Omega 9s Found in Algae Superfood

What you need to know about Omega 9s

You should know about Omega-9s (also known as monounsaturated fats) for their potential to regulate blood sugar levels, prevent cancer and promote a healthy weight and heart.  Since our bodies can manufacture it, omega-9 technically isn’t classified as an essential fatty acid. However, foods rich in omega-9 are still recommended because of the role it plays in our health. Good sources for omega-9 include:

• Extra virgin olive oil
• Olives
• Avocados
• Nuts including almonds, pecans, pistachios, hazelnuts, and macadamia nuts
• Sesame seed oil

 Algae has been touted as a superfood in its own right, but the newest use for algae is in the production of ­omega-9 cooking oil. The process doesn't use genetically modified organisms or chemical extraction, further broadening its appeal. I use Thrive algae oil.  Compared to olive oil, Thrive algae oil contains a higher percentage of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and is lower in saturated fats. It has a high smoke point of 485 degrees F, which means you can use it in baking, roasting and sauteing. So what does algae oil taste like? It's completely neutral and odorless, so you can use it in any recipes where you want healthy fat without changing the flavor of the food.

Unlike algae typically found in the sea, Thrive algae were originally sourced from the sap of a chestnut tree.mThe algae are then grown in fermenters, just like the kind used for making wine and beer. The algae naturally convert renewable plant sugars to oil in just a few days. Finally, using the same method as coconut and seed oils, Thrive presses the algae to release the oil. The result is an oil with the highest level of good fats and low levels of saturated fats. 

So I stick with olive oil for dressings and dips and love algae oil for stir-frying or baking for its mild flavor, healthy fat profile and a high smoke point.  It's definitely a healthy alternative to lower-cost .

8 Steps to Better Brain Health

Brain Health

Brain fog, lack of concentration, feeling tired, poor memory and headaches are all signs that your brain isn't getting the right nutritional support it needs.  Supporting the brain is not easy because of the blood-brain barrier that is a sheet of capillaries that carry blood to the brain and spinal cord that blocks the passage of certain substances.  This filtering system is important to keep toxins from reaching the brain and spinal cord but also doesn't allow many nutrients into the brain as well.

So what can we do to help the brain knowing that not all things can pass the blood-brain barrier?  Here is a list of my favorite things.  Everyone is different and may need different things for support so getting muscle tested is the key to figuring out exactly what you need.

1. Protein - A lack of protein in the diet can cause the brain to slow down.  If you are a vegetarian make sure you are eating enough protein and supplementing with vitamin B12.  The brain loves vitamin Bs and B12 can only be found in meat.  Another good supplement is a vegan supplement from Standard Process called RNA.  RNA is the building blocks of protein and this supplement can really help rebuild the brain at the cellular level.

2, Vetiver Essential Oil - The moment you smell something it goes into the brain because the olfactory nerve responsible for smell goes straight into the brain.  So any smell is fast acting and when you put vetiver oil in a diffuser or on your wrists it helps with boost energy levels when you’re exhausted. In addition, it’s used to cool the body during very high temperatures and soothe feelings of anxiety and nervousness.  Recent research credits vetiver oil for treating symptoms of ADHD and ADD maybe due to the relaxing component that it gives. It’s also known to increase libido and treat insomnia.

3. Bee pollen - It is a great brain booster, lifting brain fatigue, improving alertness and helping concentration levels over an extended period of time. Rich in the B vitamins; B1, B2 and B3 – these are essential for a healthy nervous system and powerful detoxifiers, especially to the brain. They are often referred to as “anti-stress” or “morale” vitamins - when the nervous system is working optimally anxiety and stress can be greatly lessened.  Bee pollen can be eaten raw or can be added to your favorite cereals, smoothies, yogurt or hot drink. I see most people test for 1-2 teaspoons a day as a daily dose.

4. Tuna omega-3 oil - The brain, being about 60% fat, is one reason why the body loves having the right fats in the diet.  Fish oil also has an incredible impact on the brain and I have seen it work wonders especially for mild memory loss and depression.  You do have to be careful to get a good brand, for tuna is known for mercury toxicity.  Standard Process and Nordic Naturals are both brands I trust for their fish oil.

5. Min Tran - It is a vegetarian product from Standard Process that contains iodine and other minerals to support emotional balance when you are stressed and the nervous system is too much in 'fight or flight' mode.  In this way it supports a healthy nervous system, eases stress, and calms us down.

6. Exercise it!  If you don't use it you lose it.  So play crossword puzzles, sudoko, trivia pursuit, read for fun, etc.  20 minutes a day or more.

7. Blueberries - When we follow a diet rich in plant-based foods, like blueberries it can help with dementia. In a recent study, researchers found healthy older adults (ages 65 to 77) who drank 30 milliliters of concentrated blueberry juice (the equivalent of 230 grams of berries), had a significant increase in brain activity, blood flow and even memory compared to the placebo group. Flavonoids, abundant in blueberries, are likely to be an important factor in what's causing these effects, which can lower dementia risk.

8. Drink water - One of the main reasons for a headache is dehydration.  So the moment you start feeling head pressure grab a tall glass of water and see that many times the pressure will dissipate.  On average you should be drinking 3 liters of water a day.  This can include herbal teas.

So start incorporating these 8 things in your daily life for better brain health.  

The Benefits of Ka'Chava Protein Powder

Ka'Chava is the best tasting protein powder I have ever come across. My daughter even calls it a milkshake! Yes, add water and it is that tasty! I like to use it as a great breakfast on the go or a quick snack. It can even be used before a workout as fuel or post workout for recovery. It is a great protein source that is free of cholesterol, allergens, estrogens, antibiotics, gluten, egg, soy, or dairy that is completely vegan. Just two scoops mixed with water and you're good to go!

To help your blood sugar not have the ups and downs leaving you reaching for sugary snacks, caffeinated drinks and simple carbs (for a synthetic boost of energy that quickly turns into feelings of fatigue and lack of concentration), have a Ka'Chava. Ka'Chava provides over 70 superfoods and nutrients along with natural, unrefined carbohydrates that provide slow-release endurance energy to power your body and help you push on through the day.

The unique soluble fiber in Ka'Chava absorbs up to 10x its weight in water and fills your stomach giving you that full and satisfied feeling. In addition, Ka'Chava delivers a perfect balance of complete protein, healthy fiber, and essential fats to keep your hunger at bay, while sustaining you with nutrient dense whole foods instead of loading up on empty calories.

Ka'Chava's 100% plant-based protein blend offers the best choice for people who are serious about their health. With a perfectly balanced protein profile, it contains all nine essential amino acids as well as the other key amino acids required for lean muscle growth and overall health. It's derived from a blend of pea protein, rice protein and sacha inchi protein using the latest techniques to produce a smooth texture, high protein count and easy absorption into the body. It's also completely hypoallergenic so you get all the benefits of a whey protein without any of the digestive side effects associated with whey such as gas, bloating or intestinal disturbances.

If that wasn't enough reasons, Ka'Chava helps your digestion too! The digestive tract is an important part of your immune system and your body's first line of defense. Ka'Chava has prebiotics, probiotics, digestive enzymes, alkalizing greens and dietary fiber. The prebiotics and probiotics help maintain healthy intestinal flora, boost digestive health and improve your immune response. Digestive enzymes help facilitate the breakdown of nutrients for better absorption into your body, thus increasing their bioavailability. A blend of alkalizing greens helps remove waste from the body and keep pH levels balanced, while dietary fiber helps to normalize elimination of the bowels.

For brain health the brain must be provided with the right set of nutrients to ensure it functions optimally. Omega 3 EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids) can help improve focus, memory and emotional balance, while plant-based adaptogens enhance the body's natural ability to withstand stress and fight disease by supporting the endocrine system. Adaptogens in Ka'Chava also support the adrenal gland function, which helps to increase performance under mental and physical stress.  

So many good things about this protein powder! We have it in stock at the office for your convenience or you can order online here.