Take The Challenge & Improve Digestion

If indigestion, heartburn or gas are presenting you with challenges, then we have got a challenge for them. It’s called Digest Gold from Enzymedica. With it, you can improve your digestion in just 14 days.

Why Do We Need Enzymes?

We all need digestive enzymes to break down our food into bits small enough to be assimilated into the body. As we age, we not only produce fewer enzymes but their activity is diminished as well. Compounding that problem is the fact that cooking foods above 118°F destroys the enzymes naturally present in our foods. Environmental toxins, drugs, alcohol, coffee and tobacco smoke also deplete our body’s enzymes. Decreased enzyme activity causes poor nutrition and/or malabsorption and can accelerate aging, causing fatigue, weight gain, skin problems and more serious degenerative diseases. In addition, foods become toxic as undigested proteins putrefy, fats go rancid and carbohydrates ferment in our guts causing digestive woes and upsetting the natural balance of our digestive ecosystem.

The Digest Gold Challenge

To take The Challenge, simply take one or more high-potency Digest Gold capsules with each meal for two weeks, then see if you notice less digestive distress, improved regularity and increased energy as the food you eat is being assimilated more effectively. In the unlikely event that you do not notice improvement, Evergreen Nutrition will refund your money (within 30 days of purchase with sales receipt). All you have to lose is indigestion, heartburn, gas and bloating. All you have to gain is improved digestion which leads to improved health in general.

Exceptional Quality

The people at Enzymedica are “The Enzyme Experts.” Their Thera-blend enzymes are formulated to work in the various pH levels throughout the entire digestive tract making them three times stronger and six times faster than competing products. Their vegetarian capsules contain no fillers or common allergens and their small size makes them easy to swallow. Their enzymes are 100% vegan and Digest Gold is certified Kosher. It’s no wonder that Digest Gold is America’s top selling enzyme formula.So if you feel like your digestion could use some help, give The Digest Gold Challenge a try. We are confident that you will notice improvement in just two weeks.

An Alternative to Antacids, Too

A common cause of heartburn is insufficient stomach acid, not too much. By taking antacids you are disrupting the natural pH of the stomach which then adversely affects the rest of the digestive process. Stomach acid (hydrochloric acid or HCl) sterilizes our food and works with proteolytic enzymes to break down proteins. By buffering HCl you also interfere with proper absorption of B vitamins, especially B-12, and minerals as well as inhibiting healthy gut flora. Digestive enzymes, like Digest Gold, are a more healthy alternative for dealing with heartburn.

From Evergreen’s Archives: April 2014

How Supplement Prices are Determined

The buyers at Evergreen Nutrition are always on the lookout for the best deals and discounts to pass along to our customers. In fact, most of our inventory is discounted all the time, as opposed to “on sale” for the month. Discounts run from 5% and up with the deepest discounts in our SPORTS section where many of the products are 25% off the suggested retail price (SRP).

SUPPLY, DEMAND & the F.D.A.

Supply and demand is one factor that determines the cost of goods. As more people are choosing natural adjuncts or alternatives to pharmaceuticals, the demand for supplements and botanicals is on the rise. Tighter regulations make it more difficult for less scrupulous manufacturers to cut corners thereby decreasing the available supply of high quality raw materials. Even those companies that have been producing superior products all along can experience difficulty in acquiring raw materials that meet their high standards. It is not uncommon for our vendors to choose to keep items on long-term out-of-stock status rather than accept sub-par materials. Changes in FDA regulations have also impacted pricing. For example, testing every individual ingredient (for which there is a validated testing method) on a multivitamin with dozens of components can have a huge impact on the price of the final product, especially for a small company with fewer products to share the cost.

LOCAL & GLOBAL WEATHER CONDITIONS

Farmers and wildcrafters have always been at the mercy of local climate conditions that can vary from boom to bust from year to year. The supply chain can be further disrupted by climate change or global weather extremes like those particularly evident in the last two years. Rising air temperatures may negatively affect photosynthesis activity and a plant’s ability to stay hydrated, as well as being detrimental to the birds, bees and other animals that pollinate 30% of crops and 90% of wild plants. (See Natural Resources Defense Council.) Changes in the frequency and severity of droughts and floods have had devastating impacts on crops, wild plants and even ecosystems. In 2015, for example, poor harvests led to higher prices of BILBERRY and in 2016 of GINKGO (up 9%), garlic (up 12%), PSYLLIUM (up 15%) and SAW PALMETTO (up 50% – 55%), just to name a few. Although these factors impact the entire natural product industry influencing prices across the board, Vitamer (maker of  EVERGREEN’s brand) absorbed a great deal of the cost increases of raw materials in 2016. They will continue to absorb some of these increases in 2017, passing on only about 2.5% overall. In addition, rising water temperatures and ocean acidification may affect marine-sourced ingredients such as seaweeds, krill and small fish as our oceans’ ecologies are disrupted. NORDIC NATURALS, makers of sustainable fish oil products, has stated that they will “absorb many of the cost increases associated with our raw materials and manufacturing processes, … [but] must make a reasonable price increase to a select group of products.”

OTHER INFLUENCES

Non-botanical ingredients are also affected. For example, raw materials to produce PANTOTHENIC ACID (Vitamin B5) increased 312% in 2016 after a major supplier discontinued production. PYRIDOXINE HCL (Vitamin B6) went up 32% in 2016 due to “manufacturer changes.” Raw materials for thiamine (Vitamin B1) went up 41% in 2016 and FOLIC ACID increased 37% in 2015 and continued to rise in 2016. After several manufacturers of MELATONIN closed their facilities, raw materials went up 73%. Raw materials for ZINC GLUCONATE increased 13% last year but now the cost must be passed on. Please note that only a small portion of these increases will be reflected in the prices of our Evergreen brand. Vitamer/Evergreen absorbed the lion’s share of these increases last year, but in 2017 an average of 2.5% of these increases will be passed along. And although L-LYSINE costs increased 38%, our in-house brand prices will remain the same. Not all price increases are due to the weather or increased material costs. In August a fire caused severe damage to National Enzyme Company’s facility in Forsythe, Missouri. NEC is a contract manufacturer of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, enzymes and botanical supplements. For the Evergreen brand, this led to a 26% increase in PROBIOTICS, but the drop in production of such a wide range of supplements will surely be felt on a national level. Fortunately, all employees of NEC were safely evacuated in less than 40 seconds and the company will be fully operational soon.

GOOD NEWS!

As you can see, several factors determine the cost of the products we sell. But be assured that our buyers are working on your behalf to keep prices reasonable. For example, look for our peach-colored every day low price (EDLP) signs throughout the store. While most of our sales change monthly, EDLPs are sales that usually last all year long. For example, in 2017 we will have EDLP deals selected items from HEALTH FORCE, powders from ECLECTIC INSTITUTE, GENUINE HEALTH and JARROW. And, believe it or not, occasionally prices actually go down. At the end of December the price on eight items from CARLSON went down (8% to 26%), including fish oils, Vitamin D and antioxidants.

MORE GOOD NEWS!

Eclectic Institute’s Osha is back! Eclectic (from Sandy, Oregon) had decided to discontinue products containing osha (Ligusticum porter) when that plant became critically endangered in the wild. They now have an ethical and sustainable source of this herb from private lands. That’s good news as winter’s cold and flu season comes upon us. Osha is a great respiratory support remedy and can help with sore throat, cough, colds, flu and bronchitis, among others.

Garden of Life Sport

Garden of Life has long been an innovative nutritional supplement company, respected by retailers and trusted by consumers. Recently they have launched a line of Sport Performance products which both adhere to their long-standing vision and break new ground in the Sports Performance category. As they say, “From pre-workout and everywhere in between, Garden of Life has you covered. Here’s a breakdown of the hottest, cleanest products to ever hit the sports nutrition industry.” There is a pre-workout product, a post-workout (recovery) product, and two protein powders, one whey and one vegan. With the exception of the whey protein powder, all products are vegan. All products are also gluten free and soy free. The entire line is Certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and certified by NSF for Sport and Informed-Choice for Sport. These are pretty impressive credentials! The latter two guarantee that all supplements and ingredients are void of athletic banned substances and that the products have been regularly tested for prohibited substances.

Pre-Workout

Organic Plant-Based Energy + Focus, the pre-workout powder, was chosen to boost your workout intensity. This formula works in 3 main ways. 1) Boosting energy. A blend of organic nitrate-containing kale, spinach and beets combined with whole food methycobalamin helps to boost Nitric Oxide (NO) levels, promoting healthy blood flow (and thus oxygen) to muscles and supporting ATP energy. NO also helps your body to use stored glucose for an energy source. This product comes in a sugar-free version and an organic sugar-containing version for an extra glucose (energy) source. 2) Sharpening focus. Caffeine in a pre-workout lets you work out harder while reducing your body’s perception of fatigue and soreness. The caffeine in this blend comes from organic coffeeberry and along with the roughly 85 mg of caffeine it provides, a host of beneficial antioxidants like chlorogenic acid are also present. 3) Delays the onset of muscle soreness. High antioxidant Vitamin C-containing amla and baobab help to prevent free radical assault on tissues during exercise, thus preventing tissue soreness and muscle inflammation. This product is recommended to be taken 20 minutes prior to workout.

Recovery

Organic Plant-Based Recovery is recommended to be taken immediately after workout, within 15-30 minutes. This powder supports your body in two ways. 1) It speeds up muscle recovery, and 2) helps naturally reduce fatigue and soreness following exertion. Glucose is needed by muscles as an energy source to repair and build new tissue. Protein added to carbohydrates (glucose) gives a sustained release of energy for repair. An optimal ratio of carbs to protein (in grams) is 4:1. This product features carbohydrates sourced from organic orange juice and cane sugar. The protein is organic pea protein along with pea protein magnesium. Also rounding out this formula is a high-antioxidant fruit blend to assist with fighting inflammation and promoting tissue recovery. Organic Plant-Based Recovery comes in organic blackberry-lemonade flavor. Organic Plant-Based Protein comes in vanilla and chocolate flavors and provides 30 grams of protein per serving along with 5 grams each of branch chain amino acids and glutamine/glutamic acid. This product is designed to refuel and repair muscles. The protein sources are organic pea protein, organic cranberry protein, and a blend of sprouted legumes which some people will recognize from Garden of Life’s other protein products. Included is an organic muscle recovery blend of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory fruits and turmeric. Last but not least is 2 billion CFU of Bifidobacterium lactis BI-04 for immune support during heavy exercise. These protein powders are sweetened with only organic stevia. Certified Grass Fed Whey Protein is a special product. Almost all products labelled as “grass fed” are not sourced from cows fed exclusively on grass. Instead they may be only primarily or even partially fed on grass, with animal feed rounding out the animals’ diet due to weather or crowding issues. Garden of Life searched exhaustively for a source of truly grass fed whey and found it in the lush fields of Ireland. The unique, mild climate of Ireland provides nutritious grass year round for pasture and the cows are able to live outside grazing on the abundance of greenery. Garden of Life has found small, sustainable Irish farms* which offer 100% true grass-fed whey for this protein powder. This whey is also completely hormone free and antibiotic free, is undenatured, cold-processed, micro-filtered, and non-GMO. The cows are also guaranteed free from BSE (mad cow disease). One serving contains 24 grams of protein from whey isolate with some milk protein added to provide beneficial immunoglobulin compounds. This product is available in vanilla or chocolate and is recommended to be taken within one hour post workout for maximum benefits. Garden of Life Sport has also launched some protein bars, featuring 20 grams of protein from plant sources. They are vegan, gluten free, and soy free. *For those concerned about the carbon footprint of importing whey from Ireland, please see the Truly Grass Fed website (at the bottom under Product Questions) where they say: “Ireland is one of the lowest emitters of carbon in Europe and the world for milk production, and [Ireland’s] grass-based dairy system means that Truly Grass Fed milk can be produced and shipped to the US at 1.26kg CO2e compared to the FAO’s figure for milk production on a US dairy farm of 1.8kg CO2e.”

Oregon Grape Root

Hopefully most people who live in Oregon are aware of the state flower. Beyond its symbolic status, however, Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium and Mahonia nervosa but also known as Berberis aquifolium and Berberis nervosa) is a time-honored, revered herbal medicine with many physiological actions benefiting multiple body systems. In times past it was considered one of the best blood purifiers, or alteratives, available. Its purifying properties aided treatment of everything from syphilis to jaundice; arthritis to cancer; anemia to constipation. We will explore some of the applications for this local favorite.

Liver Health

Oregon grape‘s beneficial compounds reside in the plant’s root. There are several alkaloids responsible for the plant’s actions; the most well-known is berberine, which is found also in goldenseal, but there are other compounds providing benefits. The liver and gallbladder are especially benefited by Oregon grape root. The blood cleansing and purifying action of the root improves chronic skin conditions such as eczema, acne, and psoriasis. It increases general liver metabolism and function, helpful in treating hepatitis and jaundice. Oregon grape promotes the gallbladder’s secretion of bile, thereby improving elimination of toxins. It has the ability to release stored iron from the liver, making it helpful for anemia. Any general liver cleanse will benefit from the overall organ and blood purifying properties of Oregon grape.

Psoriasis

The chronic skin condition psoriasis can be very difficult to treat successfully. Even in the 21st century the causes are not completely understood. Oregon grape root has anecdotal use dating from 1900 for severe psoriasis. Patients took an oral preparation of the herb and had almost 100% improvement in external signs (patches of dry, scaling, red skin). Since then Oregon grape tincture has been used orally to help ease psoriasis symptoms. More recently, clinical studies have proven the efficacy of this herb as a topical treatment. A randomized placebo-controlled study showed 36 percent of patients’ lesions treated with a 10 percent Oregon grape ointment improved or disappeared. Using oral preparations and topical Oregon grape together is considered to be the most effective combination due to the thick scaly skin in lesions being difficult for topical preparations to penetrate at adequate concentrations.

Stomach & More

Oregon grape and its constituents (likely the alkaloid berberine) have an affinity for the stomach and gastric mucosa. It appears that these compounds not only boost the immune system but also create a barrier to bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Conditions such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and gastroenteritis may be alleviated and improved. Oregon grape is a bitter digestive tonic, improving digestion and assimilation. It is said to promote general healthy function of the stomach and intestines. Normalization of digestion with regular use may be expected, relieving constipation, indigestion and other problems. The antibacterial properties of Oregon grape inhibit the ability of detrimental bacteria to adhere to the wall of the bladder and thereby may help to prevent and control urinary tract infections (UTIs). Other antimicrobial effects include antifungal action; it may inhibit Candida albicans. Recently supplements of the concentrated compound found in Oregon grape, berberine, have become available and are shown to be effective in maintaining healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels as well as aiding in weight loss. Evergreen Nutrition stocks several forms of Oregon grape: liquid extracts and capsules plus concentrated berberine products. We even have a flower essence from this versatile plant! Oregon grape flower essence helps to correct patterns of imbalance such as paranoid or defensive behavior, expecting hostility from others, and antagonistic projection. Its positive qualities include helping one to achieve loving inclusion of others, positive expectation of good will from others, and the ability to trust.

Methyl Folate

One of the most well-known B vitamins, endorsed by the FDA and included as a fortification in many foods, is folic acid. Due to this vitamin’s important role in neurological health the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has taken steps to fortify certain foods so that all women of childbearing age receive a daily dose of folic acid. The absence of folic acid in pregnancy increases the possibility of a neural tube defect (a defect in the development of the spinal cord). Aside from neurological health, this water-soluble vitamin has many integral functions in the body. Chemically speaking, folic acid is a complex vitamin. The terms folic acid and folate are actually generic terms for several different forms of pteroyl (poly)-glutamate(s) conjugates. However, without getting too technical, for the purposes of this newsletter the most important thing to know about this vitamin is that like all B vitamins, there are standard forms and coenzyme forms. The coenzyme forms are the “active” forms which are utilized by the body after conversion. In supplement form, ‘folic acid’ is the synthetic chemical form which has limited absorption. We will be talking about the preferred form of this chemical, Methyl Folate, also known as L-Methylfolate and (L) 5-MTHF. In essence, this is the “active form” and is the form in which folic acid is stored within the liver. There is a certain genetic condition which prevents some people from being able to convert folic acid to the active form in their bodies and thus supplementation with 5-MTHF would certainly be crucial for this portion of the population, as well as benefiting the general population.

Cardiovascular Benefits

Folic acid is involved in the formation of red blood cells and hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying portion of the blood. Deficiency of this nutrient may result in various anemias including Sickle-Cell Anemia. Many people are familiar with homocysteine, the toxic amino acid by-product of metabolism and normal aging in the body. This rogue substance, reams of research has shown, can be a major factor in the creation of strokes and heart attacks. Elevated homocysteine wreaks havoc on multiple cardiovascular levels, including increased risk of clotting, microscopic bleeding, atrial fibrillation, atherosclerosis, and ischemic heart disease. High homocysteine levels are caused in part by a deficiency in B vitamins. In particular, B-6, B-12 and folic acid have been shown to lower homocysteine levels and even reverse some of the damage caused by the high homocysteine. Here, the active forms of these vitamins are preferred. 5-MTHF is superior at raising serum folate levels, which in turn translates into lower homocysteine levels. In a study on healthy people, a low dose of folic acid (100 mcg per day) was compared to a low dose of 5-MTHF (113 mcg per day). After six months, the mean total homocysteine was reduced by 9.3% in the folic acid group, compared to a 14.6% reduction in the 5-MTHF group.

Brain/Nervous System Benefits

Homocysteine has also been shown to increase cognitive problems. Numerous studies have shown a clear link between high homocysteine levels and cognitive decline. People with high levels have a nearly 100% elevated risk of dementia over those with normal levels. One study of centenarians showed that individuals with normal cognitive function had lower homocysteine levels compared with those having dementia. Depression may occur as a result of folic acid deficiency, and supplemental folic acid may be an effective treatment for depression. Anxiety, confusion, poor memory, and poor concentration may be linked to deficiency. Insomnia and irritability may also be linked to deficiency.

Other Benefits

Folic acid (5-MTHF) may decrease insulin resistance. It increases HDL cholesterol levels and inhibits oxidation of LDL cholesterol as well as lowering it. Liver function is enhanced by folic acid and it may prevent fatty liver as well.

Supplements are a Good Option

Folic acid from dietary sources is not as well absorbed as supplements, and the best dietary sources such as dark green leafy vegetables will lose their stores when cooked since the vitamin is heat-sensitive. The liver stores up to six to nine months of folic acid as Methyl Folate. Methyl Folate supplements are available in dosages from 400 mcg up to very high dose 10 mg.

Introducing Annemarie Borlind Skincare

Evergreen Nutrition is pleased to announce the arrival of a new (to us) skincare line. Longtime skincare customers of ours will know that we have proudly carried Dr. Hauschka skincare and cosmetics for many years. We are excited to offer you another exquisite European skincare line with a long history of pioneering research and innovative products. Annemarie Borlind, based in Germany’s Black Forest, was founded in 1959 by Annemarie Linder. A trained beautician, Linder had produced and sold her own products in Germany before founding Borlind. Since then, with Linder remaining involved even into her youthfully glowing nineties, the company has been the recipient of numerous awards and recognition worldwide. In their words:

From the synergy of innovative research and a great respect for nature, ANNEMARIE BÖRLIND – Natural Beauty develops natural cosmetics products whose efficacy and skin-compatibility are scientifically confirmed by independent test institutes.

The company was one of the first to establish complete care systems for skin. In the seventies they introduced an anti-aging care system range to the market before that term or those kinds of products were popular. Now her flagship range, LL Regeneration is one of the care systems we have brought in. Along with this range we will also stock the Rose Dew line. All products are made in the Black Forest, featuring pure, soft, deep spring water. Plant extracts are certified organic or wild-harvested and are non-genetically modified. No mineral oils, paraffins, parabens or phthalates are used. Products are vegetarian or vegan. Beeswax is used in several products and is clearly stated. Borlind is committed to fair-trade projects throughout the world. Their commitment to research into botanical skincare innovations led them to introduce ceramides to the industry, and lately they launched a botanically-derived hyaluronic acid ingredient, unlike synthetic sodium hyaluronate.

The New Lines: Rose Dew

From Borlind again:

Age isn’t always the enemy. A host of causes – travel, climate changes, medications – can cause the skin to become dehydrated and uncomfortably taut. The gentle hydration of ROSE DEW Care Series is the perfect solution. Active ingredients from the world’s finest rose gardens and other essential plant extracts provide a soothing burst of hydration and stimulate the collagen-producing fibers that help skin cells retain more moisture. The result is soft, smooth, comfortable skin with just the right balance of hydration.

This line includes cleansing milk, toner, day cream and night cream. Borlind also describes skin benefiting from this line as having small creases.

The New Lines: LL Regeneration

LL Regeneration is the perfect system for skin requiring regeneration (mature skin). The natural substances promote regeneration and stimulate cell renewal for a visibly more lively and taut complexion. This line includes cleansing milk, toner (the tantalizingly-named Blossom Dew Gel), day cream, night cream and an eye wrinkle cream. Separate from these two ranges are a few more products, Facial Firming Gel and Orange Blossom Energizer, an oil-based serum. No synthetic scents or perfumes are used in any products. Essential oil constituents such as geraniol, and bisabolol (from chamomile) provide the scents of products and add their own therapeutic antioxidant, soothing and regenerating properties.

Happy, Healthy New Year!

VITAMIN D3 ENHANCES IMMUNITY

Vitamin D is an important immune enhancer that can protect us from influenza. Although our bodies can make VITAMIN D3 when our skin is exposed to sunlight, during winter insufficient UVB rays penetrate the atmosphere at northern latitudes. Also, there are few foods that naturally contain Vitamin D and only in small amounts. So supplementing with Vitamin D is a good idea for most of us and Vitamin D3, cholecalciferol, is the preferred form. The Vitamin D Council recommendations are higher than some other organizations because “smaller amounts aren’t enough to give you what your body needs.” Here are their daily recommendations: infants 1,000 IU, children 1,000 IU per 25 lbs. of body weight and adults 5,000 IU. For more information go to https://www.vitamindcouncil.org.

MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS

There are a wide variety of medicinal mushrooms that benefit immune response. STAMETS 7 from Host Defense in Olympia, Washington, is a combination of seven certified organic mushrooms that can be taken daily to increase immune cell numbers and activity. In addition, this combination helps us adapt to stress and when we are under stress our immune response weakens. SHIITAKE mushrooms stimulate the immune system’s production of interferons against Type A influenza. AGARIKON has been proven effective against a variety of flu virus strains including swine and bird flu.

PROTECT YOUR CHILDREN, TOO

Children are more vulnerable to illness, but you can safely help to keep them healthy. A whole-food MULTIVITAMIN is a good place to start. MegaFood, for instance, uses organic oranges for its VITAMIN C so your children get the antiviral activity of bioflavonoids, as well. VITAMIN D3 is very important (see above) and so are FISH OIL and PROBIOTICS. Since our friendly bacteria population changes as we grow older choose one that is age-appropriate and look for immune-boosting species like Lactobacillus rhamnosus, acidophilus and casei. L. casei is especially effective against influenza. In addition, these species, and several Bifido, are antibacterial so they can help protect against secondary infection. There are also some herbs that are safe for most children at appropriate doses. ASTRAGALUS helps to strengthen the immune system but should not be used when actually sick. Another popular (and tasty) herb is ELDERBERRY which can stop the spread of viruses by locking them out of our cells where they do their damage.

NASAL LAVAGE

By using a NETI POT you are helping your immune system to do its job. Literally wash germs away while hydrating nasal tissues — dry sinuses are more vulnerable to germs. We have hand-made ceramic neti pots from RED HOT CERAMICS in a variety of colors as well as neti salt and other additions for healthy sinuses.

MORE INFORMATION

See FLU FIGHTERS (Feb. 2013) for more ideas on beating influenza the natural way with respiratory support from UMCKA (Pelargonium sioides) as well as other herbs, nutrients and even SALT LAMPS. Check it out.

From Evergreen’s Archives January 2014

You Just Can’t Beat Beets!

There has never been a better time to eat the rich purple vegetable perhaps relegated to the side of your plate. It turns out that beets are ridiculously good for you, just like your mother insisted. Traditionally used as a blood tonic, encouraging healthy blood cell formation, as well as a cleansing tonic to the kidneys and liver, the uses herbalists long have known are borne out by recent research showing many additional benefits. The beet, or beetroot, (Beta vulgaris) is from the Goosefoot family. The distinctive deep red color derives from the glucoside pigment betalain. This compound is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and research indicates that it may exhibit anti-cancer activity. Nutritionally, beets contain high levels of folic acid, manganese, potassium, and iron; and the greens contain high levels of nutrients as well, so if you are buying whole beets do not discard them. They are a rich source of vitamins A, C, and K, and also have carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. The most compelling recent news involving beets is their rich store of naturally-occurring nitrates. These plant compounds in the body convert to the gas known as nitric oxide (NO). (Not to be confused with nitrous oxide or the harmful nitrites found in certain processed foods.) NO is normally produced in the body from the amino acid L-arginine, but dietary sources such as spinach, arugula, and beets are just as effective in their precursor abilities. One of NO’s main functions is to promote healthy dilation/relaxation of blood vessels thereby improving blood flow and also blood pressure. Improved blood flow results in increased oxygenation and transport of nutrients to tissues.

Cardiovascular/Blood Pressure Support

Many studies have been published demonstrating the ability of beets and nitrate-rich vegetables to lower blood pressure. A 2008 study published in the journal Hypertension found that in healthy volunteers 500 milliliters (16.9 ounces) of beet juice significantly lowered blood pressure after ingestion. Another study conducted in 2010 found similar results, concluding that drinking beetroot juice lowered blood pressure considerably on a dose-dependent basis. A study from Queen Mary University in London with 68 people with hypertension using three different techniques found a reduction in blood pressure in all subjects drinking a nitrate-rich beet juice. A separate study by the same research team found that the beet juice led to a 24% improvement in blood vessel flexibility and tone, as well as a slight decrease in blood clotting, another sign of improved cardiovascular health.

Exercise/Athletic Performance

Beets and beet juice are becoming extremely popular as sports performance products. Athletic performance, stamina, and endurance may be enhanced by the NO production beets induce. Enhanced blood flow and oxygen delivery may improve tolerance to physical exercise. Muscle contractile efficiency is improved as well. Reduced amounts of oxygen are needed to perform exercise and recovery may be hastened with less soreness. NO increases the rate that your body uses stored energy in the form of glucose, the richest source of available energy. Endurance is increased by virtue of more efficient oxygen flow through the blood to muscles, lungs, and heart.

Other Benefits

Researchers at Wake Forest University found that drinking juice from beets can improve oxygenation to the brain, slowing the progression of dementia in older adults. Blood flow to certain areas of the brain decreases with age and leads to a decline in cognition and possible dementia. Researchers concluded that consuming beetroot juice as part of a high nitrate diet can improve the blood flow and oxygenation to these areas that are lacking. Evergreen carries several beet products, including an organic freeze-dried powder, handy for addition to smoothies and blended drinks, and fermented beet in capsules, the fermentation reducing the naturally-occurring sugar content of the vegetable.    

Spring Cleaning

Traditionally, spring is a good time to give the house a deep cleaning. It is also a good time to do the same for your body. While many people think a colon cleanse is enough, the liver works hard every minute to break down and process toxins via Phase I and Phase II detoxification processes. At Evergreen Nutrition we recommend detoxifying all seven systems of elimination: bowel, liver, blood, lymphatic system, kidneys, lungs and skin. We have lots of great cleanses for a variety of needs — from beginner to advanced, as well as targeted — and some other tips for spring cleaning your body.

CLEANSE KITS ARE CONVENIENT

Renew Life’s FIRST CLEANSE is a 14-day program for people who have never cleansed before. It contains whole herbs which are more gentle on the body. If you want to step it up a bit, their CLEANSE SMART 30-day cleanse uses herbal extracts which are more intense. Magnesium hydroxide it also included because it draws water to the colon for ease of elimination. After an initial full-body cleanse, you may want to try a targeted cleanse for heavy metals, parasites or candida, for example. Garden of Life’s WILD ROSE HERBAL D-TOX is a 12-day cleanse developed by Dr. Terry Willard, Clinical Herbalist. It is not only an effective cleanse, but it comes with a list of foods to enhance the cleansing process. Many tasty recipies can be found online to make this cleanse more interesting and fun.

TARGETED CLEANSES

After an initial full-body cleanse, you may want to do a targeted cleanse such as a liver, kidney or bowel cleanse. Also available are a heavy metal cleanse and a smokers cleanse.

CLEANSING AT THE CELLULAR LEVEL

Our cells have bi-phasic detoxification ability similar to that of the liver and homeopathy has a role to play in aiding this detoxification process. Cell salts, or tissue salts, refer to twelve minerals that are necessary for cellular function. These homeopathic preparations are effective in miniscule amounts because they are used directly by the cells without the need for digestion. They nourish and energize the whole body from the cellular level. Cell salts have been used safely and effectively for over two hundred years. Cell salts are easy to use; simply dissolve the sweet-tasting tablets in the mouth or in water. CALC SULPH (Calcium sulphate) is a cleansing and purifying cell salt that acts as a blood purifier, helping the liver remove waste from the blood. It is also effective throughout the body, facilitating the removal of accumlated non-functional organic matter from the tissues. KALI MUR (Potassium chloride) is another blood cleanser and purifier. It can also be useful for exposure to electromagnetic radiation. It is particularly useful for sluggish conditions and works especially well with Calc. Sulph. Together they can be effective for acne and abcesses, to name a few.

OTHER CLEANSING TIPS

• Drink lots of pure water. A good rule of thumb is to take your weight in pounds and divide by two to get the amount of ounces of water you need daily. For example, 150 divided by 2 is 75, so a 150 pound person would need to drink 75 ounces of water each day to stay properly hydrated and keep the kidneys happy. More water is needed to compensate if you are perspiring heavily or drinking coffee, for example.

• Juicing is a good way to give the digestive tract and the liver a rest while getting lots of nutrients. If juicing is not your thing, you may want to try one of our excellent, nutrient-dense green food products. These greens are alkalizing and cleansing as well as nourishing.

• Exercise gets the lymph and circulation moving and increases perspiration, both of which aid in the elimination of waste products and toxins.

• Dry brushing with a natural bristle brush like Yerba Prima’s Tampico Skin Brush is another way to get the lymph and circulation moving.

• Castor oil packs can be helpful for people suffering from constipation.

• Eat clean food. Eat organic foods as much as possible to avoid exposure to pesticide and herbicide residue. This will also help cleanse the soil, air and water around us. For a list of fruits and veggies which are highly sprayed, check out the Environmental Working Group’s The Dirty Dozen.

HELP FOR PHASE I DETOXIFICATION

You can help your liver’s Phase I detoxification process easily by eating lots of broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and other sulfur-rich brassicas and by taking Vitamin C.

DRY BRUSH TECHNIQUE

Dry brushing takes only a few minutes but gives great benefits. Brush from the extremities towards the center. Start at the feet and move up the legs using smooth, gentle strokes. Brush from the hands up the arms toward the shoulders. Then brush across your upper back and down the front and back of the torso. Brush the entire surface of the skin except for the face and breasts. Remember: always use gentle strokes and work towards the center of the body to encourage lymph drainage.

WHO SHOULD CLEANSE?

Probably most of us, but some people have a greater toxic load than others. If you smoke, drink coffee or alcohol a cleanse is a good idea. If you eat a highly processed diet or consume refined sugar cleansing can be helpful. Also, people under a lot of stress may benefit from a full-body cleanse. Our bodies constantly accumulate waste from metabolic processes as well as toxins from food, the environment, cleaning products and body care products. Whether it’s the house or your body, springtime is a great time to deep clean.

20 ppm: Tiny Number, Big Impact

• Twenty parts per million is a very tiny number but it has a large impact on those who have Celiac Disease.

• The FDA states that in order for something to be labeled as gluten free it must contain under 20 parts per million of gluten.

• According to the National Institutes of Health 5-10% of the people in the world may have a sensitivity to gluten.

• Three million Americans have Celiac Disease.

• Ninety-seven percent of Americans estimated to have Celiac Disease do not know they have the disease.

• Thirty percent of the American poplulation is estimated to have the genes necessary for the expression of Celiac Disease.

• Sixty percent of children and 41% of adults with Celiac Disease have no symptoms.

• There are no drugs to treat Celiac Disease — the only treatment is complete avoidance of gluten.

• The average cost of misdiagnosis is high: $5,000-$12,000 per person per year.

• Untreated Celiac Disease can take 5 years off your life.

• When it comes to gluten and nutritional supplements a zero tolerance policy is critical.

• Evergreen stocks a large selection of gluten free supplements as well as health and beauty aids.

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