Blood Sugar: A Balancing Act

The issues of blood sugar imbalance range from relatively mild symptoms such as irritability and fatigue due to alternate peaks and dips in glucose (blood sugar), to more serious conditions like obesity, cardiovascular distress, and diabetes. The list of deleterious effects that diabetes itself can have on the body is sobering: vision problems, erectile dysfunction, and nerve damage which, if left untreated, can increase risk of amputation. Lifestyle changes (diet) can be extraordinarily beneficial in improving blood sugar imbalance. Certainly simple carbohydrates, which are immediately converted to sugar, should be kept to a minimum as the body responds to chronically high levels of glucose by releasing greater amounts of the hormone insulin. These high insulin levels damage the body.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid

There are many nutrients which can aid in bringing blood sugar into balance and improving glucose utilization. The mineral chromium may regulate the body’s blood sugar levels, reducing high levels in people with high blood sugar and increasing blood sugar in people with low blood sugar levels. One of the most critical nutrients for blood sugar and diabetes support is the coenzyme alpha lipoic acid. This powerful antioxidant has multiple applications here. Primarily, it increases cellular uptake as well as oxidation (burning) of glucose. Studies have shown that it also stimulates insulin activity and reduces insulin resistance in diabetics. In addition to regulating blood sugar, it is also able to reduce and improve the neuropathies (nerve damage) which result from diabetic complications. By virtue of its ability to reduce glycation, the undesirable bonding of sugars to proteins, which is increased in diabetes, it also protects eye tissues from the retinopathy which may result.

Jarrow’s Alpha Lipoic Sustain

Another nutrient which may help to regulate blood sugar levels is the B-family vitamin biotin. One alpha lipoic acid product from Jarrow Formulas, Alpha Lipoic Sustain, combines this nutrient with 300 mg of alpha lipoic acid in a dual-action tablet providing a combination of both quick and sustained releases to maximize and sustain blood sugar levels. This product is gluten-free and vegan.

Sucontral D

Terry Naturally has released another amazing product with a lot of clinical research behind it. Sucontral D garners tremendous positive feedback here at Evergreen. Based on a plant called Hintonia latiflora, native to Mexico and Central America, with a long history of traditional use, Sucontral has been shown to modulate sugar release from carbohydrates, thereby allowing people to experience even-keel blood sugar levels throughout the day, preventing the “spiking” that affects energy and mood. In addition, clinical studies have found the product to support healthy cholesterol and triglyceride balance, healthy A1C levels, and healthy insulin function.

Balancing Botanicals

There is a host of herbs with the ability to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Cinnamon, gymnema, green coffee bean, mulberry, bitter melon, nopal and others are becoming popular as people with blood sugar issues seek to manage their conditions naturally. There are formulas available which combine herbs with nutrients like alpha lipoic acid for total support. Of course, there are also multivitamins specifically for diabetics as well, such as Nature’s Way Alpha Betic, and all of these products can be found at Evergreen in our Blood Sugar section, located on the (Willamette) west wall. For more information on ways to help support healthy blood sugar see our previous newsletters on: nopal cactus, berberine, Sucontral D, and alpha lipoic acid.

Neem: The Village Pharmacy

In our last newsletter we examined boswellia, one of the herbs used for thousands of years by multiple civilizations. One of that herb’s compatriots is the focus of this article. Nicknamed “the village pharmacy” due to its numerous uses, neem is a cornerstone of Ayurveda, and has been used for nearly 4,500 years in India and surrounding areas. The list of medicinal properties attributed to this herb is vast: anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antipyretic (fever), anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-tumor, antihistamine, anti-fertility, anti-carcinogenic. It has applications for periodontal and skin health, and is a famous insecticide. Neem Leaves

What Is It?

Native to India, although it grows in many Asian countries, neem (Azadirachta indica), is in the mahogany family and thrives in poor, arid soil. It has been useful for reforesting nations in West Africa and the Caribbean due to this ability. Native south Asian people have used the roots, bark, gum, fruit, leaves, seed kernels and seed oil from the neem tree to treat various illnesses for millenia.

Preventive Aid

Research has shown neem to possess strong antipyretic activity and traditionally it has been used to reduce fevers. One famous study using a crude neem extract rich in a novel compound, nimbidin, outperformed aspirin in reducing fever for a three-hour period. Neem preparations have shown pronounced anti-bacterial activity against various microorganisms. The blood-purifying properties of neem have been widely studied. One Indian analysis of 36 plants attributed with blood-purifying activity showed neem to have the widest range of beneficial effects. Neem leaf extracts have been found to protect the liver from damage when exposed to toxic agents. It appears to raise levels of glutathione, thereby offering hepatic protection. Neem (especially neem bark) has been found to contain immunomodulatory polysaccharide compounds. They appear to increase antibody production. Water-soluble neem extracts, taken orally, produced an increase in both white and red blood cells as well as an increase in lymphocytes.

Oral Health

In its native India, neem is justly famous for improving many facets of oral health. Many people there chew neem twigs as nature’s toothbrush. Neem-based dental products have anti-plaque and anti-bacterial properties. In one clinical study, 50 patients with gum disease (gingivitis), severe bleeding and pustular discharges from the gums were given toothpaste with neem extract. In only three weeks of brushing twice a day, 80 percent experienced significant improvements with a 50 percent reduction in bacterial populations and elimination of bad breath problems.

Insecticidal Properties & More

Neem is a proven insect repellent without the toxicity of DEET (diethyltoluamide). In a study at the Malaria Research Center (Field Station) in Jabalpur, India, a field study was undertaken to assess the mosquito repellent action of neem. Results revealed 81 to 91 percent protection from the bites of Anopheles mosquitoes during a 12-hour observation period, using various concentrations of neem oil mixed in coconut oil on exposed areas of skin of human volunteers. The application of neem was therefore deemed safe when used as a protection from malaria in endemic countries. Neem is effective against insects in other ways. The oil is so unattractive that most insects won’t eat a plant treated with it. The oil if ingested by insects disrupts their hormones, eventually resulting in death. It is harmless to humans, however, making it an effective natural pesticide for plants. Neem extracts have been shown to act against more than 200 arthropod pests, including Mediterranean fruit flies, houseflies, fleas, head lice, Gypsy moths, boll weevils, and cockroaches. One of the most highly contagious and difficult to eradicate skin diseases is caused by the scabies mite (Sarcopetes scabies). Studies using neem lotions found scabies to be effectively cured in just three days. Up to 97% of 800 sufferers had success using neem extract in lotion or ground neem and turmeric as a paste on the skin. Treatments with benzyl benzoate and sulpha drugs had failed to cure these same patients.

What We Have For You

Evergreen Nutrition and Wellness Center stocks multiple neem products, ranging from capsules to neem oil and oral care to skin care. TheraNeem

Seaweeds: Mighty Minerals & More

What natural substance has nearly every mineral your body needs, fights viruses and cancers, detoxifies heavy metals, ramps up fat-burning, and soothes ulcers? Seaweed, of course. The nutritional and medicinal benefits of seaweed have been known for thousands of years. We will explore the many wonderful benefits of seaweed in this newsletter. Seaweed Bowl

There are hundreds of species of seaweed and many of them are used for food and medicinal purposes. They may be considered some of the most nutritious plants on earth; their nutritive value greatly exceeds terrestrial food sources. In addition to vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates and phytochemicals, seaweeds are the most mineral-dense foods found. They have high levels of iodine and calcium, and also contain chromium, zinc, iron, potassium, copper, sulfur, silver, tin, phosphorus, silicon, manganese, boron, and trace minerals. Marine algae possess an amazing ability to take up and absorb certain substances from seawater. The iodine concentration in kombu (a brown kelp), for example, is 100,000 times greater in the cells of the seaweed than in the surrounding water. Conversely, the sodium content is much lower than the seawater. The organic iodine found in seaweed feeds the thyroid gland. In addition to the nutritional content, seaweeds generally contain 45-75 percent carbohydrates and fiber, 7-3 percent proteins, and less than 5 percent fats. The red algae contain the greatest protein content (35 percent), and the brown the lowest. Some of the most well-known consumed seaweeds are the red algae and the brown, commonly referred to as kelp, but with many subspecies. Bladderwrack, alaria, and rockweed are all in the brown group, while dulse and Irish moss are red algae.

Immune-Support Properties

Many of the brown seaweeds contain soluble polysaccharides (the same compounds found in medicinal mushroom powerhouses turkey tail and reishi), such as fucoidin and alginates. These polysaccharides activate macrophages in the immune system to “fight invaders.” Studies have shown some of these compounds to also block angiogenesis in cancer tumors as well as possessing other aspects of anti-tumor activity. The anti-viral properties of the red marine algae are well-known, fighting herpes and HPV, for example. (See our newsletter on The Amazing Antiviral Benefits of RMA.)

Detoxification

Seaweeds are potent detoxification agents. The non-digestible polysaccharide alginate that is a large percentage of (brown) seaweeds’ dry weight has the ability of binding heavy metals and radioactive substances to its own molecules. It is then excreted from the body with the toxins. Alginate binds to all heavy metals for removal from the body, including lead, cadmium, mercury, cobalt, copper, and radium. Studies using the polysaccharide laminarin have shown it to prevent acute radiation sickness in four animal species when administered within 24 hours after radiation exposure. The alginates also work to protect the thyroid from radioactive iodine, decreasing the uptake while the organic iodine content increases healthy thyroid function.

Weight Management/Digestion

By virtue of its iodine content supporting the thyroid, seaweed may help maintain a healthy weight. Thyroid function directly supports body metabolism. Seaweeds supply organic chlorine compounds that are important for the manufacture of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. The mucilage found in them is soothing to the intestinal tract and also promotes peristalsis. Various nutrients in seaweeds appear to help cleanse the colon and improve digestion and absorption.

What We Have For You

Evergreen carries a variety of seaweed products. Nature’s Life Icelandic Kelp is a perennial favorite for getting one’s minerals organically. Bladderwrack is another popular encapsulated seaweed. Healthforce’s VitaMineral Green supplies seaweeds kelp, dulse, and nori, along with a host of mineral-rich land plants such as alfalfa. This is available in powder or capsules, is vegan, gluten free, and completely organic.

Boswellia: Ancient Ally for Modern Times

One of the oldest herbs used by humankind has become the subject of much scientific research in modern times. Boswellia serrata (Indian frankincense) offers impressive health benefits for many body systems.

What Is It?

A resin/exudate from the Boswellia tree, also known as olibanum, used in Ayurveda and other civilizations for millenia. The tree is native to North Africa, India, and the Middle East. Traditionally it was/is used in Ayurveda for treating arthritis, ulcerative colitis, coughs, sores, wound-healing, and asthma. Modern science has shown boswellia to be an extraordinarily powerful anti-inflammatory, supporting not only localized issues such as joints, but also dampening systemic inflammation which may lead to cancer, among other diseases.

Inflammation

Boswellia reduces inflammation by suppressing the 5-Lipoxygenase enzyme (5-LOX). That enzyme, if unchecked, increases levels of inflammatory eicosanoids and leukotrienes. This is a different pathway than most other natural anti-inflammatories, such as turmeric, which work on suppressing the COX-2 enzyme.

Respiratory Benefits

Boswella’s powerful anti-inflammatory compounds may inhibit mast cell production and reduce histamine levels. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) , emphysema, and bronchitis are all caused, in part, by a certain inflammatory compound, HLE, for short. Boswellia has been shown to reduce the influence/activity of this compound thereby stopping bronchial inflammation and opening bronchial airways. These actions may also reduce the damage to bronchi caused by these conditions over time.

Digestive System & More

Boswellia benefits numerous digestive conditions, including the symptoms and inflammation associated with Crohn’s disease. As well, it can help alleviate gastric ulcers and ulcerative colitis. Ajay Goel, PhD, an investigator at the Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Lab at Baylor University, is a top researcher on boswellia and curcumin. He has discovered boswellia extract to inhibit the growth of tumors in colorectal cells. It also induces DNA methylation, thereby preventing aberrant cell division. In Goel’s findings, the boswellic extract inhibited cell proliferation, decreased cancer-cell viability, and reactivated tumor-suppressing genes.

Arthritis

Joint Inflammation Perhaps best known for helping the inflammation and pain associated with arthritis, boswellia truly shines here. It has been shown to reduce the pain and stiffness in joints as a result of rheumatoid arthritis. It acts the same in osteoarthritis. It is usually combined with curcumin for this purpose, resulting in a double-whammy of anti-inflammatory power. As mentioned, boswellia inhibits the 5-LOX pathway of inflammation. Curcumin inhibits the other main pain pathway, COX-2. Together the results are extremely effective for joint pain. A combination of the two herbs was shown to be superior to the prescription arthritis (pain-relief) drug, Celebrex. In one study, 64% of the people taking the herbal combination versus 29% in the drug group improved to the extent of being able to move from “moderate-severe” arthritis to “mild-moderate” arthritis.

What We Have For You

Evergreen Nutrition and Wellness Center carries a variety of boswellia products, both singly and in formulas. In the single category, Himalaya’s Boswellia is a staff favorite, containing no fillers. Curamin from Terry Naturally has long been a best-seller. This pain formula combines boswellia and curcumin with anti-inflammatory enzyme nattokinase. Available in two strengths and multiple sizes, this gluten-free and vegan product truly gets results for safe and effective joint and muscle pain relief. Himalaya Boswellia

Castor Oil: A Time-Honored Remedy

One of the most popular products right now in the natural products industry as well as here at Evergreen is a time-honored remedy for just about anything one can think of. For thousands of years castor oil has been used for everything from relieving menstrual cramps to easing childbirth, from alleviating constipation, liver congestion, and inflammation, to healing arthritis, skin cancer, and hepatitis. Its role in the beauty area is exploding due to viral videos on TikTok and other sites extolling its ability to moisturize skin and hair and help hair and eyelash growth.

What Is It?

Castor oil (Ricinus communis) is also called Palma Christi, or “hand of Christ,” which may be a reference to its healing abilities, or possibly due to the shape of the plant’s leaves. Castor oil has been used therapeutically and described in ancient texts going back four thousand years, in ancient India, China, Persia, Egypt, and Africa. It figures prominently in many healing traditions. Physicians in 17th century Europe recommended it for both internal and external use. The American trance healer Edgar Cayce had over 500 readings recommending castor oil packs for 30 different purposes, mainly for increasing eliminations from the gastrointestinal tract, stimulating the liver/gallbladder and other organs to improve assimilation and general system functioning, healing lesions and adhesions, relief of pain, reduction of inflammation, increasing circulation of the lymphatic system, and drawing acids out of bodily tissues.

Methods For Use

Massage:

Dr. Harold Reilly suggests placing an infrared lamp about 12-18 inches above the part of the body to be massaged, rather than heating the oil itself. Apply the castor oil to the painful area, letting the lamp’s warmth penetrate and warm the oil for 5-10 minutes. Then begin rubbing the area until the oil is working in well. This process can be repeated for a maximum of one hour per session.

Castor Oil Packs:

The most commonly prescribed and most successful method of using castor oil is the pack. In addition to the purposes listed above, castor oil packs may dissolve gallstones, relieve headaches and nausea, and dissolve and remove lacteal duct adhesions. Use of the packs has been shown to stimulate lymphatic circulation as well as the immune system. In one study, a group treated with castor oil showed significant results in the total production of lymphocytes and T-11 cells. T-cell lymphocytes originate from bone marrow and the thymus gland and are small lymphocytes that identify and kill such invaders as viruses, fungi, and bacteria.

What We Have For You

Evergreen carries organic cold-pressed castor oil in dark glass bottles from Heritage and we have just brought in a new line which specializes in castor oil products.

Queen of the Thrones offers a complete line of organic, expeller-pressed golden castor oil products as well as many targeted packs for different areas of the body. This company has decided to use expeller-pressed oil as the low-heat exposure process helps to extract more oil from the castor beans, meaning a higher yield is produced, and less of the plant is wasted. While the heat generated in this method is higher than in cold pressing, it is still relatively low and the castor oil’s make-up of fatty acids is highly stable and heat-resistant. Queen of the Thrones has third-party tested their expeller-pressed oil and found it to contain all of the beneficial compounds and range of standards for high quality cold-pressed oil. Queen of the Thrones castor oil

Castor oil packs are offered for areas including liver, thyroid, pelvis, and breast (two size options available). There is also a kids pack. The castor oil itself is certified organic, non-GMO, and extra virgin. In addition to the classic bottles offered, Queen of the Thrones has a lovely rose quartz roller bottle available for easy application to hard-to-reach areas of the body. Queen of the Thrones advantages

TRUVANI: Simple, Nutritious; Simply Delicious

One standard request we have received here at Evergreen Nutrition is to carry a good snack or protein bar. Over the years we have lost some of the more popular ones we stocked and for a time we were unable to find good replacements. The wait is over, as we now carry Truvani bars and protein powders. We feel these bars are among the cleanest and healthiest options on the market right now. We will tell you a bit about Truvani and their impressive products in this newsletter.

Truvani founder Vani Hari began her company while fighting for transparency in the food industry. She believed that food should be real, without added chemicals, toxins, and cheap fillers. She insisted that food/supplement labels be absolutely transparent so customers know exactly what they are getting in their products. When she realized not everyone felt the same way, Truvani was born. With a strict adherence to using simple, whole-food ingredients (the fewer, the better), Truvani’s proteins and bars are extremely nutritious and tasty. It is all about what is not present, ingredient-wise, compared to most other options on the market.

Protein Powders

Truvani’s plant-based protein powders contain only 5-12 ingredients. They offer 20 grams of protein per serving. They are 100% certified organic and non-GMO, with no gluten, dairy, or soy. The base blend consists of pea, pumpkin seed, and chia seed proteins. Many people dislike stevia, and Truvani listened. The powders are sweetened with only organic monk fruit extract (lo han guo). In addition, there are no gums. Flavors we carry include Vanilla, Chocolate, and Chocolate Peanut Butter. Powders come in two sizes in resealable bags. Truvani Certified

Bars

Already a hit with staff and customers alike, Truvani’s bars also contain simple, whole-food ingredients. Based on dates and nuts such as almond, peanut, and cashew, they contain between 5-7 grams of protein and between 20-24 grams of carbohydrates. Sweetened with organic maple syrup or coconut sugar (except the Oatmeal Chocolate Chip flavor which contains cane sugar), they contain no sugar-alcohols (xylitol, maltitol), gums, oils, or lecithin. Flavors include Mint Chocolate, Coconut Cashew, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and Peanut Butter. Like the protein powders, they are free of gluten, soy, and dairy.

Truvani products are not yet on our website, please stop by or call the store for more information.

Bioray: Detox for Kids

Life in the 21st century is rife with unavoidable toxins. Air pollution, heavy metals, pesticides/herbicides/hormones in our food and drinking water, even personal care products chock full of endocrine disruptors and other nasty chemicals are everywhere we turn. Some more sources of toxins are vaccinations, including flu shots, cleaning products, fire-retardant, and lawn fertilizers. If the body cannot eliminate these toxins, they are stored in body fat and accumulate over time. This accumulation can have a multitude of undesirable effects on the body including an inability to absorb nutrients. Toxins also negatively impact physical, emotional, and mental health contributing to: unreasonable anger, frustration and anxiety, fatigue and mental exhaustion, fluctuations with moods and unhealthy habits, insomnia, an inability to focus, stay alert, and concentrate, digestive disturbances, and environmental and food sensitivities. Another insidious toxin threat is that of mycotoxins, metabolites or by-products of molds. They have toxic side effects to other plants, as well as animals and humans. Bioray Baby in Bathtub

There is help with the toxin threat in the form of detoxification. Removing these toxins and providing nourishment to organs is essential to health. Fortunately there is a special line of products meticulously designed for broad-spectrum detoxification. Bioray was formulated by naturopath Stephanie Ray over 30 years ago, and has several product lines. We will look at the Bioray Kids product line which we have brought in and are pleased to add to our children’s section.

Bioray Kids

The Bioray Kids line was developed for children from ages 1-12 years with mild imbalances due to toxins. They are liquid drops based in glycerin which makes them taste sweet, and they are naturally flavored. They can be used long-term, or simply as needed. In children, toxins block a child’s ability to absorb nutrients and negatively impact developmental processes causing: angry outbursts, frustration, fatigue/sluggishness, fluctuations of moods/behavior, difficulty pooping, and an inability to focus/concentrate. All Bioray Kids formulas are based around NDF—Natural Detox Factors—micronized, broken cell-wall chlorella which is proven to bind to toxins and heavy metals and carry them out of the body. Bioray’s NDF has been clinically tested and shown to provoke up to 400% increased excretion of mixed heavy metals in urine. In addition they contain whole plant blends of herbs, chiefly components of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and medicinal mushrooms. In addition to their targeted organ support, all Bioray Kids products support healthy immune function in various ways. All products are produced in the USA and Bioray controls all aspects of manufacturing, from fermentation using their proprietary probiotic blends, to tincturing, to their unique micronization process ensuring complete breakdown and assimilation of the constituents.

The Formulas

NDF Calm

Binds to and removes toxins and has additional ingredients that nourish the liver to help kids keep calm and carry on. Parents notice improved moods, emotional balance, restful sleep, and that their kids are better able to handle stress.

ALCOHOL FREE • NON-GMO • VEGAN • GLUTEN FREE • SOY FREE • DAIRY FREE • NUT FREE

NDF Happy

Removes toxins and unwanted organisms that can trigger irritability and angry outbursts. Parents notice their kids have a decrease in unreasonable anger, fewer sugary and fried food cravings, and no itchy rectum.

ALCOHOL FREE • NON-GMO • VEGAN • GLUTEN FREE • SOY FREE • DAIRY FREE

NDF Focus

Binds to and removes toxins and has additional ingredients that sharpen the mind and promote steady, focused energy. Parents notice their kids have clearer thinking, balanced energy, and an improved ability to stay on task. Cognitive and adrenal function are improved.

ALCOHOL FREE • NON-GMO • VEGETARIAN • GLUTEN FREE • SOY FREE • NON-DAIRY • NUT FREE

NDF Tummy

Binds to and removes toxins, supports gastrointestinal and immune function, and enhances speech. Parents notice improved speech and communication, and a decrease in stomach aches. Also helps immune response in the GI tract, supports the gut/brain connection, and cleans up toxins.

ALCOHOL FREE • NON-GMO • VEGETARIAN • GLUTEN FREE • SOY FREE • NON-DAIRY • NUT FREE

Bioray products are not yet on our website, please stop by or call the store for more information.

Ancient Nutrition: Superfoods for the 21st Century

Evergreen Nutrition has recently brought in a unique line we are proud to carry. Ancient Nutrition’s pedigree is outstanding, as founder and CEO Jordan Rubin (on right) is very well-known as a New York Times best-selling author and the founder in 1999 of Garden of Life. He also formulated their original products, many of which have become revered in the natural products industry. Ancient Nutrition’s co-founder, Dr. Josh Axe (on left), in addition to medical and chiropractic degrees, is a best-selling author of several books on natural health. Rubin and Axe together not only run the company and formulate the products, but oversee the Ancient Nutrition Center for Regenerative Agriculture and the 4000-acre Beyond Organic Ranch in Tennessee. They are committed to regenerative farming practices and the ranch and farm are Regenerative Organic Certified, ensuring the soil is nourished, replenished, and maintains microbial diversity. In addition, Ancient Nutrition’s practices include commitments to animal welfare, social fairness, and even sustainable packaging. Their bottles are biodegradable, made from sugar cane. They dedicate 1% of all revenue to their R.A.N.C.H. Project, which supports their commitment to regenerative agriculture, nutrition, and climate health.

Superfoods & Beyond

Ancient Nutrition’s focus is on nutritionally-dense superfoods, whether plant-based or animal-derived. They specialize in collagen and glandular products, espousing paleo-diet ideals. This does not mean they do not have vegan products, as in addition to their collagen products they offer plant-based proteins and greens formulas. Their herb and mushroom products are in a class of their own. For example, all of their mushrooms are grown on sprouted purple corn, resulting in a product chock-full of anthocyanins, the purple pigment giving blueberries their powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant punch. Their certified organic turmeric features three varieties of this exalted herb, all grown on myceliated turkey tail mushroom for even more health benefits. Ancient Nutrition Features

Next Level Collagen

Ancient Nutrition’s collagen products are among the best-selling in the country, and they continue to add new products to raise the bar. Their new line of Multi Collagen Advanced products features 10 types of collagen in each new formula yielding 20-30 grams of collagen per serving. Along with grass-fed bovine collagen are bone broth concentrates, fermented eggshell membrane, and a blend of grass-fed organs for a complete connective tissue tonic. Your joints and skin will be ready for anything the environment and aging can throw at them! The Lean formula contains an herbal blend to assist fat loss, the Detox version contains a liver detoxification herbal blend featuring milk thistle and reishi mushroom, and the Hydrate formula features Spanish red cave salt and red marine algae for important electrolytes/trace minerals.

SBOs

One of the great stories from the natural products industry involves founder Jordan Rubin’s health journey as a young man. Suffering from severe Crohn’s disease and numerous other digestive disorders which nearly killed him, he was only able to regain health when he discovered soil-based organisms (SBOs). It was from this experience that Garden of Life was born, with its early emphasis on SBOs. In the 25 years since then Jordan has researched these bacterial strains and their profound benefits extensively and they are an important part of Ancient Nutrition’s core. These strains, such as Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus coagulans are extremely hardy organisms, covered by a natural protective spore enabling them to survive stomach acid and make their unfettered way to the lower GI system where they may work. Ancient Nutrition’s line of probiotics is based on these SBOs, along with other classic friendly bacteria more familiar to people. Each formula also contains a superfood blend containing various organic mushrooms (maitake, reishi, chaga) which further support the gut microbiome. In addition, they contain prebiotics (fuel for probiotics) and post-biotics (beneficial byproducts). All of these new probiotics are vegan, free of gluten and soy and all other common allergens, and of course are certified organic and non-GMO.

What We Have For You

Ancient Nutrition’s product line does not appear on our website, but feel free to call the store or stop in for more information on these products.

Intermittent Fasting for Healthy Weight Loss

Fasting is far from being a new concept. For millennia, people have undergone fasts of some kind for various reasons. Modern nutritional science has shown that fasting can have multiple physiological benefits and improve many undesirable conditions. In this newsletter we will discuss the concept of “intermittent fasting” specifically for weight loss, and how one may do this successfully with some help from a renowned supplement company.

What is Intermittent Fasting?

As its name implies, intermittent fasting is a method of fasting only occasionally with enough time between the fasts that it is not taxing to the body. Intermittent fasting means that you don’t eat for a period of time each day or week. Some popular approaches to intermittent fasting include alternate-day fasting: eat a normal diet one day and either completely fast or have one small meal (less than 500 calories) the next day. Also: eating during a 12-hour window every day (between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., for example) and fasting for the other 12 hours. Eating during an 8-hour window every day (between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m., for example) and fasting for the other 16 hours.

Benefits of Fasting

As far as healthy weight loss, some studies suggest that alternate-day fasting is as effective as a typical low-calorie diet. Reducing the number of calories you consume should help you lose weight. Research also suggests that intermittent fasting may be more beneficial than other diets for reducing inflammation. That reduction can improve associated conditions such as arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, asthma, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. Other benefits in addition to healthy weight loss may include healthy energy levels, brain health, and healthy aging.

Unpleasant Effects

Some people may be more sensitive than others with regard to side-effects from attempting a fast. Some side effects may include hunger, fatigue, nausea, insomnia, and headaches.

Challenges to Consider

It is important when fasting for any length of time to consider a few things. 1) Adequate hydration, including intake of electrolytes (dehydration), 2) satiety – hunger causing too much of a challenge to proceed with a fast, and 3) lean muscle loss – any ongoing caloric restriction can cause muscle loss. Fortunately, there is help from the digestion supplement experts: Enzymedica.

Fasting Today

Enzymedica is the leading digestive products company in the supplement industry. Their products are research-driven and clinically tested to work. Their latest launch is called Fasting Today, a powder product designed to aid in intermittent fasting for weight-loss. It is formulated to support the three challenges in a fast without breaking the fast. Containing only three ingredients: electrolytes, baobab fiber, and amino acids, it is a deceptively simple yet effective formula. Electrolytes promote hydration and support healthy cell and organ function. They are ideal for pre and post exercise or daily intake. Fasting Today includes an electrolyte complex (sodium chloride, potassium bicarbonate and magnesium oxide) plus calcium carbonate. While fasting, electrolytes can help you maintain optimal hydration, while also supporting cardiovascular and brain function and helping to minimize cramping. Enzymedica Fasting Today

Organic wild harvested baobab fruit is considered by many to be the greatest raw whole food on Earth. Sustainably harvested in Africa aiding women harvesters and positively supporting small communities, this fruit provides exceptional soluble and insoluble fiber to support hunger and regularity, as well as an abundance of polyphenols. Baobab fiber promotes satiety – especially helpful when it’s not yet time to eat – without breaking your fast. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and nine of them are considered essential. Fasting Today includes a blend of these essential amino acids to support muscle strength and body composition, and promote muscle protein synthesis. The amino acid complex in Fasting Today includes a proprietary blend of L-Leucine, L-Lysine, L-Isoleucine, L-Valine, L-Phenylalanine, L-Methionine, L-Histidine, L-Tryptophan to keep your muscles strong and healthy.

What We Have For You

This exciting new product — Enzymedica‘s Fasting Today — is located in our Weight Management section and is free of all common allergens including gluten. It is vegan and is suitable for ketogenic diets. Let Evergreen help you attain/maintain your ideal healthy weight goals in 2024. Fasting Today Allergy Information

Moringa: A Superfood with Well-Deserved Hype

If there were an entry in the encyclopedia for Superfood, it would undoubtedly have a photo of the subject of this newsletter. Moringa has been trending for several years and its hype is well-deserved. Generally lumped into the Green Foods category along with spirulina and barley grass, moringa has decidedly more “going on” than its fellows in that category.

What Is It?

Moringa oleifera is an evergreen plant native to India but also found widely across Africa and Asia in tropical and subtropical climates. It has been cultivated for centuries for its medicinal properties. Generally the leaves are used, although the bark, roots, seeds, fruit, flowers, and pods are all edible. It has many nicknames, including “drumstick tree” and “never-die,” alluding to its many properties as well as its evergreen leaves. The tree is able to survive with very little water and so is important in drought-stricken areas as a source of food for malnourished/famine-struck populations. It is planted by farmers to restore soils, filter water, and help replenish nutrients in soil. In India, it has been integral to the Ayurvedic medical system for millenia. In Asia it has been used for ages to support heart, blood, liver, respiratory, and skin health.

Nutritional Aspects

The leaves of moringa are the most nutrient-dense. They contain all of the essential amino acids, making them a very protein-rich food source. They are also full of vitamins, minerals, and phyto-nutrients. Antioxidants include quercetin, rutin, and kaempferol, all powerful compounds. Research into moringa shows that some of these substances have broad-ranging effects: antidiabetic, antitumor, anti-ulcer, anti-epileptic, and antispasmodic.

Broad-Ranging Effects

Moringa’s antibacterial and antifungal effects help with maintaining a healthy gut microbiome, also supporting healthy digestion and assimilation of nutrients. It has been shown to possess marked anti-inflammatory activity, suppressing inflammatory cytokines and other markers. Moringa’s high levels of polyphenols may support liver function and detoxification pathways. A study in Food and Chemical Toxicology found moringa to reverse oxidation in the liver and reduce fibrosis and liver damage. Research has shown moringa’s roots, leaves, and fruit all to be highly anti-inflammatory. They contain substances that inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines. The Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention reported that moringa leaf extract suppressed growth of cancer cells and induced cell death in some cancers. The high antioxidant profile content of moringa may help with prevention of neuron oxidation and support brain health. The Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice published a study suggesting that moringa has potential as a treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Through its content of amino acids and other nutrients, moringa may stabilize neurotransmitters in the brain and thereby improve mood. Moringa is also under investigation for its role in blood-sugar health, as it contains compounds that hinder the ability to raise blood-sugar. This may be of importance in people with pre-diabetic conditions.

What We Have For You

Evergreen Nutrition carries several moringa products. Organic India has an organic, non-GMO, vegan capsule with a 700 mg dose. Irwin Naturals offers a 1,000 mg moringa softgel in a blend of healthy oils for absorption. From Host Defense comes Greens, a powder featuring organic moringa with lion’s mane mushroom and nettle, making this an extraordinarily antioxidant/mineral-rich and nutritious superfood blend. 3 Moringas