the Month 

 

8 oz frozen acai puree

 

3.5 Cups Naturally sweetened
vanilla yogurt

 

Honey based simple syrup

 

4 oz paper cups

 

Popsicle sticks

 

Allow acai puree to soften for 5 min, then crumble into a blender. Add 1 cup of yogurt and puree until smooth. Add simple syrup to taste.

 

Use the remaining 2.5 cups of yogurt to fill each 4 oz cup 2/3 full. Top with the Acai micture and lightly swirl the mixture with the popsicle sticks. Leave sticks in and freeze.

 

If they are sticking in the cups, briefly run under hot water. Remove and enjoy for a tasty summer treat!

 

 

Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are essential fatty acids (EFAs) that our bodies are unable to create on their own. Therefore, we must obtain EFAs from food. Most people do not get enough of these polyunsaturated fats from their diet. This is why supplementation with fish oils can be so important to our health. EPA and DHA play a key role in brain development, nervous system function, and eyesight. They also play a protective role in the body, reducing the risk of developing high blood pressure, arthritis, cancers, and heart disease. In fact, a large amount of research on omega-3s has focused on their effects on heart disease. EPA and DHA are linked to lower triglyceride levels, decreasing one's risk for atherosclerosis. These two fatty acids can also decrease inflammation in the body, improve immune function and promote skin, hair and nail health.

 

Recent clinical research has shown that not only the quantity of fat in the diet, but also the type of fat affects body weight and metabolism. Diets rich in omega-3 oils result in healthier body weight and metabolism as well as the best body composition in terms of fat/muscle ratio. In addition, fish oils act as strong antioxidants throughout the body and improve the oxygen delivery to cells thus improving aerobic performance. If purchasing fish oil, make sure it is from a reliable source, free of environmental contaminants (pesticides and heavy metals), and contains vitamin E to protect and preserve the oil. It is important to store your oil in a cool location, away from direct light.

In Washington DC there is a lot of talk around wellness programs and how to implement them. Those of you reading the AANP eNews are already aware of all of the changes stirring up at a federal level. The time is right to introduce legislation in Florida that supports Wellness and Cost Savings to the state government.

 

As Chair of the AANP Alliance for State Legislation, I can tell you with confidence that the FNPA has done everything to prepare the organization for legislative efforts. There is never any guarentee when it comes to legislation of any kind. I can assure you, however, that your executive board and volunteers that have graciously donated many, many hours of their time have done all that needs to be done to prepare for this point in time.

 

We still need to raise $58,000 to be able to enter a bill for 2010. If you ever wanted licensure in Florida, or if you have family and friends in Florida that can benefit from naturopathic care, now is the time you can help. Please consider donating to the FNPA before the end of the year. Whether you can donate $1 a month or $100 a month is not important; every little bit helps. More importantly, please forward this newsletter to anyone you know who may be interested. We need your help by spreading the word. Thank you for all the emotional, time and financial support so many of you have given in the past. The time is Now to make naturopathic medicine available to everyone who lives, vacations, or has family here in Florida.