The Whole Food Blog

The significance of live enzymes, in particular in nutrition for athletes, cannot be overinflated to guarantee that the body is functioning at an optimal level. While searching online for the best nutrition for athletes, keep in mind that live enzymes are not nutrients equal to vitamins and minerals. They are catalysts, which appear as biochemical agents joining two compounds so they can react with each other, while the enzyme itself remains intact.

Live enzymes are not vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats or protein, but they generate the chemical reactions that put those nutrients to work in the body. While there are 1,300 unique variations of live enzymes that help the body perform properly, the most recognizable are digestive enzymes. Equally integral are metabolic enzymes that are critical to nutrition for athletes designed for burning fat and generating energy.

If your body does not have a sufficient amount of live enzymes, the organs switch functions. The liver and the pancreas are diverted from constructing metabolic enzymes, so tasks like converting fat into energy are given a lower priority. Live enzymes help supply essential nutrition for athletes to most efficiently burn fat and generate energy.

Fortunately, live enzymes are now plentiful in concentrated whole foods that provide perfectly natural nutrition for athletes. To get the right digestive juices that shift nutrients into energy, scour the Internet for online health food stores that suggest nutrition for athletes with live enzymes from whole foods. Search for natural whole foods and health drinks that are produced with real fruits and herbs. Filled with strong antioxidants that can be naturally assimilated by the body, these formulas produce a vigorous regenerating effect on the liver and pancreas, as well as the adrenals, reproductive glands, nervous system and kidneys.

Feeding the body nutrition for athletes with live enzymes helps it to assimilate valuable nutrients more successfully and perform better over the long haul.

The perfect alkaline health drinks contain real whole foods as ingredients. These ingredients are infinitely different from all the multi-colored dyes, “natural flavors”, isolated vitamins and dangerous sweeteners found in many of the artificially enhanced energy drinks, vitamin waters and sports drinks being sold today.

Alkaline health drinks that are created with natural, whole food ingredients are advantageous for pH balance while most vitamin waters, sports drinks, and energy drinks are acid forming and contribute to pH imbalances in the body.

Even though alkaline health drinks are not as familiar as vitamin waters, sports drinks, and caffeine laced energy drinks, there are natural health drinks manufactured with water, real fruit juice extracts and alkaline based herbal ingredients that typical consumers do not recognize. Looking beyond the nutrition fact labels, we discover the fact that these natural plant ingredients contain high quality nutrients found in whole foods, including live enzymes and powerful antioxidants. When carefully processed at lower temperatures, live enzymes in whole foods make it easier for the body to absorb valuable nutrients into the cells.

Ingredients in energy drinks, vitamin waters and sports drinks usually include things like water, “natural flavors”, sucralose, synthetic, isolated vitamins and other man-made artificial nutrients. So, along with the lifeless, demineralized water, they include a chemically processed sweetener, mysterious natural flavors and artificially created vitamins that the body does not recognize as real nutrients from whole foods. There are no real strawberries, peaches or other fruit. Even if there are any whole food ingredients, typically high temperatures used in processing are likely to destroy any live enzymes. Without those crucial plant enzymes the body cannot easily put to use the available nutrients. So, very few of the isolated vitamins in energy drinks, sports drinks, and “enhanced” vitamin waters are actually usable by the body for energy.

When the smokescreen of advertising hype has been lifted, it is easy to quickly learn why naturally alkaline health drinks are far more effective than all those multi colored vitamin waters, caffeine laced energy drinks and junk food sports drinks.

There are multiple beneficial reasons to consume natural health drinks instead of sodas, sugary vitamin waters or caffeine boosted energy drinks. First and foremost, sugar wreaks havoc on the body. An overabundance of sugar contributes to obesity, suppresses the immune system, and can unsettle the body’s mineral balance. Sugar can lead to arthritis and speeds the aging process. Also, large quantities of sugar in soft drinks, energy drinks and vitamin waters motivates the pancreas to create excess insulin, which can lead to low energy and potential diabetes.

Natural health drinks propel the level of fitness for most people. Soft drinks, energy drinks and vitamin waters are especially acidic, leading to a pH imbalance in the body. Humans should ingest 60-80% alkaline foods and only 20%-40% acid foods for good pH balance. An inappropriate balance of acid to alkaline foods causes the body to break down faster as it pulls calcium from bones in order to retain the correct pH balance. Natural health drinks, on the other hand, are mostly alkaline by nature, which leads to greater bone density and slower aging processes.

Sugary soft drinks, chemically produced vitamin waters and caffeinated energy drinks truly deprive the body of some of the health benefits of drinking water. All the phosphates, sugar, caffeine and artificial ingredients require extra water for proper assimilation. When the body does not take in an adequate amount of water with vital nutrients then it experiences cellular dehydration, which in turn leads to rapid aging.

So, consumers who are ingesting soft drinks, caffeinated energy drinks and sugary vitamin waters are truly walking around dehydrated while aging faster. On the other hand, people who choose natural health drinks that contain crucial nutrients from whole foods such as fruits and herbs are enjoying the loads of health benefits of drinking water in addition to the multiple benefits of consuming phytonutrients (from nature) in their water.

Liquid Stevia sweetener is a smart alternative for those who want natural foods with flavor and wholesome rewards. Among the reasons that liquid Stevia sweetener has ended up in the spotlight is the continuous flow of reports that surface regarding artificial sweeteners like aspartame and saccharin.

One of the most advantageous characteristics of liquid Stevia sweetener is that it comes from sources considered to be healthy, natural foods. Actually, it is derived from the Stevia plant, part of the Chrysanthemum family and similar to lettuce.

In addition to being 100% natural, liquid Stevia sweetener is zero calorie. It is often recommended for many diabetics. This is because Stevia does not interfere with blood sugar levels in the same way that sugar does.

Based in the USA, Sunrider, led by Dr. Tei-Fu Chen in 1995 effectively petitioned the FDA to permit the application of liquid Stevia sweetener as a dietary supplement in America. More recently, certain forms of Stevia have been authorized as a food additive, so major food and beverage makers are lining up to begin putting Stevia in a wide array of products that may or may not end up as totally natural foods and drinks.

Also, it is important to note that many powder forms of Stevia are processed with chlorine and other chemicals.  Liquid Stevia sweetener, however,  is likely to be in the natural food form, making it more easily assimilated by the body.  Plus, many consumers report that liquid Stevia sweetener tastes better than the powdered versions.

Green tea is perhaps the most well documented of all the herbal tea varieties. With a wide portfolio of scientific studies to confirm the experience of users over thousands of years, sources ranging from The Journal of the National Cancer Institute to the Mayo Clinic have discovered phenomenal benefits to green tea and its components. In addition to potentially preventing cancer, green tea has also been credited with lowering the dangers for heart disease, decreasing symptoms of arthritis, preventing tooth decay, and promoting natural weight loss.

Green tea is typically made from the Camellia sinensis bush, but herbal tea commonly contains added components, including leaves, roots, stems, and even the flowers of various plants. It is feasible to make “tea” that doesn’t utilize Camellia sinensis at all, although this would more accurately be referred to as an “herbal infusion” or “tisane” rather than a green tea or herbal tea.

Herbal tea is taken medicinally for a variety of conditions. An upset stomach can be calmed by a cup of peppermint tea. Insomnia can often be conquered with a cup of chamomile tea. It is also accepted wisdom that some forms of herbal tea, green tea among them, have the power to prevent cancer. Just the act of brewing and drinking a cup of herbal tea can be consoling, as the aromas delight the drinker and the warm liquid soothes the throat.

For an even bigger boost from herbal tea, look for those that include alkaline food grade herbs. Do a Google search for green tea plus alkaline herbs to discover the healthiest tea you can possibly buy.

Normally more healthful than refined foods, natural foods may or may not be whole foods, but they unquestionably do not contain ingredients such as modified corn starch, refined grains, isolated vitamins and minerals, processed sugars, and hydrogenated oils. Proponents of natural foods reason that all those refined ingredients in products on so many store shelves today cultivate risks of obesity, diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.

A diet focused on whole foods, such as raw fruits and veggies, has multiple health advantages. Natural foods are often rich in phytochemicals,which are powerful nutrients from plants, like bioflavonoids. Compared with processed foods, whole foods contain natural antioxidants that the body knows how to use efficiently, along with complex carbohydrates, protein, fats, and other critical nutrients. Plus, natural foods are frequently associated with more fiber that supplies additional health benefits.

In this face paced world, not many people have time to prepare or consume an adequate amount of whole foods to assure they are ingesting all the daily nutritional requirements that their bodies need. It is possible to preserve nutrients from natural foods, like fruits and vegetables, and design them for quick and easy consumption in their whole food form. However, it’s challenging to find manufacturers that are willing to take the necessary steps and even more tough to unearth consumers willing to pay the price for natural foods prepared in this way.

The combinations of nutrients in whole foods act synergistically to help the human body to function the way it was created. So, when you are shopping for healthy foods that are quick and easy to prepare, check the labels intently to avoid an overabundance of imitation ingredients. Do a Google search on concentrated natural foods not sold in stores. You will be rewarded with an abundance of wellness.

In the 21st Century, including more genuine all natural foods and high fiber foods in your diet is wise and helps you to steer clear of mysteriously processed foods that contribute to various health challenges. When you watch what you eat, your self-awareness and self esteem increases. Then, you learn that it’s easier to manage a healthy weight, spark more energy and develop a happier, healthier lifestyle.

As you stick with a diet of true all natural foods and high fiber foods, your digestive system organically works to break down the nutrients using the proper level of energy, without tricking the body. Foods that are full of various additives may take longer to digest. Those nutritionally lacking foods on most grocery store shelves repeatedly compel the body to work harder in order to metabolize the additives. This can drain vital energy, making you feel lazy and depleted. All natural foods impart the body with more usable fuel and high fiber foods help your digestive system function more efficiently. Your body likes that, so it rewards you with health and happiness.

By consuming more high fiber foods, in particular all natural foods such as fruits and vegetables, your body becomes healthier. Various studies have revealed that this kind of solid nutrition lowers your risks of contracting life-threatening diseases. You become far less anxious of getting sick and your brain lets your body know that. Often, it’s the stress created from thinking you may contract an illness that actually contributes to the onset of a collapse in the immune system.

Consume a greater quantity of real, all natural foods and high fiber foods to prevent disturbances in your body, and avoid ingredients like hydrogenated oils, trans fats, artificial colors, flavorings and sweeteners.

For perfect pregnancy nutrition, hopeful mothers are wise to investigate supplementing their diet with whole food vitamins to be certain they are getting suitable nutrients.

Whole food vitamins include ingredients from a wide array of naturally occurring sources, such as the obvious fruits and veggies, plus fish, and even bovine sources. Because the body recognizes these compounds, as opposed to fake or isolated vitamins, it knows how to utilize them efficiently as perfect pregnancy nutrition. In the case of vitamins that have been isolated from their whole foods or even formed in the lab, as much as 90% of their nutrients bypass straight through the body with no effective benefits.

The finest whole food vitamins and supplements for pregnancy nutrition are made up of ingredients from a vast array of natural sources. Some are extracted from beets, alfalfa, and bee pollen, for example. Their whole food structure remains intact, allowing the body to recognize and quickly utilize the essential nutrients in the food. Other sources range from Chinese herbs and fish oil to less evident candidates like fossilized coral. Believe it or not, fossilized coral can provide the right sort of calcium supplements that are such an integral piece of pregnancy nutrition.

Because the whole food vitamins suggested for pregnancy nutrition also include live enzymes, they allow even greater absorption and utilization by the body. These enzymes help to break down the nutrients, which include antioxidants, in order to be absorbed by the cells that manipulate them for suitable performance.

Adding supplements like whole food vitamins to a pregnancy nutrition outline allows expectant mothers to obtain some of those essential compounds that are lacking in many of today’s overly processed foods.

‘Whole foods’ is not just the name of a grocery store chain, but an essential part of any healthy diet. This explains what they are, why you need them, and how to obtain them.

Whole foods are often thought of as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, herbs, and legumes.

Whole grains are a wholesome choice for whole foods as they are among the ultimate defenders against disease. One reason for this is their capacity to slow digestion, consequently more nutrients are absorbed for use by the body. All through the digestive process they cause changes within the intestine which allows helpful bacteria production, creating a more robust immune system. Whole grains also are made up of phytoestrogens and other phytochemicals which are known to break down carcinogens.

Research has shown that the human body can distinguish the discrepancies between whole and fragmented foods, even if the ‘missing’ nutrients are consumed separately as supplements, and will benefit more from whole foods. This is why it is essential for a healthy diet to be made up of a minimum of 70% whole foods, allowing for the healthiest absorption of valuable nutrients.

A contemporary way to realize this 70% mark is to add concentrated whole foods and power packed juices to your daily regimen. Concentrated formulas make it possible to obtain more valuable nutrients in fewer calories, requiring less time and effort.

Running an online health food store, I am always searching for the most ideal whole foods and health drinks. During one of the slowest shopping seasons of the year I decided it was safe to go to the mall. It was effortless to park right in front of the most gigantic health food store I had ever seen.

Since I had some time to spare, I started comparing ingredient labels with those at our online health food store to uncover the secret nutrients hidden in all those sexy vitamin waters and so-called health drinks. As opposed to natural health drinks at an online health food store, this giant health food store promotes those candy-colored, enhanced vitamin waters. The pretty, colored bottles were everywhere, attracting customers with flashy colors, bargain prices, and the desire for health drinks that really taste good. It is unfortunate that these drinks are not much better than other convenience store products.

For starters, the crystalline fructose (concentrated sugar) content in this particular vitamin water generated an unpleasant taste right away and the inescapable feeling that this was not healthy. Of course, if your body could actually absorb the isolated vitamins this water is enhanced with, you might be able to justify the expense. However, isolated vitamins that are not attached to whole foods typically break down before the body can use them for fuel.

These are a few of the other ingredients I found on the labels that I make sure we steer clear of when advertising whole foods and health drinks for our online health food store: excess sugars, artificial sweetener, high fructose corn syrup, and modified corn starch. I also choose to steer away from “isolated” protein drinks. The body has a hard time digesting most protein drinks because they are typically made from “isolated” protein, which causes obstructions in the lymphatic system.

These are just a few of the things I try to avoid in my constant pursuit for whole foods and health drinks that are truly beneficial. For now, while you are on the Internet, look for whole foods and health drinks at an online health food store.