Friday, September 24, 2010

Appetite Hormone Levels and "Regain"

I am so sorry for the absence- things are CRAZY busy right now. I will catch everyone up and update my Healthy Living Series as soon as I can. In the mean time, I thought I would post this article, as it ultimately ties in with my "Healthy Living Series" when I touch on hormones, stress and blood sugar:

Appetite Hormone Levels May Influence Weight 'Regain'

Dieters with a certain combination are predisposed to reacquire lost pounds, researchers say


(HealthDay News) --Some dieters may be more likely than others to regain any excess pounds they've lost, depending on their particular hormonal makeup, new Spanish research cautions.

A certain combination of appetite hormones leptin and ghrelin appears to predispose some people to weight gain following a diet, the researchers found.

Study author Ana Crujeiras, of Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago in Spain, and her team report the finding in an upcoming issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.

The connection between appetite hormones such as ghrelin and leptin and long-range weight-loss complications stems from work with 104 obese and overweight men and women, all of whom embarked on an eight-week, low-calorie diet.

Before dieting, during the diet, and about four months post-diet, Crujeiras and her colleagues measured each participant's body weight and fasting plasma levels of ghrelin, leptin and insulin.

The bottom-line: Those with higher leptin and lower ghrelin levels before dieting were more likely to reacquire the lost weight after the diet ended.

"We believe this research may indicate that the outcome of weight therapy may be pre-conditioned," Crujeiras said in a news release from the Endocrine Society.

"Our findings may provide endocrinology and nutrition professionals a tool to identify individuals in need of specialized weight-loss programs that first target appetite hormone levels before beginning conventional dietary treatment," she added.

And while noting that "the long-term success of maintaining the weight lost is usually poor," Crujeiras suggested that the current observations "could be used as a tool to personalize weight-loss programs that could guarantee success in keeping off the weight."


Have you guys struggled with cravings, stress eating and re-gain? What happened, and how did you deal with it?

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Healthy Living Series Intro

We all know that nutrition, health, and well-being (mind-body) are interconnected. Most diseases can be traced back to, or show a relationship to nutritional deficiencies, mal-absorbtion, enzyme deficiency or something within the body that can be helped naturally. I'm going to start with the basics, and hopefully leave you with the tools, skill and confidence to make informed decisions and cut through all the confusion.

 Basically I want to provide you with information on all aspects and facets of Nutrition (and how things work in the body, they're function and purpose etc) so you can derive and make your own decisions based on WHAT YOU THINK WORKS BEST FOR YOU!

I really want to put the emphasis on getting maximum nutrients from your foods, so that you have more energy, more focus, better workouts, better recovery, and a better life over all.

I'm going to focus on a few 'key' aspects of CLEAN EATING: what it is, what it looks like, some things to keep in mind; give you some Nutritional ideas you may want to incorporate into your life, give some meal ideas and really focus on optimizing your health, your workouts and recovery; your overall well-being through Nutrition (food) to gain energy and live at your optimal peak potential.


I'm going to briefly touch on: Nutrient Timing-including briefly discussing supplements and protein shakes, their place and the benefits of whey; super foods, key words to look out for when eating out, what a proper plate should look like. I want to focus on foods that give you the most bang for your buck on a nutrient/cell level- foods that yield high benefits per serving (phytonutients,vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein and fats), in effect maximizing your results-all the hard work you guys are doing in trying to live fit and healthy lives, and hopefully provide some clarity as to what you should be focusing on.

What is CLEAN Eating

 Clean Eating has become a 'catch phrase' or fad word we are all hearing lately, but it is actually as sustainable, sound and sensible as you can get. It refers to getting your fuel (energy foods) from whole, unprocessed, natural, clean sources- as close to mother nature as possible. You should be able to trace foods back to their origin. Focus on minimally processed foods (ex. baked potato vs. potato chips).
 "Real Food". Of course, with our modern lives- (busy, stressed, financial instability) convenience, availability and cost often are our decisive final factor. What I hope to show you is that you can eat relatively clean, healthy and nutritiously anywhere. Above all, I want to 'remind' us of one important fact that when truly considered, provides strong impetus for chosing to be mindful of " Healthy Living", facilitates in choosing "healthy" nutrients and lifestyle habits; brings"health minded" to the forefront of our priorities, as well as encouraging mindfulness: YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT. You cells literally are made up of (sythesis) what you consume, and it is the strongest area of which we have control over (behavior, paradigm, attitude, and mind-set: Decisions and Behaviors are yours). Control your thoughts = control your life.

So, what are the main components of Healthy Eating/Diet? We are going to focus on 4 main components of what a meal should consist of:

1.A lean protein source

2.Complex, low glycemic, high fiber carb (of fiber)

3.A healthy fat

4.Vegetables (Green, Leafy, Colorful).

I often like to give the analogy of looking at a plate like a FACE. Think of 2 eyes, a mouth and a nose. Each main meal should combine a serving of the four main components. I like to think of one Eye as the protein; Protein is made from amino acids, and is the building block of the body. Getting adequate protein in your diet is vital to the repair, growth and recovery of the human body. In order to have proper developement,  recover from workouts and gain lean muscle you must obtain sufficient dietary protein – this cannot be overlooked. I will go much more in depth in regards to protein and the various Macro/Micronutrients later, but for now remember Protein= STRUCTURE- BODY TISSUE NUTRIENT and BUILDING BLOCKS OF YOUR BODY.

Think of the other eye as your high fiber, low GI, low sugar, complex carbohydrate (oats, quinoa, brown rice etc). Again, I will go in depth on Carbohydrates, but suffice it to say that Carbs are your Brain's and Nervous System's energy source, as well as your bodies preferred source of fuel. This is why people on extremely low carbohydrate diets tend to get depressed, moody, lack energy and have trouble sleeping. They aid in the metabolism of fat and protein, and are the chief source of energy for all body functions and muscular exertion.

The mouth or bottom half of your plate should be your vegetables. These are loaded with fiber, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals such as anthocyanids, xanathins They are low in calories, while adding bulk to your diet due to water and fiber. Fiber (also a carb) helps to fill you up, slows digestion, binds toxins for removal, and has a host of health benefits. Aim for about 6-9 servings of  Vegetables a day.


Finally, the "nose" of your plate, or face- your healthy fats. Fats are your "Reserved Energy", as well as providing vital protection to your brain and organs. Fats are vital! They are necessary for hormone synthesis, muscle repair, fat loss, brain function, joint mobility, skin elasticity, heart health etc. Fats do not make you fat! Excess ANYTHING will cause weight gain, and fats in and of themselves aren't bad. Not only is this thinking erroneous, but it can also be detrimental to your body, health and impedes any results you have been making. There are two fatty acids that are essential to the body, the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and the omega-6 fatty acid linoleic acid (LA). If your body does not get enough ALA and LA from your diet then many metabolic processes and even hormone production can suffer. When choosing the dietary fat sources that comprise your diet, you want to choose foods that are high in ALA and LA (i.e. almonds and olive oil) and stay away from foods that are high in saturated and trans-fats (i.e. butter and bacon). While you do need some saturated fats in your diet, the majority of your fats should be unsaturated (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats). Fat= RESERVE ENERGY. Fat is energy dense at 9 calories/gram, as opposed to the 4cal/gram of Protein and Carbohydrates.

Healthy sources of fats are: Pumpkin seeds, Olive oil, avocado, Chia, flax oil, fish oil walnuts, olives, salmon. Avocados are loaded with heart healthy fats, as well as antioxidants that you need to prevent free radical damage. They Containing omega-3 essential fatty acids, vitamins like B-complex, and vitamin E, as well as important antioxidant minerals like selenium. Brazil nuts, Nuts and seeds are another super-health food. Eat unsalted nuts, like almonds, cashews, Brazil nuts and walnuts; seeds like sunflower, flax seeds, poppy seeds and pumpkin seeds.etc

Carbohydrates are another vilified and misunderstood Macronutrient. Understanding the different types of Carbohydrates is key. A healthy diet should not eliminate food groups. You need over 40 different nutrients for your body to function- none of which can be obtained from one specific food group. You need a wide variety. Macronutrients refer to Carbs, Fats, Proteins and are needed in large amounts by the body (hence MACRO), Micronutrients (Vitamins, Minerals, Phytonutrients etc) are still needed, but in smaller amounts (hence Micro).
 
In my next post I'll start going into more detail and focus on the specifics. I also plan on doing a brief post dedicated to each of the Vitamins and Minerals: their functions and role within the human body, and which sources to best obtain them from.
 
Any questions or areas of specific interest you would like to learn more about: PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT. My goal is to provide comprehensive, easy to understand and use information!

Friday, September 10, 2010

Sugar By Any Other Name.......

I am going to be giving a "Healthy Eating/ Healthy Living" Seminar at a prestigious high-end gym to some of the members. As such, I am keeping it pretty basic. Anyone who reads my blog knows that I am seriously opposed to added sugars; from cancer, impaired immune health, degenerative diseases, inflammation, diabetes, obesity, poor brain function, accelerated aging, wrinkles (Glycation) to lung, joint and more serious mental disorders (schizophrenia, depression etc), refined, added sugar is a detriment to every facet of our health.
I will be doing a series specifically on the Dangers Of Sugar. For today, I thought I would leave some food for thought, by way of the MANY different hidden names of sugar. The agricultural industry is constantly coming up with new names to disguise sugar.

Amasake


Apple sugar

Barbados sugar

Bark sugar

Barley malt

Barley malt syrup

Beet sugar

Brown rice syrup

Brown sugar

Cane juice

Cane sugar

Caramelized foods

Carbitol

Carmel coloring

Carmel sugars

Concentrated fruit juice

Corn sweetener

Corn syrup or evaporated solids

Date sugar

Dextrin

Dextrose

Diglycerides

Disaccharides

D-tagalose

Evaporated cane juice

Evaporated cane juice solids

Florida crystals

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)

Fructose

Fruit juice concentrate

Galactose Glucitol

Glucoamine

Gluconolactone

Glucose

Glucose polymers

Glucose syrup

Glycerides

Glycerine

Glycerol

Glycol

Hexitol

High-fructose corn syrup

Honey

Inversol

Invert sugar

Isomalt

Karo syrups

Lactose

Levulose

"Light" sugar

"Lite" sugar

Malitol

Malt dextrin

Malted barley

Maltodextrins

Maltodextrose

Maltose

Malts

Mannitol

Mannose

Maple syrup Microcrystalline cellulose

Molasses

Monoglycerides

Monosaccarides

Nectars

Neotame

Pentose

Polydextrose

Polyglycerides

Powdered sugar

Raisin juice

Raisin syrup

Raw sugar

Ribose rice syrup

Rice malt

Rice sugar

Rice sweeteners

Rice syrup solids

Saccharides

Sorbitol

Sorghum

Sucanat

Sucanet

Sucrose

Sugar cane

Trisaccharides

Turbinado sugar

Unrefined sugar

White sugar

Xylitol

Zylose

Monday, September 6, 2010

Review: Smart For Life Products; Cookie Diet; cupcakes, cereal, smart crunch, smart bagel, UnderWay


I'm sure we've all heard about the infamous "Cookie Diet", and the many subsequent copy cat versions. A while back I posted pictures and possibility of a review for the Under Way (Dr Sass and the Hero Fiber). Of course, this goes along with the rest of his 'diet' products. They all contain something he formulated called 'Hero Fiber' which apparently is 9x of regular fiber per 1gram. Here is what he says on his website:

HeroFiber™ is a super fiber made from a combination of fibers including ForteFiber™, a Soluble Dietary Fiber which helps to maintain cholesterol, glucose and insulin levels that are already within the normal range.***


It does this by keeping blood and insulin levels from spiking and your chance of getting hungry are reduced. Dr. Sass likes to say: "For people who don't get enough fiber, 1 gram of HeroFiber™ is like 9 grams of other normal fibers. Everyone should try to get at least 30 gram of fiber or more per day.”

I rarely eat foods with added sugar, as my blood sugar is really effected by it, and I just end up eating the entire pack and craving more. I usually would eat foods with sugar, but was feeling slightly nauseated and needed some dry carbs.

I first cracked open the Smart For Life Smart Bagel. There are like thin, dry, bagel crisp crackers. I actually enjoyed these a lot! They were 'chewy' in a weird dry cracker way. They didn't spike my blood sugar and actually made me slow down and eat more mindfully. The entire mini 35g pack has the following nutritional information:
 Calories:80
Fat: 0.5g
Carbs: 17
Fiber: 4
Protein: 6

These were crunchy but chewy/moist? I know it sound odd, but imagine Grissol Bagel Crackers of Melba Toast (super crunchy) that had gotten a little moisture and gotten 'chewy'. Not in a gross way; I know it sounds unappetizing, but they were actually really good!


Next I tried their SMART CRUNCH. These were like little homemade cookie/oatmeal nuggets: Soft, chewy, dense and filling! Although the Fiber content doesn't look particularly high or impressive, I have to say that it definitely filled me up. What I really liked about all the products I tried (and I tried a lot!) is that they weren't sweet! The Smart Crunch contained little crisps, which I later found out was the basis of most of their products. I think they were chewy/crispy soy crisp nuggets.
The Nutritional Information for the Smart Crunch:
Serving Size: 1 mini single serve packet.
Calories: 90
Fat: 2.5
Carbs: 12
Fiber:1.5
Protein: 5

From the website: Smart Crunch is the easy take-along that you can pop in your mouth when you’re on the go. It contains SASSON Technology™ (Smart Appetite Suppressing Sustained Organic Nutrition) and HeroFiber™ which suppresses your appetite. Just one gram of HeroFiber™ contains the benefits found in nine grams of ordinary fiber.


Ingredients:
Smart Crunch


Triple Filtered Water, Vegetable Glycerin, Doctors Protein BlendTM (Milk Protein, Egg Protein, Organic Whey Protein), Hydrolyzed Collagen (Gelatin), Organic Whole Oats, Organic Seedless Raisins, Organic Crisp Rice (Organic Brown Rice Flour, Organic Molasses, Calcium Carbonate), Organic Whole-Grain Wheat Flour, Vegetable Gum, Organic Soybean Oil and/or Enriched Organic Golden Flax Meal (Organic Flax Meal, Fish Oil), Organic Fractioned Palm Oil, Raw Organic Oat and/or Wheat Bran, Organic Invert Sugar, Organic Brown Sugar, Organic Cinnamon, Organic Pure Tahitian Vanilla Extract, Baking Soda, Baking Powder, Sea Salt, Natural Flavoring, Organic Nutmeg. Contains at least 60% Organic Ingredients.


Next I tore open their package of 4 mini Cupcakes. I was sent Carrot Sunshine Cupcakes  and Chocolate Mountain Cupcakes. These were tiny and had icing drizzled on top. I was impressed with how filling these were. They're 60% organic, and definitely aren't easy to scarf down like ordinary Cup Cakes.
The Chocolate ones had the little crispy nuggets in them again, as well as mini chocolate chips.


The Nutritionals Are:
Per Cupcake:
Calories: 90
Fat: 3
Carbs:10
Fiber:3
Protein:7

I enjoyed both and really liked that they weren't sweet. I could imagine this in a Yogurt Mess, or with milk! Definitely left you thirst!
Triple Filtered Water, Doctors Protein Blend™ (Milk Protein, Organic Egg Protein, Organic Whey Protein, Hydrolyzed Collagen), Vegetable Glycerin, Organic Whole-Grain Wheat Flour, Soy Crisps, Organic Soybean Oil, Raw Organic Oat Bran, Cane Sugar, Enriched Organic Golden Flax Meal (Organic Flax Meal and Fish Oil), Organic Cocoa, Modified Cellulose, Natural Flavor, Plant Sterols, Doctors Herbal Blend™ (Fennel, Sage, Rosemary Oil, Thyme, Turmeric), Vanilla Extract, Baking Soda, Cinnamon, Baking Powder, Salt, Kernel and Palm Oil, Soybean Lecithin, Nutmeg, Cultured Wheat Flour


Next I tried the 2 flavors of cookies I had: Oatmeal Raisin and Chocolate Chip.



The Oatmeal Raisin wasn't sweet at all, and the raisins really helped the taste. Here are the stats:
Serving Size 34g, Servings per Container 6, Amount per Serving: Calories 105, Fat Cal. 20, 2.5g Total Fat 4% DV*, 1.5g Saturated Fat 5% DV*, 0g Trans Fat, 0mg Cholesterol 0% DV*, 120mg Sodium 5% DV*, 15g Total Carbohydrates 3% DV*, 1.5g Fiber 6%, 5g Sugar, 5g Protein.
Triple Filtered Water,Vegetable Glycerin,Doctors Protein BlendTM (Milk Protein,Egg Protein,Organic Whey Protein),Hydrolyzed Collagen (Gelatin),Organic Whole Oats,Organic Seedless Raisins,Organic Crisp Rice (Organic Brown Rice Flour,Organic Molasses,Calcium Carbonate),Organic Whole-Grain Wheat Flour,Vegetable Gum,Organic Soybean Oil and/or Enriched Organic Golden Flax Meal (Organic Flax,Fish Oil),Organic Fractioned Palm Oil,Raw Organic Oat and/or Wheat Bran,Organic Invert Sugar,Organic Brown Sugar,Organic Cinnamon, Organic Pure Tahitian Vanilla Extract,Baking Soda, Baking Powder,Sea Salt,Natural Flavoring,Organic Nutmeg. Contains at least 60% Organic Ingredients



Chocolate Chip had a bit of the icing drizzle on top (which I really liked):
Nutrition Facts: Serving Size 29g, Servings per Container 6, Amount per Serving: Calories 100, Fat Cal. 30, 2.5g Total Fat 6% DV*, 1.5g Saturated Fat 7% DV*, 0g Trans Fat, Polyunsaturated Fat 0.5g, Monounsaturated Fat 1g, Cholesterol 0mg 0%, 135mg Sodium 6% DV*, 9g Total Carbohydrates 3% DV*, 2g Dietary Fiber 8%, 3g Sugar, 6g Protein. Vitamin A 0%, Vitamin C 0%, Calcium 4%, Iron 6%


Triple Filtered Water,Vegetable Glycerin,Doctors Protein BlendTM (Milk Protein,Egg Protein,Organic Whey Protein),Hydrolyzed Collagen (Gelatin),Organic Whole Oats,Organic Seedless Raisins,Organic Crisp Rice (Organic Brown Rice Flour,Organic Molasses,Calcium Carbonate),Organic Whole-Grain Wheat Flour,Vegetable Gum,Organic Soybean Oil and/or Enriched Organic Golden Flax Meal (Organic Flax,Fish Oil),Organic Fractioned Palm Oil,Raw Organic Oat and/or Wheat Bran,Organic Invert Sugar,Organic Brown Sugar,Organic Cinnamon, Organic Pure Tahitian Vanilla Extract,Baking Soda, Baking Powder,Sea Salt,Natural Flavoring,Organic Nutmeg. Contains at least 60% Organic Ingredients

They also have a great sounding and looking Blueberry, which I didn't get to try.


Like their Cupcakes and Smart Crunch, these tasted wholesome and didn't have a lot of flavor. You could definitely smell the Cocoa and Cinnamon scents! These were dense, and a great snack.

Lastly, I had their Chocolate Berry Cereal. These again were the Soy Nuggets (moist), with Cocoa, chunks of freeze dried strawberries and blueberries.

They describe these as "Crunchy and Chewy at the same time", and I have to say that they're right! Again, not sweet at all.I added some SF syrup, and microwaved it for 25seconds.
The Stats:
Per Single Serve Cup:
Calories: 180
Fat:4.5
Carbs:25
Fiber:3.5
Protein:10
I was also sent Momma's Chicken Noodle Soup, which comes in a single serve-just add water-portable cup, and one of their prepacked ready to grab (just add liquid) shakes.

Overall, I was really impressed at the satiety level. I was skeptical at first, but they really would help regulate blood sugar and tame cravings! I recommend drinking a lot when you eat them- they are really chewy and dense. All the products-aside from the Bagel, had a bland taste due to not being overly sweet and artificial. I actually appreciated this fact, as it did not cause a sugar crash.


As for the Under Way drinks themselves: They are really hard to describe. I love Grape and Acai Pomegranate. They are THICKER and taste kind of like a melted Popsicle. I think it's the Vegetable Glycerin. Either way, they're really hydrating, and definitely sit well in the stomach. They have a nice sample pack HERE.

You order these in "packages" ie 5day, 21 day variety, Healthy Eating Pack, Soup and Cereal Pack, Hot Cocoa, Shakes etc

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Supplement Spotlight Genesis Today's 4FIBER REVIEW

I've received numerous questions regarding 4Fiber, and my use of it in many recipes etc. Furthermore, many people seem to think of 'Psyllium' or Metamucil when talking about fiber. I'm fairly picky when it comes to my Fiber Supplements; most are nothing but glorified psyllium husks with sugar mixed in. 4FIBER is one of the best on the market, and one that I keep in my regular rotation of Supplements. I thought I'd do an in-depth review and run-down of Genesis Today's 4Fiber.
4FIBER by Genesis Today


What is it:
4Fiber is made with raw cold-milled flax and hemp seeds. It is currently the only fiber supplement on the market that contains Noni Fruit and Noni Leaf Fibers. I personally love that it is a mix of both hemp/flax. Hemp is highly digestible and easily absorbed. It is also a fantastic sort of plant protein. The natural beneficial fatty acids found in flax and hemp are intact, which help lubricate the intestines. This is an extremely gentle fiber that does not cause a laxative effect, and does not contain any laxatives nor does it contain psyllium. The company call this a "6 supplements in 1" product, as it benefits the heart, is considered 'brain food', an intestinal cleanser, a probiotic supplement, a blood sugar stabilizer and a fiber supplement.

4Fiber is Six supplements in One:


1. A heart health support supplement*

2. A brain health support supplement*

3. A gastrointestinal support supplement*

4. A fiber supplement

5. A probiotic supplement

6. A blood sugar support supplement*


With Raw Cold Milled Flax Seeds

With Raw Cold Milled Hemp Seeds

With Noni Fruit Fiber & Noni Leaf Fiber

Health & Competitive Benefits of 4Fiber:

A very gentle, soothing fiber product (containing natural oils that help lubricate the intestines), contains no harsh, depleting or irritating ingredients such as psyllium or senna

Raw Cold Milled Flax Seeds: Supports heart, brain & digestive system health and is an excellent source of fiber to support our gastrointestinal tract*

Raw Cold Milled Hemp Seeds: High in fiber and balanced protein

Noni Fruit Fiber and Noni Leaf Fiber: Naturally contains minerals, trace minerals & natural plant fibers

Lactospore (Lactobacillus Sporogenes): A superior shelf stable probiotic
Cat’s Claw (Uña de Gato): Supports healthy intestinal lining and gastrointestinal functions*

 



Serving Size: 1 Scoop (14 g)

Servings Per Container: 20

Amount Per Serving % DV

Calories 55

Calories from Fat 18

Total Fat 2 g 3%**

Total Carbohydrates 6 g 2%**

Dietary Fiber 5 g 20%**

Sugars 0 g †

Protein 3 g 6%

Copper (as copper citrate) 1 mg 50%

Chromium (from chromium chloride) 120 mcg 100%

Lactospore (Lactobacillus sporogenes) 720 million CFU †

Genesis Today Proprietary Fiber Blend:

100% Raw cold milled Flax seed powder (source of lignans), 100% Raw cold milled Hemp seed powder, rice bran (source of tocotrienols and phytosterols), Noni fruit fiber, Noni leaf fiber, carrot fiber, beet fiber, guar gum, slippery elm bark, cat's claw, nopal cactus, cumin, boldo, FOS, ginger root, stevia leaf extract, gymnema sylvestre leaf, bitter melon fruit extract. 13.1 g †

** Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

† Daily Value not established.


Other Ingredients

Silica (vegetarian source).
Supplement Facts



Here is a run-down of the ingredients, and their benefits:

Bitter Melon Fruit Extract (Momordica charadtia): To date, close to 100 in vivo studies have demonstrated the blood sugar-lowering effect of this bitter fruit. The fruit has also shown the ability to enhance cells' uptake of glucose, to promote insulin release, and to potentiate the effect of insulin. In other in vivo studies, bitter melon fruit and/or seed has been shown to reduce total cholesterol. In one study, elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels in diabetic rats were returned to normal after ten weeks of treatment.

Cat's Claw: Amazon rainforest herb with a wide variety of uses. Known as an immunostimulant, it also has in vitro anti-cancerous properties that have been documented in clinical studies. Powerful antioxidant, detoxifies, cleanses the blood, reduces inflammation, cleanses the bower, protects cells, increases urination, lowers blood pressure and reduces cholesterol.

Chromium: An essential trace mineral needed for glucose tolerance and sugar regulation. Chromium deficiency can contribute to high cholesterol levels, heart trouble, diabetes or hypoglycemia, poor digestions and premature aging. Supplementation can reduce cholesterol levels, increase HDL cholesterol levels and diminish atherosclerosis, and well as help stabilize cravings and blood sugar.

Copper: A mineral which helps control inflammatory arthritis/bursitis symptoms. Aids in iron absorption, protein metabolism, bone formation and blood clotting. SOD (Super-oxide dismutase) is a copper-containing enzyme that protects against free radical damage.

Cumin: An ancient spice considered a 'warming' spice.. It has been used for centuries as a stomachic, diuretic, carminative (Inducing the expulsion of gas from the stomach and intestines and soothe digestive tract), stimulant, astringent, emmenagogic (stimulates blood flow) and antispasmodic. It is valuable in dyspepsia diarrhea and hoarseness, and may relieve flatulence and colic. Cumin helps to restore CHI, or heat, to the digestive system.

Flax seed: Flax seeds contain high levels of lignans and Omega-3 fatty acids as well as eight essential amino acids. Lignans may benefit the heart, possess anti-cancer properties and studies performed on mice found reduces growth in specific types of tumors. Initial studies suggest that flaxseed taken in the diet may benefit individuals with certain types of breast cancer and prostate cancers. Flax may also lessen the severity of diabetes by stabilizing blood sugar levels.

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS): Fructooligosaccharides refer to a class of non-digestible carbohydrates or sugars that occur naturally in a wide variety of foods throughout the plant kingdom. Since they are non-digestible, they pass through the human digestive tract virtually unchanged. When the FOS reach the colon, they are used by the good or beneficial bacteria found there (bifidobacteria or bifidus) for growth and multiplication. A healthy population of these beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract enhances the digestion and absorption of nutrients, detoxification and elimination processes and helps boost immune health. These are what nourish or feed your healthy bacteria.

Ginger (Zimbar officinale): Another 'warming herb', Ginger helps to relieve upset stomach and indigestion. Also used as a cleansing agent to the bowls, kidneys and skin. Stimulates cell growth. Used for yeast infections and worms. Enhances the effectiveness of all other herbs. Helps restore CHI, or heat, to the digestive system.

Gymnema Sylvestre Extract: Gymnema Sylvestre has been used in India for the treatment of diabetes for over 2000 years. The primary application was for adult-onset diabetes (NIDDM), a condition of which it continues to be recommended today. The hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) effect of the leaves was first documented in the late 1920s. This action is gradual in nature, differing from the rapid effect of many perscription hypo-glycemic drugs. Gymnema leaves raise insulin levels, according to research in healthy volunteers. The leaves are also noted for lowering serum cholesterol and triglycerides.

Hemp (seed): High in fiber, essential nutrients, Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids, eight essential Amino Acid and protein. Hemp seed is one of the plant kingdom's most concentrated, complete and balanced sources of essential amino acies and essential fatty acids. Hemps seeds are high in essential nutrients including chlorophyll, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, phytoserols, ascorbic acid, beta-carotene, calcium, fiber, histidine, iron, potassium, phosphorus, riboflavin, niacin and thiamin.

Lactospora (Lactobacilus sporogenes): Probiotic; a lactic acied bacillus preparation to restore and replenish the beneficial bacteria of the intestines that is vital to good health.

Noni: Stimulates immune function, inhibits the growth of some tumors, normalizes cellular function, and boosts tissue regeneration. Fruit extract is used for hypertension, painful menstruation, arthritis, gastric ulcers and depression.

Stevia: Used primarily as a sweetener, reports suggest that Stevia may have beneficial effects on glucose tolerance ( and therefore potentially help with diabetes). Other studies have shown Stevia to dilate blood vessels in animals, which may help with high blood sugar. Stevia is considered a non-caloric sweetener.

Genesis Today Proprietary Fiber Blend: 100% Raw cold-milled flax seed powder, 100% raw cold milled hemp seed powder, rice bran, noni fruit, noni leaf fiber, carrot fiber, beet fiber, guar gum, slippery elm bark, cat's claw, nopal cactus, cumin, boldo,FOS, ginger root, stevia leaf extract, gymnema sylvestre leaf, bitter melon fruit extract.
 
As you can see, 4FIBER is packed with good, wholesome, high-quality ingredients. I personally use this  fiber or Fibersmart on a regular basis. I make puddings with it, add it to my protein pancakes/cupcakes/cakes/bread, protein shakes, protein ice-cream, use it as a thickener etc (SEE ALL THE LINKS BELOW THAT LINK TO RECIPES ETC). It has a wonder nutty taste, and a smooth texture. This is great stirred into oatmeal, oat bran, Nutriflakes, cereal etc.
I always mix mine with some Sugar Free syrup (pancake is GREAT), some protein powder, and some GG scandinavian bran sprinkles, or crushed cookies/ crackers/ high fiber cereal. I've added it to my Brownie Batter Cookie Dough, my Amazing Grass Chocolate Super Foods etc. Check out my recipe section.
This is truly a great product that one can incorporate into their diets in so many ways. I highly recommend picking some up and giving it a try! I am adding it to MY STORE, so take a minute to browse and check it out!
 
Related Posts:
http://protein-girl.blogspot.com/2010/04/sunday-recap-protein-ice-cream-picture.html
http://protein-girl.blogspot.com/2010/04/friday-april-2.html This has a great recipe.
http://protein-girl.blogspot.com/2009/11/i-feel-so-out-of-sorts-this-morning.html
http://protein-girl.blogspot.com/2010/03/saturday.html'=
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