1. Goji Berries

Goji berries, Hollywood's hottest new food, are one of the most nutritionally dense foods on earth and house a staggering concentration of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, phytochemicals and essential fatty acids. With such an awesome constitution it is not surprising they are reputed anti-aging marvels. Originating in Tibet and greatly favored in traditional medicine these dried berries have many noted health benefits including boosting immunity, lowering cholesterol, enhancing vision, fighting cancer cells, relieving depression and aiding weight loss.

Goji berries contain 500 times more vitamin C than oranges by weight and more beta-carotene than carrots making them a superb source of vitamin A. Together with vitamin E and essential fatty acids, these berries are ideal for any anti-aging and beauty regime. They also contain polysaccharides, one of which has been found to stimulate the secretion of the rejuvenating human growth hormone by the pituitary gland, as well as B vitamins, 21 minerals and 18 amino acids.

The most well documented case of longevity is that of Li Qing Yuen, who lived to the age of 252. Born in 1678, he is said to have married 14 times with 11 generations of posterity before his death in 1930. Li Qing Yuen reportedly consumed goji berries daily.

A study cited in Dr. Mindell's book "Goji: The Himalayan Health Secret", observed that 67 percent of elderly people that were given a daily dose of the berries for 3 weeks experienced dramatic immune system enhancement and a significant improvement in spirit and optimism.

 

2. Aloe Vera

Forget botox, Aloe vera increases collagen production 100% naturally for a youthful, wrinkle-free complexion and plump, beautiful skin. The ultimate botox alternative!

The inner gel of the aloe vera leaf contains around 200 active compounds with over 75 nutrients. These include 20 minerals, 18 amino acids and 12 vitamins (even vitamin B12, one of the very few plant sources of this vitamin). Aloe vera also has anti-microbial properties fighting fungi and bacteria and houses anti-inflammatory plant steroids and enzymes. Aloe vera is known to aid digestion and elimination, boost the immune system, and be highly effective at healing, moisturizing and rejuvinating the skin, naturally stimulating the production of collagen.

Aloe vera is best eaten fresh when possible (you can order large aloe vera leaves which last a few weeks refrigerated). Scrape out the inside gel, avoiding the outside of the leaf which is a strong laxative, and blend with fruit for the ultimate beautifying smoothie. Aloe vera has a mild flavor though a slight bitter edge, hence is best combined with fruit.

 

3. Avocados

Avocados are smoothing and softening for the skin and easily absorbed; compared with almond, corn, olive, and soybean oils, avocado oil has the highest skin penetration rate.

Avocado also contains vitamin E (excellent for the skin), antioxidant carotenoids and the master antioxidant glutathione that is exceptionally powerful and has anti-carcinogenic potential. High levels of glutathione are found in the liver where the elimination of toxic materials takes place.

Glutathione is effective against pollutants such as cigarette smoke and exhaust fumes as well as ultra-violet radiation. Research is currently exploring the potential benefits of glutathione for numerous conditions including cancer, heart disease, memory loss, arthritis, Parkinson's disease, eczema, liver disorders, heavy metal poisoning and AIDS.

 

4. Chlorella

The nucleic acids RNA and DNA in Chlorella (one of the highest known sources of such) direct cellular growth and repair and enable our bodies to utilize nutrients more effectively, eliminate toxins and avoid disease. The production of nucleic acids in the body declines progressively as we age, which is no doubt why their intake is recommended. Paul Pitchford in "Healing With Whole Foods" writes that insufficient nucleic acid causes premature aging as well as weakened immunity, Research at the Medical College of Kanazawa in Japan found that mice that were fed chlorella had a 30 percent increase in life span. Replenishing RNA and DNA can be key to overall health, immunity and longevity.

In addition to nucleic acids, chlorella is jam-packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, enzymes and amino acids, making it an incredibly rejuvenating and health-promoting superfood. Spirulina is a virtuous equivalent.

 

5. Bee pollen

When it comes to young and beautiful skin, bee pollen has outstanding gifts. Swedish dermatologist Dr. Lars-Erik Essen uses bee pollen to successfully treat acne and other skin conditions and observes its beautifying and anti-aging effects. He reports that bee pollen seems to prevent premature aging of the cells and stimulates growth of new skin tissue. It offers effective protection against dehydration and injects new life into dry cells. It smoothes away wrinkles and stimulates a life-giving blood supply to all skin cells. He believes its skin rejuvenation properties are due to its high concentration of nucleic acids RNA and DNA, as well as its natural antibiotic action. Bee pollen has a host of other health-promoting benefits that include fighting infections, lowering cholesterol, strengthening the blood, Boosting the immune system, increasing physical strength and stamina, aiding longevity and enhancing libido! It has been called a 'prefect food' because it is so nutritionally complete.

 

6. Coconut oil

Coconut oil speeds up your metabolism and can actually help you loose weight. It is also incredibly beautifying and moisturizing for the skin and has antioxidant properties which protect against free-radical damage, keeping the skin youthful and healthy. Taken internally or externally coconut oil is a great ally for any beauty skin care regime. It also contains lauric acid, an anti-microbial fatty acid that kills bacteria, viruses and fungi.

 

 

Vegetables taste better when they're crispy, and bags of veggie chips have been popping up on grocery stores all over the nation: sweet potato chips, green bean chips, parsnip chips, taro chips and more. However, these commercially produced crisps are usually loaded with salt and preservatives and retain very little of the nutritional value that vegetables are known for.

 

Make your own veggie chips and you can control the salt, oil and method of cooking. Try the following recipes for crispy, crunchy baked vegetable treats that the whole family will love.

Potato Chips

The standard vegetable chips, potato chips have a long and beloved history on the American table, next to hamburgers, onion dip and deli sandwiches. Make your own by starting with any variety of potatoes, such as Yukon Gold or Red Fingerling. Scrub them clean, leaving the peeling on, and then slice them as thin as possible - making sure all the slices are about the same thickness. Rinse and soak the slices in water for one hour, then dry thoroughly. Traditionally, potato chips are fried in vegetable oil, but you can bake them for a healthier version. Simply toss the slices in 1 tablespoon vegetable oil per potato, sprinkle with salt and pepper and then bake at 400 degrees until golden brown, about 15 minutes. This recipe also works well with sweet potatoes; try them with a mix of chili powder and cumin for a spicy treat.

Beet Chips

The pretty fuchsia pink of fresh beets turns a rich purple when they are baked into crispy chips. Cut two large beats into slices that are 1/8" thick, then place on a greased baking sheet. Brush the beets with a light coating of olive oil, and then bake at 325 degrees for about 45 minutes.

 

 

Carrot Chips

Crunchy carrots get their flavors popped when baked into crispy orange treats. Slice two large carrots as thinly as possible, then place into a bag or bowl and toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and a good sprinkle of sea salt. Arrange slices in one layer on a greased baking sheet and cook for about 35 minutes at 275 degrees, checking often towards the end to make sure that nothing burns!

Kale Chips

Haven't you heard? Kale is the new beef. Try yours in crispy chip form and discover a whole new world. First, find a nice fresh batch of kale, and then wash and dry it thoroughly. Remove the leaves from the tough steams, tearing them into bite-size pieces. In a large bowl, add the kale leaves plus 3 cloves of finely minced garlic and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss to coat all the leaves thoroughly, and then place the kale in a single layer on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes at 275 degrees, until the leaves are brittle and crispy to the touch. Add salt and pepper to taste if you would like.

 

Green Bean Chips

Green beans make long, crispy treats when you bake them - so much fun to eat! First wash and prepare your green beans by snapping off both ends, then dry them all well. Spread them on a greased baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil for each cup of beans. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then cook for 30 minutes at 400 degrees, stirring every ten minutes until crispy. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH IS BETWEEN YOUR EARS.

 A healthy brain is the key to staying vibrant and alive for a long time, and in Use Your Brain to Change Your Age, bestselling author and brain expert Dr. Daniel G. Amen shares ten simple steps to boost your brain to help you
live longer, look younger, and dramatically decrease your risk for Alzheimer's disease.

Over the last twenty years at Amen Clinics, Dr. Amen has performed more than 70,000 brain scans on patients from ninety different countries. His brain imaging work has taught him that our brains typically become less active with age and we become more vulnerable to memory problems and depression. Yet, one of the most exciting lessons he has learned is that
with a little forethought and a brain-smart plan, you can slow, or even reverse, the aging process in the brain.

Based on the approach that has helped thousands of people at Amen Clinics along with the most cutting-edge research, Dr. Amen's breakthrough, easy-to-follow antiaging program shows you how to:

* Boost your memory, mood, attention,
and energy
* Decrease your risk for Alzheimer's and
other forms of dementia
* Eat to live longer
* Reduce the outward signs of aging and
make your skin more beautiful
* Promote the healing of brain damage due
to injury, strokes, substance abuse, and
toxic exposure
* Dramatically increase your chances of
living longer and looking younger
**And much more.

By adopting the brain healthy strategies detailed in Use Your Brain to Change Your Age, you can outsmart your genes, put the brakes on aging, and even reverse the aging process. If you change your brain, you can change your life-and your age.

Happy Healthy March

See you all soon!

Sincerely,

Susan Frangos C.H.C. AADP

Certified Health Coach

Higher Level Wellness

847-361-6185