Nurturing Health nutrition that works
™
November – December
2020 • Volume
C A N A DA
10 Edition 6
Cocoa – food of the gods What food has been consumed by humans for 5,000 years, has been so highly prized that it has been used as currency and for paying taxes,1 and has the botanical Latin name- Theobroma- that translates as “food of the gods”?2, 3 Cocoa! This amazing bean is the seed of the cacao tree, a tropical plant that is indigenous to the equatorial regions of South America. According to Mayan legends, its cultivation 3,000 years ago was initiated either by the “demigod” king Hun-Apu or one of fabled Mayan Twins, Hunahpu.1 Its spread across the world began with Christopher Columbus, and it is now grown on every continent except Europe and Antarctica, with about two-thirds of it being produced in West Africa.4 Many of our favourite indulgences, such as chocolate, wouldn’t exist without the cocoa bean (cacao is the name of the tree), but did you know when presented in the right form – that is, when not just a tiny component of a sugary confection – cocoa is the source of a remarkable range of possible health benefits? First of all, cocoa is rich in polyphenols and flavanols. Polyphenols have been shown to reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol levels. Flavanols, as indicated by studies, can lower blood pressure by improving nitric oxide levels and strengthening blood vessel function.5 If that were all this bean could do for us, surely it would be enough. However, the list of its possible benefits is much longer. It includes the strengthening of cognitive function, the
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lessening of “brain fog”,6 and slightly accelerated weight loss. Wow! It is all too true that many of the ways we can add cocoa to our diet include unwanted sugars, fats, and other additives. Fortunately, CoCoa LeafGreens provides a great way of delivering those benefits without the downsides. CoCoa LeafGreens contains a blend of five different leaf powders and broccoli sprout powder, plus a three-part mixture of organic cacao powder, organic cocoa powder, and alkalized cocoa.
Key Benefits and Features:
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Natural antioxidants The flavonoid kaempferol is an antioxidant that targets the maintenance of cardiovascular health The flavonoid quercetin inhibits the production and release of histamine Vitamin K is crucial to healthy bone density Lutein may protect the skin and eyes from free radicals, including damage from blue light Sulforaphane can help maintain overall health http://www.medicinehunter.com/brief-history-cocoa https://www.britannica.com/topic/cocoa-food https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theobroma https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_chocolate https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cocoa-powder-nutrition-benefits https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19942640/
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‘Tis the Season of Greens Green Superfood Powders: Why are They Good for You? Green vegetables are commonly known as ‘life-giving’ foods as they are rich in phytonutrients that are essential to our bodies’ daily functions and overall health. There is no doubt that most people do not eat enough vegetables. Even though you eat a healthy whole-food diet with many greens, it is possible that you are not getting enough micronutrients (vitamins and minerals), enzymes, and antioxidants for your body. The food we eat today can be deficient in essential nutrients. Commercial produce is often grown in mineral-depleted soils, harvested weeks before the peak of its growth, treated with chemicals and radiation to maintain freshness, and shipped over long distances to the distribution depot. Therefore, taking a spoonful of green superfood powder daily not only can help you reach your daily-recommended vegetable intake, but also provide a great compensation for your overall nutrition profile.
What is a green superfood powder? A green superfood powder contains many servings of greens in a spoonful of water-soluble powder. It is usually made up of nutrient-dense plants that are rich in vitamins, minerals, active enzymes, antioxidants and chlorophyll: • Grass ‒ barley grass, wheat grass, alfalfa • Leafy greens – spinach, kale, arugula, collard • Other vegetables – beets, carrots, peas, broccoli, cabbage, sprouts • Antioxidant-rich foods – cocoa, acai berry, green tea
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Benefits of taking green superfood powders A powerhouse of antioxidants – Super greens are generally rich in active enzymes and phytonutrients that have antioxidant and inflammation fighting properties. Antioxidants protect your body against oxidative stress and inflammation by stabilizing free radicals, which are generated from cellular activities. May optimize your body’s pH balance – An unbalanced body pH may lead to poor bone health, weight issues, and cardiovascular complications. Common food choices, such as refined grains, meat protein, and dairy, are acidic while vegetables are alkaline. As a vegetable powerhouse, a daily green superfood supplement may increase the alkalinity of your body and promote optimum body pH balance. May improve skin conditions and energy – Super greens are rich in chlorophyll. Although there is limited scientific research to back up the merits of chlorophyll, it has been suggested that chlorophyll may be helpful in improving skin conditions, eliminating body odour, and boosting energy.
How do I find good green superfood powders? Not all green powders are created equal. Much of it has to do with the combination of greens and other ingredients, how they are grown, harvested, and processed. There are brands that provide you green powders from ground, dried leaves where many of the nutrients and enzymes are lost during a drying process using high heat. Some brands cut back on the amount of super greens by adding 20+ different kinds of herbs and synthetic nutrients. Here are some key points for choosing a green superfood powder: • Opt for blends that are cold-pressed juiced greens to ensure getting a nutrient-dense superfood powder. • Less is more. Look for blends with only natural wholefood ingredients, preferably organic, non-genetically modified, and gluten-free sources. • Avoid blends containing too many herbs and other synthetic nutrients as many of them have medicinal properties and contain caffeine, so they are not supposed to be taken daily as a food. Some of them may have side effects on individuals, especially those who have particular health issues or are on medications. • Avoid products that contain artificial sweeteners, colours, sugars, and preservatives.
www.theaimcompanies.com
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AIM’s Green (and Red Red!) !) Superfood Powders Key Superfood Powders
Phytonutrients
Barley grass juice
• Superoxide dismutase – Enzyme for metabolism • Lutonarin and Saponarin – Powerful antioxidants • Chlorophyll – Increases energy and improves overall health
Barley grass juice, leaves of spinach, kale, arugula, Swiss chard, and broccoli sprout
• Kaempferol – Flavonoid and powerful antioxidant for cardiovascular health • Quercetin – Flavonoid that inhibits production and release of histamine • Lutein – Protects skin and eyes from free radical damage • Sulforophane – Reduces inflammation • Antioxidants and flavonoids – Good for brain health
Cocoa (in CoCoa LeafGreens) Green peas
• Plant-based protein – Improves energy; builds and repairs tissues
Beet juice
• Vegetable nitrate that is converted to nitric oxide in the body – Maintains circulation and cardiovascular health
Carrot juice
• Vitamin A – Essential nutrient for eye and skin health.
References: • Jacob KD, Noren Hooten N, Trzeciak AR, Evans MK. Markers of oxidant stress that are clinically relevant in aging and age-related disease. Mech Ageing Dev. 2013 Mar;134(3-4):139-57. • Berardi JM, Logan AC, Rao AV. Plant based dietary supplement increases urinary pH. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2008 Nov 6;5:20.
• Are Superfood Green Powders Good For You? Retreive from: https://www.foodmatters.com/superfood-greens-buying-guide • Why You Should Add Supergreens to Your Diet. Retrieve from https://www.organicfacts.net/supergreens-diet.html
Nurturing Health • November - December 2020
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A Balanced Connection Shared by Jan Baxter, Director, Waterloo, Ontario In mid-June 2020, during the pandemic, a very scary incident happened to my vision. While I was reading and relaxing on the couch at our cottage after a day of kayaking and biking, some cloudiness appeared in the lower part of my left eye, making me very stressed out. Even though my eyesight returned to normal within a few minutes, I went to the local hospital that evening and had four tests. Within two months of the incident happening, I had had fifteen other tests done to check my blood, cholesterol, thyroid, heart and possible risk of stroke in various labs and hospitals. The tests found no significant health problems. In consultation with various doctors, it was agreed that my active lifestyle and vegetarian diet were good, but my age could be the only factor. At 76, I take no medications. I know that worrying about my health issues is automatic. Staying calm, thinking positive and being active throughout the pandemic takes practice. I feel that taking AIM nutrition daily, for the past 23 years, wherever we are, has provided a balanced connection between handling stressful situations and being at peace with myself. These days, I continue to take many AIM products, and love how I feel, having increased my daily intake of CellSparc 360 for cardiovascular health, GinkgoSense for eye health and mental clarity, AIMega for overall wellness, and Proancynol 2000 for antioxidants that help combat aging and free radical damage. I enjoy staying active and focused on positive interests with kayaking, biking, yoga, photography, inte painting rocks, and researching monarch pai butterflies. I am most intrigued about the chrysalis stage of a monarch, when so much is going on inside, as it is in all of us as we grow, keeping calm and weathering the storm. Thank you, AIM, for nutrition that works and keeps on working! 4
Save on Shipping! SAVE up to 50% on shipping costs for orders shipped to any Canadian location. Plus, all new Members receive FREE shipping on their first order of $100 or more.
GROW Cash Contest Ends December 31 Make your business-building moves with a goal to be one of the 60 prize earners who will receive a cash prize from $525 CAD all the way up to $5,250 CAD. Your current contest points are available online when you log in to your AIM account and select ‘Events’ then ‘Contest’.
T he Staff of AIM Canada wish w you a wonderful holiday season and a joyous New Year! Holiday Closures AIM Canada Vancouver office and Calgary warehouse will be closed on the following holidays: • Friday, December 25 for Christmas Day • Monday, December 28 for Boxing Day • Friday, January 1, 2021 for New Year’s Day For nutrition that works contact:
www.theaimcompanies.com
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