Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are organic compounds that are the body’s main source of energy. Carbs are more readily converted into glucose, (a sugar that is the body’s primary fuel), than fats or proteins are. Simple carbs (sugars) are too easily converted to energy, flooding your bloodstream with glucose in a “sugar high” which leads to a crash when all the sugar is metabolized. Complex carbs contain vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber. Fiber slows digestion, leading to a more uniform release of energy.

Eat: Unpolished (brown) rice, whole grains, cereals, fruits and veggies

Avoid: White bread, white rice, sugary drinks like soda, candy bars

How much to eat: Starchy foods should make up the bulk of your healthy diet. About half of your daily calorie requirements should come from complex carbs.

Proteins

Proteins are large molecules made up of long amino-acid chains. Our bodies need protein for growth, maintenance and repair. Proteins are a component of every cell in our bodies. Muscles, organs and our immune system are mostly made of protein.

Eat: Fish, tofu, soybeans, legumes, chicken, nuts

Avoid: Red meat, processed meats

How much to eat: About a third of your daily caloric needs should come from a quality source of protein.

Fats

Fats are a concentrated source of energy and are needed for the body to absorb and digest fat-soluble vitamins. Every healthy diet needs some amount of fat. Fats are needed for normal growth and development and are needed for a healthy immune system. Numerous studies have linked saturated fats (which are mostly from animal sources) and cardiovascular disease.

Eat: Foods with unsaturated fats like nuts, avocados, canola oil, olive oil

Avoid: Foods high saturated fats like butter, cream, cheese, lard, fatty meats and meat products

How much to consume: Unsaturated fat should not exceed 30% of your daily calorie intake

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins are essential micronutrients needed for the body to function properly. Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) may be stored in the body, while water-soluble vitamins (C and B complex) and excreted when excessive amounts are consumed. Minerals are inorganic substances needed to build strong bones and teeth and are necessary to metabolize food into energy.

To ensure that you get all your vitamin and mineral requirements, a good supplement would be in order. Pure resveratrol has been shown to have antioxidant properties as well as cardioprotective benefits.

Eat: A rainbow of fruits and veggies, mushrooms, lean meat, nuts, seeds. All natural foods contain some amount of vitamins and minerals.

Avoid: “Enriched” processed foods that claim to have added nutrients but are in fact full of sugars and unhealthy fats.

How much to consume: You can eat as much vitamin- and mineral- rich foods as you want, as long as you stay within your daily calorie needs.

Stick to healthy food options to get all the good nutrients your body needs!

Berries, citrus fruit, strawberries. These foods are high in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps promote a healthy cardiovascular system. And now new research suggests another benefit of vitamin C: mood enhancer. One serving of fruit (about a cup) is enough to reap the mood-enhancing benefits of vitamin C, but go for four or five  servings of fruit a day.

Suggested preparation: Wash berries, de-hull strawberries and eat fresh! You may also top your morning oatmeal or muesli with a cup of berries.

Grapes . Grapes are technically a berry, and they contain lots of vitamin C, but they deserve their own category because they are a good source of resveratrol which is thought to promote longevity and have cardio-protective benefits. Resveratrol supplements are now widely available to those who want to further increase their intake of this valuable phytonutrient.

Suggested preparation: Add grapes (or raisins) to a green leafy salad for a taste and textural contrast.

Nuts and seeds. High in protein and vitamin E, these nutrient powerhouses help stabilize blood sugar levels and may also help prevent heart disease. Their high fat content, however, makes some people hesitant to include them in their healthy diet.  But the fats in nuts and seeds are healthy monounsaturated fats which help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol, while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol.

Suggested preparation: Add chopped walnuts to plain yogurt, bake cashews into a loaf of bread or add sunflower seeds to your favorite poultry stuffing recipe.

Good carbs. Sure, that candy bar will make you feel better, but the sugar high from simple carbs will just as quickly lead to a crash, leaving you as down as you were before. Reach instead for some whole grains, legumes and cereals.  Complex carbohydrates increase the body’s levels of serotonin, the calming anti stress neurotransmitter. Foods that take longer to break down provide a sustained release of energy, so your blood sugars levels don’t spike and crash.

Suggested preparation: Top whole wheat pasta with a simple homemade tomato sauce, or make your favorite sandwich with whole wheat bread instead of regular white bread.

Spinach, broccoli, asparagus. These foods rich in folic acid may help you beat the blues. Some studies associate low levels of folic acid with depression. Folic acid is essential in the production of red blood cells is needed in neonatal development, which is why pregnant women are advised to take a folic acid supplement.

Suggested preparation: Steam asparagus and serve with a lean protein like fish or tofu, or add broccoli to a quick stir fry with oyster sauce and some cooking wine.

Carrots, sweet potatoes, squash. Yellow and orange vegetables are excellent sources of beta-carotene, which enhances immune systems function and plays an important role in reproductive processes.

Suggested preparation: Cut up all these veggies, toss with a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper, and roast in an oven to caramelize their natural sugars.

Chocolate. The ultimate feel-good food, chocolate stimulates the production of endorphins and boosts serotonin, making you feel calmer and happier.

Suggested preparation: Eat straight out of the package! But remember that chocolate has a high fat and sugar content, and limit your intake to half an ounce per day.

Eating these natural anti stress foods will make your body healthier and your day brighter!

If you aren’t yet, consider taking health supplements to further boost your health and increase your well-being.

Here are my top health tips for beginning a health supplement regimen.

Decide on which supplements you want to take.

Vitamin C, one of the safest and most commonly available antioxidants boosts immune function, and may help prevent cardiovascular disease, combat allergies and prevent infections.

Resveratrol, a substance found in red wine and other plant sources, is thought to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer attributes.

A calcium-and-vitamin D combo is great for maintaining strong bones and preventing osteoporosis and keeping fractures at bay.

Read the label.

Vitamin C should come from a natural source and not be synthetic or laboratory-produced. The best form is derived from fruits and vegetables, real food we eat. Vitamin C is available as a chewable tablet or a regular tablet, so pick the formulation you’d rather take.

Resveratrol supplements should be the more stable trans-resveratrol form, which is more readily absorbed by the body. It is also best to choose micronized resveratrol, because the small particle size leads to an increased rate of absorption.

Calcium and vitamin D may be taken separately, but try to find a formulation that contains both. It would even be better if you use a supplement that has both, plus zinc and magnesium as well. Vitamin D helps your body effectively utilize calcium, and zinc and magnesium contribute to bone health as well.

Follow instructions.

If you are considering taking many health supplements, add them to your routine one at a time. This will help you identify possible side effects caused by any of them.

Take your supplements regularly. This usually means taking them at least once a day, everyday. It is important to be consistent to ensure that your body has the necessary supply of nutrients it needs to function well.

If the instructions say “Take on an empty stomach” then don’t eat before, and up to 30 minutes after taking the supplement. If you find that this upsets your stomach, it would be fine to take a bit of food with your health supplement, but know that this would probably decrease absorption. You might not achieve the maximum effect, but you would still get benefits.

It is also best not to take health supplements right before bedtime, because lying down immediately after taking them might lead to heartburn or nausea. Allow a bit of time to elapse between taking the supplements and going to bed.

And finally, remember that taking supplements is not a substitute for a healthy diet. So please continue to eat healthy foods with lots of whole grains, lean meat, and fruit and vegetables.

It is always a good idea to consult your doctor or health care practitioner before starting on any supplement.

Resveratrol, a naturally-occurring substance found in the skin of red grapes and other plant sources, is thought to be at least partially responsible for the so-called “French paradox,” the low incidence of cardiovascular disease among the French, who consume a high-fat diet along with a moderate daily intake of red wine.

(Red wine contains more pure resveratrol than white wine, because the amount of this compound present in wine is determined by the length of time the grape skins are in fermentation. Grape skins are removed earlier in the process of white wine production, meaning it contains less resveratrol. Grape juice, which is not fermented, also contains resveratrol, Other sources include peanuts, mulberries, blueberries and cranberries.)

Drinking red wine in moderation has long been considered a way to promote heart health. Needless to say, red wine’s apparently protective effect on the cardiovascular system has attracted numerous researchers, some of whom focus on resveratrol’s role in this protective benefit. Red wine, however, has small and varying amounts of resveratrol, about 0.2 – 5.8mg per liter. To reap the benefits ascribed to resveratrol, one would have to drink about 60 liters of red wine to reach any appreciable dose similar to the ones in the studies.

Since neither the American Heart Association nor the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute recommend the consumption of alcohol to prevent heart disease, health products, such as resveratrol supplements, are an excellent alternative to those who wish to boost their resveratrol intake.

However, resveratrol supplements vary greatly in concentration, purity and efficacy. This makes it imperative that those who wish to take resveratrol products diligently research the company and type of products they are considering purchasing.

A wide range of resveratrol products are available from PureandHealthy by Nu-ture. Dosages vary, but supplements from PureandHealthy have several distinct advantages over other supplements: first, all their resveratrol products are tested for 98% purity to ensure maximum benefit and the least amount of by-products. Second, PureandHealthy sells micronized resveratrol. (Micronization produces smaller particles which greatly increase the product’s bioavailability.) Third, supplements from PureandHealthy are in the form of trans-resveratrol, which has greater stability and ease of absorption than the cis-form. Fourth, the company uses only capsules derived from vegetable sources, manufactured using state of the art technology, ensuring that all products are 100% vegan, BSE-free, and Halal and Kosher compliant.

By now more than a mere buzz word, resveratrol is poised to become one of the most widely used health supplements in the market.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the past two decades have seen a dramatic rise in the number of obese people in the United States. And these numbers remain high, despite the efforts of the government and private agencies to curtail the obesity epidemic.  Based on the CDC’s 2010 data, about one-third of U.S. adults (33.8%) are obese. Approximately 17% (or 12.5 million) children and adolescents aged 2—19 years are obese.

According to the World Health Organization, worldwide obesity has more than doubled since 1980. As of 2008, 1.5 billion adults 20 years and older were overweight. The WHO states that 65% of the world’s population lives in countries where obesity and being overweight kills more people than being underweight. However, it also makes it clear that obesity is preventable.

Obesity seriously impacts health, increasing the likelihood of cardiovascular disease (primarily heart disease and stroke), type 2 diabetes and certain kinds of cancers (breast, colon, endometrial). Needless to say, it is imperative for people who are overweight to lose the excess pounds and keep the weight off.

Despite what many quick weight loss ads would have you believe, there is no magic pill for healthily losing weight fast (and keeping it off indefinitely). Weight loss, as anyone who has attempted to shed pounds can attest, is a difficult, frustrating process. However, studies on various natural compounds have shown promising results on their effects on weight loss.

Resveratrol, a naturally-occurring substance found in the skin of red grapes and other fruits, is the focus of several of these studies. It is thought to mimic the effects of calorie (or caloric) restriction (CR). CR severely restricts caloric intake while maintaining the levels of nutrition needed for a healthy diet. It is thought to slow the aging process and improve age-related health. Although calorie deprivation produces quick weight loss, especially in the first few weeks of the regimen, CR is not an especially easy or practical method for losing weight.

Resveratrol, by virtue of mimicking the effects of CR, is believed to prevent further weight gain by increasing resting metabolic rate and decreasing calorie intake by increasing satiety/ suppressing appetite.  Supplementation of this compound can be a useful dietary aid that has also been positively linked to cardiovascular health anti-aging benefits.

Resveratrol supplements, in conjunction with a healthy diet and active lifestyle are the best safeguards against weight gain and a good bet for those looking for extra help in their journey towards weight loss and good health.

Osteoporosis is tagged as “the silent disease” because there are often no symptoms of bone loss until the bones become so weak that a sudden bump, twist or fall causes a fracture. Such fractures typically occur at the hip, vertebrates, and ribs. This progressive disease typically worsens with age and primarily affects females (80% of people with osteoporosis are women). The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has revealed that about 10 million Americans over the age of 50 have osteoporosis, with treatment costs skyrocketing at $17.9billion annually.

Taking synthetic calcium alone is not enough to avoid osteoporosis. Your bones are active organs that are gradually affected by the food you eat and the lifestyle choices you make. Maintaining healthy bones begins with adopting a healthy living lifestyle.

Osteoporosis can be a devastating disease, but the good news is “you can prevent it”. Here are four basic measures that may reduce bone loss:

mple Fruits and Vegetables – Fruits and vegetables are good sources of magnesium and potassium — two essential nutrients for bone protection. A recent study found that women who consumed three and a half servings of fruits and vegetables on a daily basis had greater bone density than those who did not.

one Exercises – If you are physically active, your body works to make your bones as strong and flexible as possible. Bones are like muscles; they get stronger when they get sufficient pressure, tensile stress, and shear stress. Your bones react to exercises in a similar way to muscles – they increase in mass. Jogging, weight-lifting, hiking, aerobics, dancing and other weight-bearing exercises are the best exercises for building strong bones.

alcium – At the age of 30, your bones stop growing. And at this point, it’s very much important to increase your calcium intake. Calcium is the most abundant mineral found in your body and is primarily responsible for maintaining strong bones. In fact, 99% of your body’s calcium is stored in bones and teeth, basically for structural support. Milk, yogurt, tofu, and cheese are good sources of calcium. However, since most people don’t get enough calcium in their diets, physicians often recommend calcium supplements.

3 – Vitamin D3, commonly known as Vitamin D, boosts absorption and maintenance of the calcium and phosphorus levels that your body needs to build healthy bones and teeth. This fat-soluble micronutrient is produced by your body when exposed to sun, but is also available in some foods like boned fish and grains.

PureandHealthy offers a proven mix of natural minerals for efficient calcium absorption, such as Calcium Magnesium Zinc with D3 supplement. This all-natural, pure supplement promotes growth and maintenance of bones and bone density and aids in proper bone development and muscle function.

Take charge of your health, prevent osteoporosis now for a stronger and healthier you!

Health and Love,

Summer

When we hear the word “synthetic”, what usually comes to mind? Man-made. Artificial. Fake. But when we hear the word “natural”, we relate it to something pure and essential.

Synthetic vitamins and supplements are quite different from natural ones when it comes to purity, quality and nutritional value. Natural supplements contain the total complex family of micro-nutrients made from concentrated natural whole foods, while synthetic supplements only contain “fragments” of the whole vitamin complex.

So what’s the big deal?

Synthetic vitamins can actually force your body to work harder to absorb them. The “fragments” of the whole vitamins found in synthetic supplements are “non-food fractions” which are often unrecognizable and go unabsorbed by our body, unlike the whole natural ones that are absorbed and used by our body just as natural foods would be. Synthetic vitamins also encourage depletion of the body’s natural nutritional reserves.

Unfortunately, scientific studies show that more than 90% of vitamins and supplements on the market labeled as “natural” actually contain synthetic chemicals. Most of these supplements are less effective.

Benefits of natural vitamins:

• Higher absorption. Natural supplements are fully absorbed by our body as they contain micro-nutrients that are indispensable for proper vitamin absorption and maximum utilization.

• Reduced risk of allergic reaction. Unlike synthetic vitamins, natural vitamins are less likely to cause an allergic reaction. Synthetic supplements, however, are made of several cheap chemical compounds and artificial substances that may cause allergic reactions.

• Increased purity. Most of the synthetic supplements contain dangerous levels of unnecessary substances. Discoloration of urine alongside a bad odor indicates that your supplements are synthetic or comprised of foreign substances, which are not recognized by your body.

PureandHealthy now offers natural supplements made from 98% natural ingredients. We take pride in producing natural supplements that are safe, pure, and are completely beneficial to your health.

Health and Love,

Summer

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Boost your body’s natural vitality and immune systems with our line of health products:

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Health and Love,

Summer

Did you know that many of the supplements you buy are synthetic? Or that many synthetic supplements are manufactured using cheap chemical compounds, such as nicotine, coal tar, and alloxal as a base?

Benefits of Pure, Natural Supplements

We pride ourselves on the fact that we produce only pure, all natural supplements that remain 100% vegetarian, but what does this mean for you?

Higher absorption rates in your body. The human body was not made to process synthetic compounds. Natural supplements, on the other hand, are fully absorbed in the body and at a much faster rate to provide the maximum benefit per dosage. Our supplements also contain the complete range of micro-nutrients required for healthy absorption, because synthetic supplements don’t contain all of these micro-nutrients, your body ends up dipping into its own reserves to facilitate absorption.

Lower chance of irritation and allergies. Some synthetic supplements combine dozens of chemical compounds and artificial substances, some of which a small minority of people have allergic reactions to. Pure supplements pose a much lower risk because the human body has had a chance to adapt to the natural ingredients over the course of evolution.

Minimal impurities and excepients. It’s normal for synthetic supplements to contain impurities and excepients because of the complex process it takes to manufacture them. Chemical binders, sticking agents and filler are often found in synthetic supplements, PureandHealthy ensures 98% purity on all its supplements.

Try a Batch Now! Discover the difference that pure, natural supplements offer by taking advantage of the PureandHealthy.com  Buy One, Get One promo! Purchase one bottle of our daily vitamins and resveratrol supplements and get a second bottle completely free!

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Health and Love,

Summer

Resveratrol is a very powerful natural substance found in certain types of plants such as red grapes and grape skins typically used in the production of red wine.

Medical researchers and scientists have conducted numerous studies on mice and animals in an attempt to discover the health perks that are related to this supplement. Results have shown that resveratrol has the capability of restraining the production of cancer cells, protecting the cardiovascular and neurological systems, lowering unhealthy cholesterol levels and could possibly serve as a promising agent for overall improvement of longevity and quality of life.

Further studies have shown that continuous intake of this remarkable antioxidant may perk up the metabolic profiles of obese individuals altering the production of specific compounds from human fat cells. A specific study involving primates revealed an increased metabolism which resulted in weight loss for these animals. Such effects could mark an overall improvement in counteracting obesity in humans.

It is the belief of scientists that this antioxidant could have a major influence on the cognitive developments of the human brain. It was found that a somewhat small quantity of the compound can in fact increase blood flow to the brain while performing specific tasks. The vitamin appears to have the capability of responding to enhanced demand from the brain shortly after ingesting the vitamin pill. Consequently, studies suggest it may help offset the lethal effects of a protein that is associated with Alzheimer’s disease particularly when supplemented with Vitamin C and Vitamin E.

Resveratrol has been documented as reducing blood clotting that has the potential of blocking blood circulation in coronary arteries. Regular ingestion of this remarkable supplement produces an anti-clotting effect which prevents the blood from clotting, thus preventing heart attacks and strokes.

Another health benefit prompting many to buy resveratrol is its ability to ward off Type 2 diabetes derived from age advancement and an unhealthy lifestyle. The supplement acts as an anti-inflammatory and can reduce the growth of damaging bacteria in your digestive system.

With so many inferior products in the market, it is important to buy resveratrol from a trusted and reliable source to know that you are getting the most wholesome substance available. Health products found at www.pureandhealthy.com are thoroughly tested for quality and purity and contain only all-natural ingredients. One 98% pure micronized vitamin taken daily will give you all the benefit this amazing antioxidant offers.

The company is precise in making sure you are knowledgeable in your determination of which product is the most beneficial for your wellbeing. Like other consumers, when you visit the PureandHealthy store, you can feel confident that you are receiving the utmost health benefits to live a healthy, wholesome life.