 1.Type I Collagen: Type I Collagen makes up 90% of our hair, skin, and nails and supports their structure and elasticity. If you’re looking to improve your appearance, Type I is the right type for you. The most optimal Type I Collagen source is from marine animals (1). 2. Type II Collagen: Type II collagen supports many areas of the body: hair, skin, and nails, immune health, digestive health, and joint health. First, like types I and III, type II collagen is present in hair, skin, and nails. Next, it supports immune health and promotes healthy digestion. Type II collagen is a major part of your gut lining and helps it act as a barrier between the substances we consume and our bloodstream. This affects both digestion and immune function. Lastly, Type II Collagen is a major building block of cartilage, which is why it’s beneficial to joint health. 3. Type III Collagen: Type III Collagen is present in all skin, tissue, and organs of your body. It’s often combined with Type I and/or Type II in collagen supplements. Studies on Collagen for Skin and Joints Since all three types of collagen are found in skin, nails, and hair, much of the research has been conducted on the health of these tissues. What’s more, joint health is often a focus of collagen research. Here’s a sampling of what researchers have found: 1. Skin Health A 2019 analysis of 11 studies stated that “Preliminary results are promising for the short and long-term use of oral collagen supplements for wound healing and skin aging. Oral collagen supplements also increase skin elasticity, hydration, and dermal collagen density.” Of note, the studies in this analysis used 2.5-10 grams of collagen per day (2). A 2014 study of 46 women, ages 35-55, showed that eight weeks of collagen powder supplementation improved skin elasticity within just 4 weeks (3). When the skin’s elasticity is improved it can stretch and rebound better, without sagging. This increases a youthful appearance. Another 2014 study concluded that collagen supplementation lessened the appearance of wrinkles after just 8 weeks of use (4). What’s more, a study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology concluded that collagen supplementation not only improved skin moisture but also produced younger-looking, less-fragmented skin (5). In a 2017 lab (animal) study, researchers found that 6 months of oral consumption of collagen increased the collagen content in the skin. It also improved the skin structure and improved the density of different types of collagen (type I and type III). This resulted in improved color and luster of the skin and fur. While this was a study on mice, it is promising for human skin and hair as well (6). 2. Joint Health Support In a 2008 study from Pennsylvania State University, athletes who took a hydrolyzed collagen supplement for 6 months had less joint pain when they were active and at rest (7). This is great news for any athlete with aching joints. A 2016 study found type II collagen helped support knee health in those with osteoarthritis (8). Furthermore, a 6-month double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled 2012 study suggested collagen hydrolysate could help improve lower back joint pain (9). Other Areas of Study Scientists are finding that collagen may support other areas of health as well. For example: Bone Mineral Density: A 2018 study concluded that intake of hydrolyzed collagen increased bone mineral density in postmenopausal women who had an age-related reduction of bone density. In fact, the results indicated that bones were both increasing in their formation and decreasing degradation (10). Muscle Strength: Scientists are also looking at muscle strength and collagen ingestion. One 2015 study of 53 male subjects with sarcopenia found that collagen peptide intake in combination with resistance training (weight lifting) led to improved body composition, muscle mass, and muscle strength while decreasing muscle loss (11). Bottom Line Collagen is a well-researched food that has been found to support hair, skin, nails, joints, bones, and muscles. If you want to get in on its benefits, it’s a good idea to find delicious ways to incorporate it into your diet. Try our Collagen Chocolate Caramels. They may just be your new favorite collagen treat. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

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Top 10 Everyday High-Antioxidant Foods

AHA Publisher — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 07:00:13 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Free radicals bombard your body, from your head to your toes every day. But, there’s good news: You can eat high-antioxidant foods to increase your blood levels of antioxidants, and support your body’s production of glutathione to fight back. Every day, your body is bombarded. Whether you like it or not, engage in exercise or are sedentary, stay indoors or head out, free radicals are at work in your body. Against your body. We all encounter oxidative damage from free radicals on the cellular level. It damages cells, oxidizes cholesterol so that it forms plaques, and encourages disease. Luckily, our bodies have a way to deal with it. When you consume high-antioxidant foods and those that support your body’s own antioxidant synthesis, your body can fight back. It’s incredibly important that you do it. But what foods should you consume? High-antioxidants foods mostly come from plants. Here are 10 of the best. And best of all, they are readily available, and most of them are relatively inexpensive. Top 10 Everyday High-Antioxidant Foods 1. Coffee You can start your day off with a cup full of antioxidants. How? Just start with coffee. According to the FRAP assay (which is a well-accepted measurement of antioxidant content), coffee contains 2.7 mmol/per 100 grams (or just 3.5 ounces of liquid coffee) (1). If you drink a more regular 10-12 ounces, you’re getting whopping 8.1 mmol of antioxidants. The main healthful component of coffee is a polyphenol chemical called Chlorogenic Acid (CGA). Chlorogenic acid is highly antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Experts believe that CGA may be beneficial as an anti-diabetic, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity agent (2). Not a bad way to start the day, and doesn’t break the bank (especially when made at home). 2. Berries This one likely comes as no surprise: Berries are very high in antioxidants. In fact, their vibrant colors are dead-giveaway of their antioxidant concentrations. Different berries have different levels of antioxidants, but all are great for it. Levels include (3): Blueberries have up to 9.2 mmol of antioxidants per 3.5 ounces Strawberries have 2.1mmol of antioxidants per 3.5 ounces Raspberries have 4 mmol of antioxidants per 3.5 ounces Cranberries are also very high in antioxidants, and a very inexpensive source if you buy during the Holidays and freeze for use during the year Many studies also back up the health benefits of berries. For example, both lab and animal studies suggest that blueberries’ antioxidants may delay the decline in brain function that tends to happen with age (4). Blueberries have also been shown to reduce blood pressure in human studies (5). Raspberries are specifically known to lower risks of cancer and heart disease. In fact, a lab study showed that antioxidants and other components in raspberries killed 90% of the stomach, colon, and breast cancer cells in the sample (6). And, a study review concluded that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of black raspberries may slow down and suppress the effects of a variety of cancers (7). It’s for this reason that blueberries are used as ingredients in the Keto Zone Shakes! This allows Keto Zone eaters to consume berries and enjoy their health benefits. In addition, Divine Health Red Supremefood contains high-antioxidant berries. Not only are they delicious, they truly benefit health and fight disease. 3. Avocados Okay, these aren’t exactly inexpensive. However, avocados do double duty when it comes to antioxidants. First, they contain a spectacular array of carotenoids including: • beta-carotene • alpha-carotene • lutein • neochrome • neoxanthin • chrysanthemaxanthin • beta-cryptoxanthin • zeaxanthin What’s more, the fats in avocado actually increase the carotenoid absorption from other vegetables, by as much as 15 times (8)! Carotenoids directly support eye health and brain health (9). And, they are highly anti-inflammatory. Next, avocados are the best fruit source of vitamin E, an essential vitamin that protects against many diseases and helps maintains overall health. Specifically, vitamin E is an antioxidant that supports brain, cardiovascular, and respiratory health. Lastly, avocados are a good source of glutathione. This super-antioxidant is produced by our own cells and sometimes found in foods. It promotes cellular health, anti-aging, and overall good metabolism and cellular cleansing. 4. Green Tea Green tea is known for its health benefits. It contains 1.5 mmol antioxidants per 100 gm (per 3.5 ounces prepared). Green tea’s antioxidants and other healthful components have been shown to impact the body by: 1. Reducing cholesterol plaques, free LDL cholesterol, and high blood pressure. 2. Inhibiting the growth of cancer cells in lab studies. High consumption of the drink has been associated with a 90% reduced risk of breast cancer in women. 3. Repairing and protecting cells, especially in the brain. In fact, in mice induced with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease, it helped to protect brain cells from dying, as well as ‘rescuing’ already damaged neurons in the brain, a phenomenon called neurorescue or neurorestoration. 4. Providing antibacterial properties that promote oral health. 5. Exhibiting protective effects on eye cels for up to 20 hours after consumption. This has led many experts to believe it may have a role in reducing diseases of the eye and glaucoma. 6. Helping our bodies oxidize and burn fat. Multiple studies have shown an increase in metabolic rates, weight loss, decreased waistline and fat loss with consistent green tea ingestion. 5. Beets and Red Cabbage Beets are chock-full of antioxidants. They contain phytochemical antioxidants called betanins. Betanins are the primary nutrient responsible for that beautiful red hue. Betanins contribute to three main disease-fighting actions (10, 11). Betanins: • Fight free radicals and oxidative • Reduce Inflammation • Support the detoxification of the cells • Like red cabbage and other superfoods, beets also support the production and work of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant our cells make to fight damaging substances. 6. Spices: Cinnamon, Ginger, Cloves, Turmeric, Chili, Garlic Most spices are highly antioxidant. In fact, in a review of FRAP scores of spices and herbs, 27 single products were in the range 100 to 465 mmol/100 grams (1)! This means that ounce to ounce, they are some of the concentrated sources of antioxidants available. But of course, you don’t likely eat the same volume of cinnamon as you do fruits, vegetables and drinks. But even so, a small amount of spice goes a long way towards fighting free radicals and oxidative stress. To add more antioxidants from spices, try adding ginger, cloves, turmeric, garlic, and cinnamon to your diet. And this time of year, add our delicious pumpkin spice mix! A little spice goes a long way, and pound for pound, deliver a lot for their cost. 7. Orange Foods: Butternut Squash, Carrots and Sweet Potatoes With most orange vegetables, it’s all about the carotenoid. Butternut squash, carrots, and sweet potatoes provide carotene antioxidants including alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin. These antioxidants will work together to fight free radicals, reduce the risk of cancer, promote heart health and reduce plaque formations, and preserve eye health (12). You’ll seldom find a cheaper high-antioxidant food than a carrot. 8. Pecans Although pecans are expensive, they are a great splurge especially for Autumn recipes and the upcoming Holidays. Pecans are a nutritious nut, high in antioxidants. In fact, they contain 10.6 mmol of antioxidants per 3.5 ounces (100 grams) (1), which is higher than Kale (whoa) and most other nuts. They have been shown to effectively raise blood antioxidant levels (13). And best of all, these antioxidants work to provide tangible health benefits. They reduced oxidized blood LDL, which reduces artery plaques (14). Looking for ways to add pecans to your diet? Try these Keto Zone Pecan Tartlets. 9. Spirulina We need antioxidant and anti-inflammatory foods since our bodies are constantly bombarded with free radicals, oxidative damage, and inflammation each day. Luckily, spirulina fits the bill. Spirulina contains an active component called phycocyanin, which is an antioxidant that fights free radicals and decreases inflammatory signaling molecules in the body (15). Spirulina is convincingly great for you. The hardest part is taking it in a form that’s easy and tastes good. Try Divine Health’s Fermented Green Supremefood. 10. Cacao and Dark Chocolate If you like adding raw cacao to recipes or eating high-cacao dark chocolate, you’re consuming high-antioxidant foods disguised as dessert already. Believe it or not, cacao has more than 300 different antioxidant chemical compounds and more than 20 times the antioxidant power of blueberries. And while other foods’ antioxidants diminish with time, cacao has demonstrated stability in samples over 75 years old (16)! What’s more, based on the FRAP analysis, dark chocolate (high-cacao such as 70%+) has up to 15 mmol of antioxidants per 3.5 ounces (100 grams). Again, this is more blueberries and raspberries. Cacao provides many other health benefits as well, including stress reduction, reduced blood pressure, brain health, and more. If you want to learn about cacao’s effect on the body, check out these top 10 benefits. Bottom Line Free radicals bombard your body, from your head to your toes every day. But, there’s good news: You can eat high-antioxidant foods to increase your blood levels of antioxidants, and support your body’s production of glutathione to fight back. When you eat brightly colored plants, spices, and beverages such as coffee and tea, you consume antioxidants. These antioxidants will work in your body to fight oxidative stress, reduced oxidized cholesterol, and improve overall health. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

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Top 10 Keto Zone Anti-Aging Foods

The AHA! Team — Mon, 19 Aug 2019 07:00:00 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Just as there are foods and nutrients that expedite aging, there are the opposite: Nutrients and foods that slow aging. Keep eating anti-aging foods for whole body health and strong, youthful cells. If nutrients can expedite aging, surely there are anti-aging foods. There must be foods and nutrients that reduce aging in our appearance, cells, tissues, joints, heart, and brain, right? (Photo by Pablo MerchÃ¡n Montes on Unsplash) The good news is, there are. These anti-aging foods and nutrients promote health and longevity, and can even reverse some of the aging and damage caused by free radicals, oxidative stress, inflammation, and more. Here are the top 10 Anti-Aging Foods. Top 10 Anti-Aging Foods 1. Purified Water Okay, water is not exactly food. But, the substance that makes up most of the Earth, and most of our bodies, can provide a lot of healing, nourishment, and beauty to them. One surefire way to appear older is to have dry skin. Dry skin increases the appearance of wrinkles and lines in our skin. Staying hydrated with water each day can keep your skin looking supple, vibrant, and smooth. 2. Hydrolyzed Collagen Hydrolyzed collagen powder is a protein made from the bones, tissues, and hooves of animals. Although this does not sound very particularly beautiful, the amino acids it contains can improve the health of our own tissues and skin. In fact, it can do wonders for dry, winter skin. A 2014 study of 46 women, ages 35-55, showed that eight weeks of collagen powder supplementation improved skin elasticity within just 4 weeks (1). Another study showed that collagen increases moisture in the skin to produce younger-looking, less-fragmented skin (2). 3. Omega-3 Fats Omega-3s fats are strong dietary antinflammatories. When consumed, especially in amounts that improve their ratio to omega-6s, they cause our bodies to produce less harmful inflammatory hormones and more healthful anti-inflammatory hormones. How does this slow aging? Omega-3s keep us youthful by: • Improving heart health by reducing triglycerides, bad cholesterol, and cardiovascular inflammation. A healthy heart is a youthful one. • Improving blood sugars. Balanced blood sugars mean less stiff arteries and healthier (younger) organs. • Improving brain health. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are implanted in the brain and can affect cognitive decline (vs. a youthful brain), mood, and overall brain health. • Increasing calorie burn and decreasing fat storage. Leaner, stronger bodies appear younger. Recent studies show an increase in calorie output with approximately 2000 mg DHA/EPA per day (you’ll average 1000 mg per day by eating 12 oz. salmon per week, so consider supplementing another 1000 mg per day). Furthermore, since the fats make your cells more sensitive to insulin, they reduce fat storage. 4. Raw Cacao, Black Pepper, and Cinnamon Raw cacao, black pepper, and cinnamon are anti-aging foods that work at the cellular level. They are extremely high in antioxidants. Their antioxidants are so potent at the cellular level they go beyond the normal reduction in oxidative stress to promote longevity and health in the body. Raw cacao’s nutrients cross the blood-brain barrier to affect brain health and mood (3). One study of older adults showed an increase of 10% brain blood flow with cacao. Other studies show improved blood flow and cognition in those with and without a deficit, indicating a potential use for those suffering from Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Cinnamon, which has been found to have one of the highest antioxidant capacities among foods, can increase antioxidant activity by 13 percent when consumed daily! Black pepper can keep joints feeling young: Study after study has shown reduced pain, increased healing, and decreased pathology in arthritic animals and humans (4). 5. Cucumbers and Celery Some foods and nutrients help our bodies rid themselves of excess fluid. Cucumbers and celery are two such foods. When we eat sugars, drink alcohol, eat foods too high in sodium, or even subject ourselves to high heat in the middle of winter, our skin can become puffy, giving us a more aged appearance. The natural diuretic action of cucumbers and celery can reduce puffiness and improve the appearance of our skin. 6. Detox Vegetables: Kale, Cauliflower, and Broccoli Many vegetables are loaded with vitamins and minerals, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antioxidant, and cholesterol lowering nutrients. Specific vegetables take it one step further and promote cellular detoxification to keep our cells healthy and young. Cauliflower, broccoli and kale support our cells’ complete detoxifying process. Our cells are bombarded with toxins each day. When they are overloaded and need to detox, they undergo a 2-step process: Phase 1 and Phase 2 detoxification. Their antioxidants, which contain sulfur and nitrogen, make compounds that support both phases of detoxification. An easy way to get the most out of detox vegetables? Try Fermented Green Supremefood. 7. Green Tea Green tea is a youth-inducing drink. Its antioxidants repair and protect cells. One specific antioxidant, EGCG goes for the brain. In fact, in mice induced with Alzeimher’s and Parkinson’s Disease, it helped to protect brain cells from dying, as well as ‘rescuing’ already damaged neurons in the brain, a phenomenon called neurorescue or neurorestoration. What’s more, EGCG has antibacterial properties that promote oral health in tea drinkers. A healthy smile is a youthful one. It also helps keep eyes young and healthy. EGCG is absorbed by cells in the eye, and provide protective effects for up to 20 hours after consumption. This has led many experts to believe it may have a role in reducing diseases of the eye and glaucoma. Lastly, EGCG can help our bodies oxidize and burn fat. Multiple studies have shown an increase in metabolic rates, weight loss, decreased waistline and fat loss with consistent green tea ingestion. 8. Vitamin D When you consume vitamin D, you’re actually consuming a pre-hormone (a nutrient that acts as a precursor to hormones). Vitamin D specifically can help keep our hormones balanced as we age. It helps regulate other hormones, including adrenaline, noradrenaline, dopamine production in the brain, and serotonin. These hormones contribute to our emotional responses (5), metabolism, weight, and energy levels. 9. Youthful Hormone-Balancing Nutrients Vitamin K2 is often deficient in adults. It improves bone health specifically in post-menopausal women. Bone health is important for a youthful body, as failing bones and joints can keep us from doing the youthful activities we want. In fact, supplementing both K2 and D3 can promote balanced hormones that affect bones, and reduce spinal fractures, hip fractures, and osteoporosis while improving dental health (6). Diindolylmethane (DIM), a compound produced by our bodies when we eat green vegetables, is important for balanced hormones because it alters the metabolism of estrogen. DIM blocks an enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen and converts “bad estrogens,” into good estrogen metabolites (bad estrogens cause most pre-menstrual and menopause symptoms). Good estrogens, on the other hand, promote lean muscle mass, beneficial collagen, strong bones, and heart health (6). If you’re interested in consuming more of these nutrients that slow aging and balance hormones, check out this Hormone Zone supplement. 10. Ginger and Turmeric Two of my favorite anti-inflammatory foods can help your cells, gut, joints, brain and tissues turn back the clock. Ginger and Turmeric and amazing foods, alleviating arthritis, joint pain, and muscle pain. What’s more, they improve gut health, brain health, and whole-body health. This can keep you feeling spry and young. Bottom Line Just as there are foods and nutrients that expedite aging, there are the opposite: Nutrients and foods that slow aging. Keep eating anti-aging foods for whole body health and strong, youthful cells. To read the original article click here. For more articles by Dr. Colbert click here.

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