VitaBlog The Vitacost Blog: Views and News on Vitamins, Supplements and Herbs

Mangosteen: Another Member of the Superfruit Family

Mango who, you may be questioning? Mangosteens are tropical fruits that grow on an evergreen tree found in Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines. It is a hard-to-grow fruit that requires very specific conditions to thrive: warm temperatures, high humidity and large amounts of precipitation. The mangosteen is also called the "Queen's fruit” because Queen Victoria offered a large reward to the person who was able to bring her edible mangosteen. The reward was never claimed, due to the rareness of the fruit.

The mangosteen skin is soft, easy to break apart and dark purple in color. The flesh of the fruit is white, and in sections like an orange with up to 8 segments and 5 seeds. The mangosteen is sweet and tangy in flavor, reminiscent of a peach or mango. Mangosteen contains 40 different xanthones, compounds found to have strong antioxidant properties. They are a good source of important vitamins (B1, B2, B6 and C) and minerals (calcium, iron and potassium). Mangosteens provide powerful antioxidant protection from free radicals, unstable molecules that attack healthy cells, strengthen cardiovascular health, boost immunity and encourage healthy respiration.  They support restful sleep, enhance mood, help regulate appetite and encourage healthy aging by maintaining skin, vision, gum and bone health.

Organic Certified Mangosteen 100% Pure Juice is delicious and full of vitamins and nutrients.  Each two-tablespoon serving can be taken directly, or added to your favorite beverage or smoothie. Boost your energy level and overall health with mangosteen juice!
 

Going Green Part 2

In a perfect world, we would purchase all organic fruits and veggies, but it can get expensive! You may be wondering which fruits and vegetables are most important to buy. Below is a list of organic produce that you should definitely pay more for, based on USDA Consumer Reports:

• Nectarines – 97.3% of nectarines sampled were found to contain pesticides.
• Celery – 94.5% of celery sampled was found to contain pesticides.
• Pears – 94.4% of pears sampled were found to contain pesticides.
• Peaches – 93.7% of peaches sampled were found to contain pesticides.
• Apples – 91% of apples sampled were found to contain pesticides.
• Cherries – 91% of cherries sampled were found to contain pesticides.
• Strawberries – 90% of strawberries sampled were found to contain pesticides.
• Imported Grapes – 86% of imported grapes (i.e. from Chile) sampled were found to contain pesticides.
• Spinach – 83.4% of spinach sampled were found to contain pesticides.
• Potatoes – 79.3% of potatoes sampled were found to contain pesticides.
• Bell Peppers – 68% of bell peppers sampled were found to contain pesticides.
• Red Raspberries – 59% of red raspberries sampled were found to contain pesticides.

Fruits and vegetables that have thick, inedible skins often contain the least pesticides. Bananas, avocados, asparagus, broccoli, corn, onions, pineapple and cauliflower are examples of these types of produce. So when choosing which food products to buy organic, keep this list in mind! Remember, an (organic) apple a day keeps the doctor away!

Organic Coffee: Better for Our Bodies and Mother Earth

Coffee is the world’s second most-valuable traded commodity (petroleum is number one). As a coffee and earth lover, I feel that it is important to buy coffee that is grown using methods that do not harm the environment. Organic coffee is grown without the use of pesticides or chemicals. Processes employed by organic coffee farmers include shade growth, recycling, water conservation and composting.

Did you know that over 27 million acres of the world’s farmland is used for coffee crops?
It is important to buy organic coffee because it helps sustain our natural resources, as well as keep our bodies free of harmful chemicals and synthetic pesticides. It is important to by organic coffee certified organic by QAI (Quality Assurance International), which ensures that rigid quality control standards for organic production are met.

Jim’s Organic Coffees are QAI certified organic, shade grown, kosher and roasted in a 100% renewable energy plant. They are available in a variety of flavors, as well as decaffeinated blends. Try Jim’s organic coffee…you can enjoy a mouth-watering cup of coffee and feel great about helping the environment at the same time!

The Benefits of Brown Rice

Did you know that the milling and polishing process that converts brown rice into white rice destroys 67% of the vitamin B3, 80% of the vitamin B1, 90% of the vitamin B6, half of the manganese, half of the phosphorus, 60% of the iron, and all of the dietary fiber and essential fatty acids? Fully milled and polished white rice is required by the FDA to be "enriched" with vitamins B1, B3 and iron. But the form of these nutrients, when added back into the processed white rice, is not the same as in the original version, and at least 11 nutrients are not replaced in any form. So why not just eat brown rice instead of white?

Brown rice is an easily digested whole grain that provides the body with 88% of the daily value for manganese, an important antioxidant for nervous system functioning. Brown rice is also rich in fiber, calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, selenium and phytonutrients such as plant lignans.

There are brown rice pastas available that will deliver the same nutritional punch as brown rice. Many are gluten and wheat free, and made from 100% quality, unprocessed brown rice. Tinkyada Brown Rice Pastas come in many styles, including fettuccine, elbow noodle, spinach, angel hair, and regular spaghetti noodles. They taste delicious and are a great addition to any healthy meal. Take advantage of the benefits of brown rice!

Walnuts to the Rescue!

Move over almonds, there is another nut that is full of nutritious properties and can help control hunger and support healthy weight management. Walnuts are an amazing natural source of protein and fiber, and are loaded with vital nutrients including vitamin B, vitamin E, magnesium and potassium. In addition, walnuts contain high amounts of omega-3 essential fatty acids, “good fats” your body needs to be its best. And most importantly, they taste delicious!

What are some of the health benefits from eating walnuts, you may ask? Walnuts provide an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, healthy fats that support the body’s normal inflammatory response, promote cardiovascular strength and boost overall cognitive function. They contain ellagic acid, a powerful antioxidant that helps fortify the immune system and strengthen cellular function. Walnuts supply beneficial amounts of L-arginine, an amino acid that helps the body produce nitric oxide, a compound that promotes healthy blood pressure already within normal range by boosting circulation and blood flow.   

My favorite brand of walnuts to snack on is Best of All Organic Walnuts, which come in a convenient, resealable package so you can snack healthy anytime, anywhere! Certified organic and kosher, Best of All Organic Walnuts provide a healthy alternative to over-processed, salt-laden snacks that have zero nutritional value.

Outstanding Oatmeal!

When I was a child, my mother made me a bowl of old-fashioned oatmeal almost every day before I headed off to school. She believed that it would not only keep away hunger, but help me focus on my schoolwork. Well, mom was right! Oatmeal is full of nutrients, vitamins and whole grains…

The benefits of eating oatmeal include:
• Great source of soluble and insoluble fiber- soluble fiber, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, is believed to reduce the risk of heart disease
• Full of phyto chemicals that help fortify your body’s defenses against the damage caused by free radicals
• Good source of vitamin E, zinc, copper, magnesium, iron, selenium and manganese that promote immunity and cardiovascular health.
• High in protein that helps to sustain energy levels

My favorite brand of oatmeal is Bob's Red Mill Whole Grain Oats. Many types of Bob’s oatmeal products are available, including gluten free, organic, instant, thick, regular, and quick cooking. They are convenient, low cost, and taste great with honey and low-fat milk. So put down the cold bran flakes…eat a hot bowl of oatmeal every morning to keep you feeling great!

Foods that Boost Your Immune System

One of the easiest ways to stay healthy this cold season is to eat a healthy diet. Every day, new studies prove that eating the right foods regularly can help reduce the risk of disease, increase energy and vitality. Here are 10 nutrient-packed “super foods” that should be included on your weekly grocery list.

• Broccoli: it is full of the phytochemical sulforaphane, and beta-carotene, which are believed to fight disease and are good for the eyes and the immune system. Broccoli  is also full of fiber and vitamin C.

• Blueberries: they possess one of the highest antioxidant capacities (the ability to combat cell-damaging free radicals.) They are also believed to promote urinary tract health.

• Flax:  a great source of both soluble and insoluble fiber (which makes it a natural laxative.) Flax also contains plant lignans and omega-3 fatty acids, which enhance immune system functioning.

• Garlic: since ancient times, physicians have used the “stinking rose” to treat health conditions. It contains allicin, a phytochemical that may promote healthy cholesterol levels and circulatory system functioning.

• Green tea: it is loaded with powerful antioxidants, which may protect against cell damage that leads to aging. It contains a polyphenol known as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) which is believed to protect healthy cells from free radical damage.

• Skim milk: full of calcium which promotes healthy, strong bones. It is also a rich protein source which enhances energy levels.

• Salmon: fresh or canned salmon is one of the best sources of the celebrated Omega-3 fatty acids, which promotes heart health.  Studies have also shown that Omega-3 may have the ability to improve natural inflammatory response and regulate mood.

• Soy: full of plant- based protein and low in saturated fat also contain phytoestrogens that are believed to support healthy cholesterol levels already within the normal range and boost immune system functioning.

• Spinach: this leafy green is also one of the best sources of lutein, an antioxidant that benefits eye, skin and cardiovascular health.

• Tomatoes: are full of lycopene, a potent antioxidant and the pigment that makes tomatoes red. 

Not only do these foods taste great, they will help you stay healthy this cold season!

Seeds and Nuts: A Dieter’s Dream

I love to snack. Cookies, chips, pretzels… I adore them all. As I get older and my metabolism slows down, I realize that I need to find healthier snack options that will satisfy my hunger without increasing my waistline. So what are my options-other than bland, boring rice cakes?

I discovered that snacking on seeds and nuts satisfies my appetite and has many nutritional benefits. Sunflower seeds taste delicious and are a great source of vitamin E. Vitamin E is an important antioxidant that promotes a healthy circulatory system and guards against the effects of free radicals that may cause cellular damage. Sunflower seeds are also full of fiber, protein and carbohydrates, making them a great snack before exercising.

Another of my favorite snacks, full of protein and fiber, are raw almonds. They are rich in vitamin B2, vitamin E, copper, manganese, magnesium and phosphorus. Almonds contain naturally occurring monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fat, the “good fats” necessary to maintain overall health. The high amounts of magnesium and potassium naturally found in almonds help to support cardiovascular health and promote healthy blood sugar levels. Best of all, almonds leave you feeling full and satisfied. So throw away those salty snacks…go nutty!

Sensational Shakes that are Nutritious Too!

I love a rich chocolate milkshake. Although I do not believe in dieting, there are times when I do not have time to eat a balanced meal and need something quick, easy and full of nutrients. I have discovered Walker Low Carb Shake Mixes which come in delicious flavors, including vanilla, banana crème, chocolate, strawberry and cappuccino.

These multifunctional, low-carb shakes are effective meal replacements that contain no artificial ingredients or preservatives, and less than 175 calories or less per serving. Walker’s Low Carb Shake Mixes are loaded with 600 mg of glutamine peptides, which help control your sugar and carbohydrate cravings.

The shakes feature a protein-rich Proleic Blend, which helps to build and preserve lean muscle tone. These shakes are also incredibly fiber-rich, and actually contain more fiber than many breakfast cereals! They are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins and nutrients that will supply you with energy all day long.  Put that fast-food cheeseburger down…. and drink a Walker Shake instead!

Pass the Coconut Oil!

Did you know that the coconut palm is also referred to as “The Tree of Life” because coconuts are recognized as one of the world’s most nourishing foods? In the past, coconut oil was given a bad reputation because of its high level of saturated fats, but recent research has established that not all saturated fats are alike. Coconut oil is made up of a very important saturated fat, lauric acid, which is responsible for building healthy immune systems. Breast milk is the only other food source available that has more lauric acid than coconut oil.

Coconut oil contains fewer calories than other oils and its fat content is easily converted into energy. The health benefits of coconut oil are many: building healthy hair and skin, stress relief, maintaining cholesterol levels already within normal range, weight management, promoting healthy digestion and metabolism, and maintaining healthy blood pressure.

Nutritionists suggest enjoying up to 3 tablespoons of extra virgin coconut oil each day. Nutiva Extra Virgin Certified Organic Coconut Oil is ideal for high-heat cooking, and tastes great on bread, popcorn and vegetables. It can also be used as a massage oil and moisturizing skin lotion.  So make the switch to coconut oil…enjoy the smell and taste of the tropics!