Benefits of Detox Tea’s versus Energy Drinks

Posted on 02/09/2014 by sbonham

Obviously many people these days love to have an energy drink for many various reasons whether it be before or after working out, getting energy for that long
shift of work, or if its just one of those days you need a little bit of a boost.

However, their are some disadvantages of energy drinks that we should all consider now and again. For starters, they contain a very high caffeine content with close to 300 mg per serving. This is enough caffeine to cause serious headaches, insomnia, nervousness, increased blood pressure ad disrupted sleep patterns as described by The Medical Journal of Australia in August 2012. Secondly they contain a very high sugar content with most containing up to 35 grams of sugar per serving. The recommended amount of added sugars per day is 25 grams for women and 37.5 grams for men so consuming this amount of added sugars drastically increases your risk for obesity and even diabetes.

Have no fear though, there are many alternative, fantastic options on the market!

Ultra Slender Tea eliminates harmful toxins from your body, restores your system to the way it should be operating, and contains the extra energy benefits
of an energy drink! Not to mention it acts as a powerful weight loss alternative. Ultra Slender Tea contains Burdock Root, Licorice, Cinnamon, Rooibus, Dandelion Root, Fennel, Anise Seed, Juniper Berries, Coriander, Cardamom, Black Pepper, Sage, Cloves, Turmeric. All of these ingredients have many, many benefits which would be too lengthy to write about here but they are listed on their website here. The Anise Seed, Ginger, Coriander act as excellent energy boosters in this fantastic tasting tea!

5 Unexpected Super foods that Promote Beauty and Health

Posted on 22/07/2014 by sbonham

Summer is such a special time of year. Flowers are in bloom, the fruit taste 10 times better (or at least in Canada), people are outside more and new energy can be found to make healthier choices in their diet and lifestyle.

Let’s face it, after that long winter we could all use a little tune-up, including our eating habits. It’s the perfect time of year to add a few new options into your diet and gear your body up for the beach. So seize the opportunity and make some simple dietary changes in your life.
These five simple, unexpected super foods should help gear your body up for spring and promote health and beauty:

1. CABBAGE

I bet you weren’t expecting cabbage to be on this list! Did you know cabbage contains 11% more vitamin C than oranges by weight? Vitamin C is the super anti-aging nutrient that helps heal damaged tissues and minimize deep lines.
Humble and inexpensive, cabbage perfectly exemplifies that Beauty Foods don’t always have to be exotic, rare or even partially beautiful themselves. Cabbage contains the magical skin beauty triumvirate of vitamins A, C and E. Furthermore, the high vitamin A content in is useful for smoothing skin lines. Lastly, the combination of sulfur and vitamin C gives cabbage potent detoxifying qualities.

2. RAW APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Did you know raw apple cider vinegar is a natural antidote for acne? This is because of its strong antiviral, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Furthermore, it promotes the growth of probiotics, which further helps to get rid of acne.

Apple cider vinegar can also act as a strong digestive aid, helping to cure constipation and stimulate stomach acid, thus aiding in digestion. Another added bonus is that it helps balance the yeast and bacteria in your body which deed off sugar, consuming it and helping alleviate sugar cravings. Lastly, the vinegar is loaded with nutrients as it contains potassium and many other trace minerals and elements.

Not sure how to eat it? Apple cider vinegar is great in salads (dilute in a spray bottle and spray over salad), or if your are brave, try diluting one tablespoon in a glass of water and drink it twenty minutes before your meal.

3. Walnuts

Walnuts are something I have recently discovered and are super good for your heart. You really only need a quarter to a half cup to start feeling full. Not only are they high in omega-3s, but new research has suggested that the omega-3 ALA may help heart arrhythmias, and a 2006 Spanish study suggested that walnuts were as effective as olive oil at reducing inflammation and oxidation in the arteries after eating a fatty meal.

4. Celery

Celery is an undervalued vegetable. It is loaded with nutrients and contains almost no calories – one large stalk has maybe 10 calories. Celery is great because it can lower your blood pressure, 100g contains about 8% of your RDI of vitamin A (great for your eye health), it aids in digestion because it’s high in insoluble fiber, and it even lowers your LDL (bad cholesterol). One Chicago University research study showed that just two stalks of celery a day can reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) by up to 7 points.

5. Matcha

Matcha is a high-end type of “green tea” that has the most incredible health benefits. If you’re not drinking matcha green tea yet, you’re behind the times! You must try this metabolism-enhancing, stress-reducing, immune-boosting, cholesterol-lowering, teenage-mutant-ninja cancer fighter!

What makes matcha more healthy that other types of green tea is the fact that you are actually drinking the “ground up tea leaves” themselves – instead of just the antioxidants etc. from the steeped tea.

How healthy may you ask? Let’s just say Matcha green tea possesses an antioxidant levels 6.2 times that of goji berries, 7 times that of dark chocolate, 17 times that of wild blueberries and 60.5 times that of spinach!

If you’re worried about the slightly bitter taste of Matcha, why not try consuming it in a flavoured form? You can by strawberry flavoured Matcha at the store. Otherwise, we highly recommend Ultra Slender Tea’s Green Detox tea – it’s amazing!

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. Hopefully these super foods provide you with an extra hop in your step this spring, giving you a boost in energy levels and health.

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Silly Putty Chemical Used In Fountain Soda and McDonalds Food!

Posted on 09/06/2014 by sbonham

Sometimes we go through life being oblivious to what’s in our food. However, nowadays it REALLY pays off to take an extra look at the label of the food product you are eating! Especially if it’s at a fast food joint.

This week I made a shocking discovery…the chemical “dimethylpolysiloxane” is being used as a food additive in fountain pop and a whole slew of fast food here in North America. Just today, I found that it is in Filet-O-Fish at McDonalds, Crispy Chicken Strips, the McChicken, the White Meat portion of Chicken McNuggets, Hashbrowns, their Fuitopia Strawberry Passion Awareness, Fountain Diet Coke, Cinnamon Melts, French Fries, their Blueberry Pomegranate Smoothie Fruit Base, and Mango Pineapple Fruit Base..if you don’t believe me check for yourself right here.

Surpringly, PDMS has only been allowed in food since 1998! (16 years). Basically, the FDA’s decision was approved five years after a request by Dow Corning – a manufacturer of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) – had formally sought approval. Ironically, that same December 24th, 1998, the FDA’s decision on allowing use of PDMS in human foods, also allowed the direct use of Formaldehyde (at concentrations not exceeding one percent of the weight of the PDMS) as a “preservative agent in defoaming agent containing dimethylpolysiloxane”.

PDMS is viscoelastic, meaning that at long flow times (or high temperatures), it acts like a viscous liquid, similar to honey. However, at short flow times (or low temperatures), it acts like an elastic solid, similar to rubber. In other words, if some PDMS is left on a surface overnight (long flow time), it will flow to cover the surface and mold to any surface imperfections. One of its more famous uses, is in Silly Putty!

So what is so concerning about PDMS? Well when subjected to higher temperatures – it degrades into compounds that include Formaldehyde, which is a widely recognized cancer-causing substance.

So the next time your at McDonalds, Wendy’s or getting fast food…read the label! Your body will thank you for it.

Shocking Effect Sitting Has On Your Health

Posted on 12/05/2014 by sbonham

Did you ever think that chair you sit in at work for endless hours could pose a significant threat to your health and fitness? Guess again.

According to a poll of nearly 6,300 people by the Institute for Medicine and Public Health, it’s likely that you spend a stunning 56 hours a week planted like a geranium – staring at your coputer screen, working the steering wheel, or collapsed in a heap in front of your high-end TV. And it turns out that women are often more sedentary than men, since they tend to play fewer sports and hold less active jobs.

Sitting and Diseases

When you sit for a long time, your body starts to shut down at the metabolic level, says Marc Hamilton, Ph.D., an associate professor of biomedical sciences at the University of Missouri. So when muscles- particularly the big ones that are designed for movement, like those in your butt or legs – are immobile, your circulation slows and you burn fewer calories. As a result, key flab-burning enzymes that break down triglycerides (a type of fat) start switching off! What more, if you sit for a full day, those fat burners plummet by 50%!

A Unique Temporary Solution Lies In A Tea

Well, let’s face it, if your stuck sitting in the job you have all day and don’t have time for a few walking breaks a day, we found a temporary awesome solution -tea!! One great option is to have this tasty tea called “Vein Vanish“. Don’t let the name throw you off. It contains key ingredients such as Hawthorn Leaves which promote circulation in your legs; reducing blood clot formation and spider veins. It’s 100% natural too and contains yummy anti-inflammatory ingredients such as cinnamon, rose, safflower, ginger and cloves! You can buy the tea on Ultra Slender Tea’s website by clicking here.

Another option is to buy a “standing desk”. I know, I know sounds strange but they are becoming more and more affordable. Check out this option from Kickstarter.

Does Exercise Even Help After Long Hours Sitting?

Shockingly, we have become so sedentary that “30 minutes a day at the gym may not do enough to counteract the effects of eight, nine, or 10 hours of sitting”, according to Genevieve Healy, a research fellow at the Cancer Prevention Research Centre of the University of Queensland in Australia. This is one big reason why so many women struggle with weight, blood sugar and cholesterol woes despite keeping consistent workout routines.

Shocking Research

One very interesting study conducted by Dr. Healy and her colleagues , found that regardless of how much moderate to vigorous exercise participants did, those who took more frequent breaks from sitting throughout the day had lower MBIs (body-mass indexes), slimmer waists and healthier blood-fat and blood-sugar levels than those who sat the moist.

In another extensive study of 17,000 people, Canadian researchers drew an even more succinct conclusion: The longer you spend sitting each day, the more likely you are to die an early death – no matter how fit you are! Yikes!

At the end of the day, if exercise isn’t an option there are plenty of solutions. As previously mentioned Ultra Slender Vein Vanish Tea will help increase blood flow throughout body (especially legs), or you can try buying an exercise ball to sit on, or even a stand up desk. At night, limit TV time to two hours a day or less. Better yet, watch it from a treadmill or exercise bike.

13 Snack Ideas You Should Always Have At Home

Posted on 30/04/2014 by sbonham

Healthy snacks can be hard to find! Especially when you come home from work after a long day and just feel like eating junk food for a quick fix. Have no fear! There are more and more healthy snack options today than ever before. This article will shed light on some new products and ideas to help carve those horrible cravings, and instead of leaving you with a sugar crash, you will feel clean and energized.

1. Coconut Chips

Yep, coconut is now in a “chip form”! Why try these? Coconut chips are made from a nutrient dense superfood -coconut, and naturally full of flavour! My favourite kind is by Hippie Snacks, as they take fresh slices of young coconut and roast until they have this perfect crunch. Also, the ingredient list includes just three things: coconut, cane sugar, and salt! I would describe them as not too sweet, slightly savoury, creamy and refreshing, they are super tasty. Lastly, 1/3 cup contains 4% iron!

2. Walnuts

Walnuts are something I have recently discovered and are super good for your heart. You really only need a 1/4 to 1/2 cup to start feeling full. Not only are they high in omega-3’s but new research has suggested that ALA may help heart arrhythmias, and a 2006 Spanish study suggested that walnuts were as effective as olive oil at reducing inflammation and oxidation in the arteries after eating a fatty meal.

3. Ginger Chews

Ginger has long been thought of as a power house for your body. Not only will it fire up your digestive juices, improve the absorption of essentioal nutrients in the body, reduce nausea, but it can even help reduce joint pain with its anti-inflammatory properties. Confused about which ginger snack to try? There is a good one by a company called “Chimes” which is tasty and can be bought at Natures Emporium. The mango flavor is decadent.

4. Dried Mango’s

Dried mango’s have limited calories and are super tasty! Just make sure to buy them without “sulphites”. Sulphites are regulated food additives that are used as preservatives to maintain food color and prolong shelf-life, prevent the growth of micro-organisms, and to maintain the potency of certain medications.

Many people who consume sulphite-products experience unpleasant side-effects (i.e. which is why the government is making a law that states all products with sulphites have to say “may contain sulphites”). For example, do you ever get weazy and experience asthmatic like symptoms when you eat dried fruit? You may not even realize this, but it could be the sulphite preservative!

5. Apple with Almond Butter

Almond butter is very rich and creamy, just like peanut butter and tastes amazing with apples. The sweetness of apples is quite complimenting to the nutty flavor of “almond butter”. Also, with this snack you will be getting some protein and fibre. In fact, did you know that almond butter has more fibre than peanut butter?! Pretty great. Lastly, almond butter has a low-glycemic index, meaning it will help to keep your blood sugar levels stable and keep you full longer. This is crucial because regular blood sugar spikes and drops slow down your metabolism.

6. Veggie Stix

These are to die for and are definitely one of my new favourite snacks! I can’t believe how tasty and nutritious these chips are! It’s shocking actually how much nutrients they shove into these little chips. Indeed, Veggie Stix are an excellent source of Vitamins A, C, D, and B6 and a good source of Vitamins E &K. Veggie Stix are also made with all natural ingredients; potatoes, tomatoes and spinach, pure sea salt and non-hydrogenated oils. That means 0 grams of trans fat and the chips have 30% less overall fat than regular chips! wahoo!

7.Chocolate covered Sacha Inchi Roasted Seeds

Heard of Inchi seeds? You have now! According to Vega Sport, a health company, their sacha inchi seed snack has 17 more omega-3’s per ounce than wild sockeye salmon -that’s insane! Indeed, they are the richest plant-based source of omega-3 on the planet.

So how can these Amazonian seeds have such a high antioxidant level? It’s all in the roasting process. Inchi seeds are roasted at a low temperature to preserve their high omega-3 content. There the unmatched combination of taste and nutrition, that’s gluten-free and packed with complete protein, makes them the perfect healthy indulgence. This healthy snack is also available in three delicious flavours, my favourite is the Cocoa Kissed.

8. Sliced Tomatoes With Sprinkled Feta and Olive Oil

This snack will definitely make your taste buds happy. If you don’t like feta or olive oil, you can always sprinkle another type of cheese on top, or a light-salad dressing. Tomatoes are loaded with nutrients and have been known for centuries by Japanese women as the powerhouse fruit for trimming your waist.

Professor Teruo Kawada and his team of researchers at the Laboratory of Molecular Function of Food in Kyoto have backed up the Tomato Diet with sound research. In particular, they found a substance in the tomatoes called 13-oxo-ODA, which is a special type of unsaturated fatty acid. This chemical was found to help decrease the amount of neutral fat in your body and prevent metabolic syndrome from setting in.

9. Dark Chocolate (70-90% Cocoa)

I know, I know, most of you think dark chocolate is gross BUT I have discovered a way to mask the bitter flavour while still getting all the health benefits! Buy a brand that has “coconut flakes” mixed in. The taste difference was literally like night.

Dark chocolate is really good for your health because it has a low glycemic index, lots of antioxidants (antioxidants fight free radicals and damaged cells, preventing cancer), and can even improve your mood. Dark chocolate also contains several chemical compounds that have a positive effect on your mood and cognitive health. This is because chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA), the same chemical your brain creates when you feel like you’re falling in love. PEA encourages your brain to release endorphins, so eating dark chocolate will make you feel happier.

Dark chocolate also contains caffeine, a mild stimulant. However, dark chocolate contains much less caffeine than coffee. A 1.5 ounce bar of dark chocolate contains 27 mg of caffeine, compared to the 200 mg found in an eight ounce cup of coffee.

10. Hummus Dip with Vegetables

I used to think hummus was gross, but there has been many advancements in the past five years. The kind’s flavored with garlic honestly taste no different than a regular dip. All you need is some vegetables to dip in and voila – a filling, healthy snack for you to help get through the day!

If you are unsure what hummus is, it can contain many different ingredients but the base is always “chickpeas”. Chickpeas are nutritious because they do not contain any cholesterol or saturated fat, and are rich in protein. Furthermore, they are also known to be quite effective in preventing build up of cholesterol in your blood vessels. Apart from that, chickpeas also help to maintain the correct blood sugar levels. By preventing that blood sugar spike, you will actually feel full longer!

11. Celery and Peanut Butter

Celery is an undervalued vegetable. It is loaded with nutrients and contains almost no calories! One large stalk has maybe 10 calories. Celery is great because it can lower your blood pressure, has 10% vitamin A (in one large stock) – great for your eye health, aids in digestion (high in insoluble fiber) and even lowers one’s LDL (bad cholesterol). One Chicago University research study showed that just two stalks of celery a day can reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) by up to 7 points.

12. Tea

Yes, tea can be considered a healthy snack! Green tea is quite good for your heart and can even increase your metabolism and promote weight loss. Studies have even found that drinking two to three glasses a day can reduce body weight and waist circumference by 5% in three months, as well as increase metabolism. My favorite green tea is by Ultra Slender Tea– their “green detox” especially. Lastly, it is important to mention that green tea is great for detoxifying the liver and thus making you feel “cleaner” and more energized.

Tea is also a lot less caloric than soda or juice! Often it has zero calories!

13. Strawberries Dipped In Yogurt

Just dip some strawberries in yogurt, then put them in the freezer for 20 minutes and voila! Easiest snack ever! If you want to go even more “healthy”, try using “greek yogurt”. Not only does greek yogurt have half the sodium compared to regular yogurt, but it also has more protein!

Eight ounces of Greek yogurt has about 20 grams of protein, whereas regular yogurt provides around 11-13 grams. Greek yogurt’s high protein content makes it a favourite among people trying to manage their weight as it helps ward off hunger.

So there you have it, 13 fantastic healthy snacks you should always have at home. Snacking should be fun and never boring. Hopefully these snack options make you realize how simple and tasty eating healthy really can be.

Eco-Savy

Author Archives: sbonham