Friday, December 3, 2010
The new superfood CHIA - by Steph Martin (article from Breathe magazine)
Pronounced CHEE-ah, this highly nutritious seed has been aptly named, ‘History’s Forgotten Superfood’! Lost for over 500 years after the Spanish invasion of the 16th century, Chia is finally making a comeback due to its outstanding nutritional profile!
Unlike any other food, Chia provides all that is essential for a healthy diet including Omega 3, dietary fibre and protein, as well as vitamins and minerals including B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, boron and copper. It is also a rich source of protective antioxidants and phytonutrients: No wonder it is called a Superfood!
Omega 3
Chia is the richest known plant source of omega 3 fatty acids. Adding just 2 tablespoons of chia to your daily diet provides an incredible 5 grams of Omega 3 – this is 8 times more than you get from eating Salmon!
Fibre
Chia is 40% fibre (5% soluble, 35% insoluble). It forms a gel-like substance when mixed with water, which is easily digestible and incredibly beneficial! The high fibre content helps moderate blood glucose levels, reduce cravings, lower cholesterol, regulate bowel movements and facilitate weight loss: It even promotes the growth of friendly bacteria, or probiotics, which boost the immune system and maintain the natural balance of a healthy digestive system.
2 tablespoons of chia seeds provides approximately 7 grams of dietary fibre with minimal calories. There is only 1g of usable carbohydrate per 100g!
Protein
Chia is about 20 - 23% protein, which gives it an amazing protein to carbohydrate ratio of 1:2! It contains all 9 essential amino acids (the ones our body cannot produce itself e.g. Lysine) in a balance optimally suited to a human’s needs.
Antioxidants
The black variety of chia definitely trumps the white variety due to the fact that it contains natural anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine, anti-cancer and other body protecting antioxidants. It’s ORAC count is 9900 (exceptionally high for a seed) and it even gives a few of the antioxidant-rich berries a run for their money!
How do I eat it?
For all its power chia is a remarkably mild tasting seed. You can literally add it to anything, and instead of changing the flavour, it will enhance it! So simple!
Imagine with just one spoonful of this incredible superfood you can add a burst of flavour to any meal or snack, provide an amazing array of nutrients, increase energy and stay fuller for longer! Chia has an amazing thickening ability so can be used in soups, smoothies, cakes, breads, biscuits, drinks – actually everything!
Chia really is an ideal food for nearly everyone including vegetarians, vegans, pregnant women and individuals with food allergies, food sensitivities and/or gluten-intolerance (there are no known allergies to Chia seeds!)
Unlike other seeds such as flax (linseed) it doesn’t need to be ground or sprouted and has no enzyme inhibitors to prevent digestion. You can really eat as much chia as you like. In fact the more the better!
As if Chia couldn’t get any better – the plant also has a natural pest-repellent and therefore doesn’t need any nasty chemicals to ward off any intruders.
The greatest news of all – is that it is finally available in South Africa, get it before it sells out!
Chia Facts
15x more Magnesium than broccoli
5x more Calcium than milk
8x more Omega 3 than salmon
2x more Iron than spinach
More Potassium than Banana
More Antioxidants than blueberries, strawberries and cranberries
20% Complete Vegetable Protein
40% Fibre content
Gluten Free
Pesticide free
Please contact me if you would like more info: steph@lifestylehealth.co.za
If you wish to purchase SOMAMA CHIA please visit www.SOMAMA.co.za or send us an email hello@SOMAMA.co.za
Disclaimer - as always we do not understand your medical condition and as such the above guidelines are not personalized. In this regard please consult your medical practitioner for advice.
Unlike any other food, Chia provides all that is essential for a healthy diet including Omega 3, dietary fibre and protein, as well as vitamins and minerals including B vitamins, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, boron and copper. It is also a rich source of protective antioxidants and phytonutrients: No wonder it is called a Superfood!
Omega 3
Chia is the richest known plant source of omega 3 fatty acids. Adding just 2 tablespoons of chia to your daily diet provides an incredible 5 grams of Omega 3 – this is 8 times more than you get from eating Salmon!
Fibre
Chia is 40% fibre (5% soluble, 35% insoluble). It forms a gel-like substance when mixed with water, which is easily digestible and incredibly beneficial! The high fibre content helps moderate blood glucose levels, reduce cravings, lower cholesterol, regulate bowel movements and facilitate weight loss: It even promotes the growth of friendly bacteria, or probiotics, which boost the immune system and maintain the natural balance of a healthy digestive system.
2 tablespoons of chia seeds provides approximately 7 grams of dietary fibre with minimal calories. There is only 1g of usable carbohydrate per 100g!
Protein
Chia is about 20 - 23% protein, which gives it an amazing protein to carbohydrate ratio of 1:2! It contains all 9 essential amino acids (the ones our body cannot produce itself e.g. Lysine) in a balance optimally suited to a human’s needs.
Antioxidants
The black variety of chia definitely trumps the white variety due to the fact that it contains natural anti-inflammatory, anti-histamine, anti-cancer and other body protecting antioxidants. It’s ORAC count is 9900 (exceptionally high for a seed) and it even gives a few of the antioxidant-rich berries a run for their money!
How do I eat it?
For all its power chia is a remarkably mild tasting seed. You can literally add it to anything, and instead of changing the flavour, it will enhance it! So simple!
Imagine with just one spoonful of this incredible superfood you can add a burst of flavour to any meal or snack, provide an amazing array of nutrients, increase energy and stay fuller for longer! Chia has an amazing thickening ability so can be used in soups, smoothies, cakes, breads, biscuits, drinks – actually everything!
Chia really is an ideal food for nearly everyone including vegetarians, vegans, pregnant women and individuals with food allergies, food sensitivities and/or gluten-intolerance (there are no known allergies to Chia seeds!)
Unlike other seeds such as flax (linseed) it doesn’t need to be ground or sprouted and has no enzyme inhibitors to prevent digestion. You can really eat as much chia as you like. In fact the more the better!
As if Chia couldn’t get any better – the plant also has a natural pest-repellent and therefore doesn’t need any nasty chemicals to ward off any intruders.
The greatest news of all – is that it is finally available in South Africa, get it before it sells out!
Chia Facts
15x more Magnesium than broccoli
5x more Calcium than milk
8x more Omega 3 than salmon
2x more Iron than spinach
More Potassium than Banana
More Antioxidants than blueberries, strawberries and cranberries
20% Complete Vegetable Protein
40% Fibre content
Gluten Free
Pesticide free
Please contact me if you would like more info: steph@lifestylehealth.co.za
If you wish to purchase SOMAMA CHIA please visit www.SOMAMA.co.za or send us an email hello@SOMAMA.co.za
Disclaimer - as always we do not understand your medical condition and as such the above guidelines are not personalized. In this regard please consult your medical practitioner for advice.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Give the Gift of Health This Christmas By Steph Martin
No-one wants to be that last minute ‘stress ball,’ tearing around a frenzied shopping center in a mad rush, the day before Christmas, still trying to find that elusive perfect present! It is exhausting to even think about it!
How about this Holiday Season you allow yourself to sit back, relax and enjoy the fun and festivities! Imagine that all your gifts are already wrapped and under the Christmas tree before December even hits… And how about we make this picture even better? Imagine that your gifts themselves are not just arbitrary last minute purchases, but gifts that are deeply thoughtful, exciting, interesting, and beneficial to the wellbeing of the recipient!
How about this year when you’re giving Christmas gifts to friends, family or coworkers you give one of the best gifts of all: The gift of good health!
And no, I’m not talking about carrot sticks and apples again! I’m talking about gifts that promote health; that are exotic, sustainably created, eco-friendly, nutrient-rich and interesting; gifts that are great conversation starters - that will get people to ask you what all this cool stuff is about; gifts that are different, that show that you care and gifts that the recipient will remember for years!
Here are just a few wonderful gift ideas to help you make this Christmas season exciting, stress-free, memorable and healthy!
Organic Superfood Hamper – Instead of the usual tins, biscuits and truffles; fill a basket with an amazing, colourful array of organic superfoods that are simply bursting with protective anti-oxidants, phyto-chemicals and fatty acids! Include a yummy recipe using the ingredients you have selected and be sure to include a personalised card with each item’s incredible health benefits! You can bet nobody else is giving them something so cool!
Some ideas of what to include are:
Goji berries – full of vital nutrients that strengthen the immune system as well as provide antioxidant protection, increase energy and aid in weight loss. Try the dark chocolate coated goji berries for a double-antioxidant treat!
Chia seeds: the ‘Aztec Superseed’ - rich in Omega-3, protein, fiber and antioxidants, this amazing seed boosts the nutritional content and taste of any recipe!
Maca Powder – ‘the power food of warriors’ which helps increase energy, endurance and strength!
You could also include a selection of flavoured local raw honey like litchi blossom; the incredibly healing manuka honey; organic raw nuts like walnuts or macadamias; organic Bircher or gluten-free muesli; organic macadamia oil, coconut oil or olive oil; a selection of delicious, organic dried fruits (cranberries, peaches, dates, pomegranate arils, pineapple); exotic tea blends like Acai Green tea or Honeybush Caramel tea; organic spices like cinnamon, clove and nutmeg; or organic nut butters – try brazil nut, cashew nut or almond nut butter.
Raw Chocolate making kit – Did you know that raw organic chocolate is GOOD FOR YOU and better yet it is so easy to make! All you need to create this wonderful gift is a recipe book like “Naked Chocolate” by David Wolfe, the ingredients; raw cacao powder, cacao butter, coconut oil, vanilla and raw honey and a silicon mould to set the chocolate into beautiful shapes.
Even better yet book your friend or loved one on the raw chocolate making course “Death by Chocolate” (12th Dec) through Lifestyle Health. There you can learn how to prepare and enjoy this most loved and decadent food with the unhealthy side-effects!
Soy Candles – Not only are these wonderful candles scented with pure essential oils, but they are also petrochemical, toxin and 99% soot free. Soy oil is also environmentally friendly, biodegradable and long lasting – burning at least 50% longer than paraffin candles.
However, the best part has got to be the amazing moisturizing and therapeutic benefits of soy oil for the skin. The melted oil is warm to the touch and is fabulous to use as a massage treatment. Favourites include the Vanilla Spice, Cinnamon Citrus, or Harmony (rose, geranium and jasmine).
Healthy Kitchen Equipment - Good nutrition starts at home and it is so much easier to cook healthy foods if you have the best equipment available. Here are some terrific gift ideas to making healthy eating simple, delicious and a pure delight!
Hurom Juicer - compact and versatile, the Hurom Juicer is the ultimate drink making machine! Within minutes you can produce a delicious juice from any fruit or vegetable, as well as the green leafy vegetables, wheatgrass, sprouts, beans and even nuts! YUM
Super Blender – this is an exceptional quality, high-powered blender that enables you to create so many simple and healthy recipes. It acts as a blender, a grinder, a food processor, an ice cream maker, a juicer, a smoothie maker, and so much more all wrapped in one amazing package.
Sushezi Sushi Maker – Their slogan is ‘professional sushi – made easy’! All you need to do is simply place the rice into the Sushezi, fill with your selected fillings, compact and push out a perfect Sushi Roll!
Spyragyra – Imagine being able to turn veggies into spaghetti! With the Spyragyra you can make raw zucchini or sweet potato spaghetti as well as salads, stir fry veggies, coleslaw, and more!
Organic Beauty Products – it has been shown that what you put on your skin eventually ends up in your body! This Christmas ditch the chemical-laden beauty products in favour of natural and organic cosmetics that are paraben, SLS, synthetic fragrance, mineral oil or propylene glycol FREE.
There are now a number of beautiful natural and organic cosmetic ranges that have brought out some stunning gift sets just in time for Christmas:
Dr Hauschka Christmas Bag with Rose Day cream and Rose Body oil
Earth n Love Christmas box with Cape Chamomile Mist, Cape Chamomile wash and Rejuvenating Soak & Detox
Victorian Garden Mango and Vanilla body butter and body scrub.
Badger Headache and Stress Soother balm.
Earthsap Lavender and Sugar beet shampoo and conditioner
Other ideas are;
• Subscription to the Natural Medicine Magazine
• Anti-radiation cellphone chip
• Health Books such as “Raising Happy Healthy Children” by Sally-Ann Creed and Alene Salvesen or “Hunger Free Forever” by Michael T Murray and Michael R.Lyon
• Kitchen Garden Sprouter set
• Voucher for an organic facial or massage treatment
So, why not consider a healthy gift this holiday season for your loved one? What better way to communicate that you care by giving a gift that will make them feel good all year long!
Happy healthy Christmas shopping!
How about this Holiday Season you allow yourself to sit back, relax and enjoy the fun and festivities! Imagine that all your gifts are already wrapped and under the Christmas tree before December even hits… And how about we make this picture even better? Imagine that your gifts themselves are not just arbitrary last minute purchases, but gifts that are deeply thoughtful, exciting, interesting, and beneficial to the wellbeing of the recipient!
How about this year when you’re giving Christmas gifts to friends, family or coworkers you give one of the best gifts of all: The gift of good health!
And no, I’m not talking about carrot sticks and apples again! I’m talking about gifts that promote health; that are exotic, sustainably created, eco-friendly, nutrient-rich and interesting; gifts that are great conversation starters - that will get people to ask you what all this cool stuff is about; gifts that are different, that show that you care and gifts that the recipient will remember for years!
Here are just a few wonderful gift ideas to help you make this Christmas season exciting, stress-free, memorable and healthy!
Organic Superfood Hamper – Instead of the usual tins, biscuits and truffles; fill a basket with an amazing, colourful array of organic superfoods that are simply bursting with protective anti-oxidants, phyto-chemicals and fatty acids! Include a yummy recipe using the ingredients you have selected and be sure to include a personalised card with each item’s incredible health benefits! You can bet nobody else is giving them something so cool!
Some ideas of what to include are:
Goji berries – full of vital nutrients that strengthen the immune system as well as provide antioxidant protection, increase energy and aid in weight loss. Try the dark chocolate coated goji berries for a double-antioxidant treat!
Chia seeds: the ‘Aztec Superseed’ - rich in Omega-3, protein, fiber and antioxidants, this amazing seed boosts the nutritional content and taste of any recipe!
Maca Powder – ‘the power food of warriors’ which helps increase energy, endurance and strength!
You could also include a selection of flavoured local raw honey like litchi blossom; the incredibly healing manuka honey; organic raw nuts like walnuts or macadamias; organic Bircher or gluten-free muesli; organic macadamia oil, coconut oil or olive oil; a selection of delicious, organic dried fruits (cranberries, peaches, dates, pomegranate arils, pineapple); exotic tea blends like Acai Green tea or Honeybush Caramel tea; organic spices like cinnamon, clove and nutmeg; or organic nut butters – try brazil nut, cashew nut or almond nut butter.
Raw Chocolate making kit – Did you know that raw organic chocolate is GOOD FOR YOU and better yet it is so easy to make! All you need to create this wonderful gift is a recipe book like “Naked Chocolate” by David Wolfe, the ingredients; raw cacao powder, cacao butter, coconut oil, vanilla and raw honey and a silicon mould to set the chocolate into beautiful shapes.
Even better yet book your friend or loved one on the raw chocolate making course “Death by Chocolate” (12th Dec) through Lifestyle Health. There you can learn how to prepare and enjoy this most loved and decadent food with the unhealthy side-effects!
Soy Candles – Not only are these wonderful candles scented with pure essential oils, but they are also petrochemical, toxin and 99% soot free. Soy oil is also environmentally friendly, biodegradable and long lasting – burning at least 50% longer than paraffin candles.
However, the best part has got to be the amazing moisturizing and therapeutic benefits of soy oil for the skin. The melted oil is warm to the touch and is fabulous to use as a massage treatment. Favourites include the Vanilla Spice, Cinnamon Citrus, or Harmony (rose, geranium and jasmine).
Healthy Kitchen Equipment - Good nutrition starts at home and it is so much easier to cook healthy foods if you have the best equipment available. Here are some terrific gift ideas to making healthy eating simple, delicious and a pure delight!
Hurom Juicer - compact and versatile, the Hurom Juicer is the ultimate drink making machine! Within minutes you can produce a delicious juice from any fruit or vegetable, as well as the green leafy vegetables, wheatgrass, sprouts, beans and even nuts! YUM
Super Blender – this is an exceptional quality, high-powered blender that enables you to create so many simple and healthy recipes. It acts as a blender, a grinder, a food processor, an ice cream maker, a juicer, a smoothie maker, and so much more all wrapped in one amazing package.
Sushezi Sushi Maker – Their slogan is ‘professional sushi – made easy’! All you need to do is simply place the rice into the Sushezi, fill with your selected fillings, compact and push out a perfect Sushi Roll!
Spyragyra – Imagine being able to turn veggies into spaghetti! With the Spyragyra you can make raw zucchini or sweet potato spaghetti as well as salads, stir fry veggies, coleslaw, and more!
Organic Beauty Products – it has been shown that what you put on your skin eventually ends up in your body! This Christmas ditch the chemical-laden beauty products in favour of natural and organic cosmetics that are paraben, SLS, synthetic fragrance, mineral oil or propylene glycol FREE.
There are now a number of beautiful natural and organic cosmetic ranges that have brought out some stunning gift sets just in time for Christmas:
Dr Hauschka Christmas Bag with Rose Day cream and Rose Body oil
Earth n Love Christmas box with Cape Chamomile Mist, Cape Chamomile wash and Rejuvenating Soak & Detox
Victorian Garden Mango and Vanilla body butter and body scrub.
Badger Headache and Stress Soother balm.
Earthsap Lavender and Sugar beet shampoo and conditioner
Other ideas are;
• Subscription to the Natural Medicine Magazine
• Anti-radiation cellphone chip
• Health Books such as “Raising Happy Healthy Children” by Sally-Ann Creed and Alene Salvesen or “Hunger Free Forever” by Michael T Murray and Michael R.Lyon
• Kitchen Garden Sprouter set
• Voucher for an organic facial or massage treatment
So, why not consider a healthy gift this holiday season for your loved one? What better way to communicate that you care by giving a gift that will make them feel good all year long!
Happy healthy Christmas shopping!
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