The Whole Food Blog

‘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.

High fiber foods that have FOS are important for a healthy diet. FOS is the recognized acronym for “fructooligosaccharide”. These are complex carbohydrates, or sugars that are naturally in high fiber foods such as barley, rye, chicory root, and onions. One great thing about fructooligosaccharide is that it helps the body assemble its’ own valuable bacteria in the digestive system. This is what is meant by a probiotic. It’s the opposite of an antibiotic, which not only eliminates the bad bacteria in the digestive system but might also damage some of the fortifying bacteria that you require.

FOS is worthwhile to assist in the assimilation of complex carbohydrates, making them longer lasting, which is great for giving the body more energy as well as blood sugar moderation and an overall decrease in sugar cravings. Fructooligosaccharide from high fiber foods can help lessen the occurrence of yeast infections, Candida, or bloating and provide a natural way to handle symptoms of constipation, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or lactose intolerance. Another thing to know about FOS is that it is being used in all natural, low calorie sweetener substitutes to take the place of artificial sweeteners and processed sugar.

How do you acquire FOS in your diet on a usual basis? Eat an ample amount of high fiber foods such as garlic, onions, and leeks. Unfortunately, these are not the kinds of foods that the normal person eats frequently enough to truly experience the benefits of fructooligosaccharide. Mercifully, with today’s innovative nutritional products there are ways to obtain this valuable substance without consuming so much bulk. Browse online for all natural high fiber foods and drinks that are made with fructooligosaccharide in the ingredients to enjoy the benefits of this important nutrient.

Thanks to modern technology, you don’t have to wolf down mass quantities of plants to realize the results that high fiber foods can provide for keeping your body running smoothly. It is possible now to discover natural fiber drinks in appetizing shakes that you can mix up with water or other liquids for soluble fiber, protein, complex carbohydrates and essential vitamins and minerals. Throw in a few frozen banana pieces or berries to mix with the powdered shakes and you are quickly on your way to the volume of high fiber foods recommended for a healthy diet each day.

It is of the essence to note that we are not referring to the processed, fake fiber drinks you find in the usual stores, but preferably, fiber drinksmade from real high fiber foods like fruits, vegetables and herbs, directly from nature. It is so straightforward now to locate these carefully created and powerfully charged fiber drinks that you do not need to shop every health food store or grocery store. You won’t find them there, but you will find them on the Internet at an online health food store. You have to step out of your comfort zone, change the way you think about nutrition and change the way you shop for high fiber foods.

Some people assume that juicing is the best way to take in fiber from fruits and vegetables. While juicing may have been good for Jack Lalane, it is not necessary today in order to consume a sufficient amount of high fiber foods. Most people find it difficult and regrettable to spend hours cleaning and preparing the piles of produce necessary for a meager glass of juice. Save time and money by searching the net for all natural high fiber foods and fiber drinks that are not sold in stores.

Calcium supplements and alkaline drinks contribute a variety of benefits to those focused on maintaining a healthy pH balance. However, it is exceptionally challenging for even the most health conscious person to obtain the recommended quantities of alkaline foods and acid forming foods each day. That recommended daily routine includes only 20% acid forming foods and 80% alkaline foods. While most people take in lots of acid foods without even trying, it takes true diligence to consume more alkaline foods. This reveals how calcium supplements and alkaline drinks can make a big difference.

How do calcium supplements assist the body in pH balance regulation? The human body is naturally in a slightly alkaline state, but as time goes by, becomes more and more acidic. When the intake of alkaline foods is not high enough to counteract acidity, then the body must take advantage of whatever calcium is on hand to preserve pH balance. Commonly, the next best source of something that is naturally alkaline is the calcium in your bones. It only makes sense, then, that calcium supplements will help preserve bone strength while also managing the pH balance of the blood for other issues.

What ingredients are in alkaline drinks? Since most fruits and vegetables register a pH balance that is alkaline, it becomes obvious that alkaline drinks made from plant-based whole foods are naturally chock full of alkaline based minerals, such as calcium.

By adding more whole food calcium supplements, alkaline drinks and alkaline foods to your daily diet, you will discover that your body responds favorably. Many people have enjoyed fewer aches and pains, better sleep and various other health benefits merely by addressing the issue of calcium deficiency with beneficial, whole food calcium supplements. For a long, healthy life, it is smart to prevent acid build up, add more alkalinity to the diet, and preserve a healthy pH balance.

Including both herbal supplements and calcium supplements in the diet can have extensive benefits. Whether the supplements help with sleeplessness or chronic fatigue, there are good reasons to include them in a daily regimen for health and wellness. With prudence and the desire for naturally healthy products, herbal supplements can deliver a natural alternative to lots of foods and medicines being sold today.

Herbal supplements and natural calcium supplements are a hot topic today with regards to fitness. Advertising propaganda abounds with claims that some supplements can cure everything from cancer to arthritis. In truth, though, herbal and calcium supplements have been used in many forms throughout history. Western medicine is now taking more seriously the benefits of herbs as optional treatments for an assortment of ailments.

There is plenty of evidence that many herbal supplements and especially calcium supplements do have well-documented effects, both good and bad. Because of the potential for certain ingredients to interact with pharmaceuticals, it is important to discuss any supplements being taken, including vitamins, when speaking with a doctor or pharmacist. Health conditions, including pregnancy, can be affected by anything ingested, so a medical professional should be a resource for figuring out which herbal supplements ought to be avoided and which ones are needed. For example, a health practitioner may recommend calcium supplements as part of a healthy pregnancy nutrition program, but there are supplements that can cause complications when undergoing medical procedures. Again, research and education are the main tools a consumer has when making decisions about their health.

The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine keeps a list of herbal supplements, calcium supplements, and alternative medicines that are currently under review, so double checking this resource helps the consumer avoid dubious choices.

With one of the most impressive production facilities in the world, an American company is going above and beyond what other health food manufacturers are doing to raise quality standards. These advanced processes have been put in place to make certain that the natural, plant based products they create are produced at the highest levels of safety and effectiveness for the consumer.

This U.S. company is raising the bar for the health food industry while producing over 415 natural, plant based products. Making use of ancient Chinese formulas combined with noteworthy technological advances, the company is led by Dr. Tei-Fu Chen. He and his wife, Dr. Oi-Lin Chen, M.D., formed Sunrider in Utah in 1982. Today, with international headquarters in Los Angeles, California, Sunrider’s technologically advanced U.S. manufacturing facility boasts an unrivaled 1 million square feet of space. Touring the facility, one realizes the attention to cleanliness, safety, and every minor detail that goes into the entire production process.

In his newest manufacturing facility, Dr. Chen has made it a priority to do away with toxic, heavy metals, such as mercury and radiation from the raw herbs that Sunrider uses. His manufacturing processes extend far beyond what most health food companies adhere to for testing of undesirable microbes and heavy metals in their raw ingredients. No other health food manufacturer in the world is taking the giant steps that this company is to ensure that their products are safe and powerful. In truth, many health food companies do not even manufacture their own products, but subcontract that job to a third party. This explains why Sunrider is planning for the next 30 years as an American success story in the health food industry.

Although consuming more alkaline foods than acid foods has an immediate and long lasting impact on the body, alkaline water may, at best, generate only partial short term rewards.

Alkaline foods are important to assist the body in mineral management. In order to neutralize acid intake, the body naturally leeches calcium along with other alkaline elements from bones and tissues. It is always a good idea to avoid deficiencies in these important minerals from an overly acidic diet.

Alkaline foods are full of minerals that create an alkaline ash in the bloodstream as soon as they are metabolized. Acid foods leave an acid ash. Prior to absorption, though, alkaline water mixes with the stomach juices, which are naturally acidic. Interfering with these stomach acids may perhaps produce more harm than good. The research points to a short term elimination of damaging bacteria in the gut, but beyond that, alkaline water is suspect as a health product with any long term benefits. Alkaline foods, on the other hand, make good minerals bio-available for the entire body.

3 Reasons to invest in alkaline foods, NOT alkaline water:

1. Limited Benefits – Some alkaline water users report short term improvements as harmful bacteria in the gut are alkalized. However, the reports of long term usage and gain are hard to come by. On the contrary, there are growing reports of individuals with digestive problems from an overabundance of alkalinity in the stomach.

2. Expense – For the cost of an alkaline water machine, you could have enough money for the healthiest alkaline foods and drinks on the planet for years and receive much better long term results. See my Daily Healthy Food Plan.

3. More Harm than Good – Some alkaline water users have reported gastrointestinal problems after prolonged use. This could be due to the disruption of the natural digestive processes when alkaline water is introduced. Your digestive juices are intended to be acidic. It is much more prudent to rely on alkaline foods that function in concert with the body’s natural processes.

Some respected experts back up these claims about alkaline water:

Chemist

http://www.chem1.com/CQ/ionbunk.html

Dr. Andrew Weil

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA98873/Does-Alkaline-Water-Promote-Health.html

Mayo Clinic

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/alkaline-water/AN01800

It is quite clear that choosing healthy snacks for kids can provide substantial advantages throughout life. Foremost, there is the subject of obesity. This disease has become an epidemic, with children suffering more than their parents in some cases. Diseases such as diabetes are running rampant, and it has become obvious that the culprits are poor nutrition combined with a lack of exercise. Making the switch to healthy snacks when they are at an early age can help teenagers avoid much of the emotional, physical, and financial pain that accompanies obesity-related problems. Just by making superior nutritional choices, including healthy snacks for kids, adults can help lead the next generation on a healthier course.

The costs of obesity and obesity-related illnesses are through the ceiling, so spending a little more on healthy snacks for kids can be warranted. Not only does obesity set up a mountainous monetary burden on both families and society, but the emotional harm is hard to measure. Parents are outliving their children. Kids are now having to deal with diseases that used to be only associated with senior citizens. Too many teens have to cope with self esteem issues stemming from excess weight. Adults have the ability to stop so much of this, but it takes dedication and tenacity. A simple method is to simply replace unhealthy treats in the house with healthy snacks for kids and adults. This alone can have a significant impact on the number of calories consumed each day. Then, more dramatic lifestyle changes can effortlessly follow.

It seems that parents repeatedly end up fighting with their children about choosing healthy snacks for kids rather than highly processed, sugary, sodium filled, chemical concoctions, but it does not need to be that way. If parents choose only healthy snacks when the children are young enough, the kids grow up with little or no idea what they’re “missing” and when they are mature enough to make their own choices, they will already be conditioned to select healthy foods. When the kids are older, it can be more problematic to make the switch, but there are now plenty of excellent choices on the Internet. Let the young ones get involved with buying healthy snacks for kids online and they may possibly decide that this is something they truly want to continue into adulthood.

In order to keep the body’s pH balance in check, it is necessary to eat a diet that includes the proper proportions of alkaline foods and acid foods. A good guideline is to ensure that 75-80% of the foods and drinks you opt for are referred to as alkaline. Because most processed foods, as well as meats and grains, are characteristically acidic, this means making sure you get a decent supply of alkaline foods each day.

As with almost any food-related subject, the primary theme to proper nutrition is balance. Choosing a healthy balance of alkaline foods and acid foods will keep the body in its best functioning condition. Human blood practically always registers between 7.35 and 7.45 on the pH balance scale. Therefore it is slightly alkaline, since 7 is known to be neutral.

Understand that simply testing an item with litmus paper is not the surest way to measure how it actually affects the body. Alkaline foods are not always that way before they are metabolized. Rather, they are categorized by the kind of ash left behind after they are burned for fuel. A terrific example of this is lemons. When a lemon is cut open, it appears to be acidic. As soon as it is digested, however, a lemon actually helps establish an alkaline environment in the body. Typically, fruits and vegetables are the best choices for alkaline foods.

It is helpful to get hold of a resource you trust and simply look up the food in question. It is smart to find or create a chart that can be displayed on the front of the refrigerator. Then, when you are cooking, you can see the specific items and establish if they are alkaline foods or acid foods to help you maintain a healthy pH balance.