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Monday, January 27, 2014

Goji Hemp Milkshake with Raspberries

1 cup shelled hemp seeds, soaked overnight 
3 cups filtered water 
1 tsp pure vanilla powder or 1/2 vanilla bean 
1/2 cup dried goji berries, soaked overnight 
1 cup raspberries 
3 Tbsp raw agave nectar or other raw sweetener
STEPS:
1) Strain water from soaked hemp seeds and goji berries and place them in a high speed blender along with remaining ingredients. 
2) Blend until you get a smooth, creamy texture. 
3) Pour in glasses, garnish with goji berries and sprinkle with hemp seeds.

BENEFITS: Research shows that eating berries -- like blueberries, acai berries, cranberries, strawberries, and cherries -- offer definite health benefits. It may be because berries like the goji berry are filled with powerful antioxidants and other compounds. Goji berries also have compounds rich in vitamin A. Antioxidants minimize damage from free radicals that injure cells and damage DNA. When a cell's DNA changes, the cell grows abnormally. Antioxidants can take away the destructive power of free radicals.

Monday, January 13, 2014

TO CLEANSE OR NOT TO CLEANSE?

To do a cleanse or not to do a cleanse? That is the question on the minds of many in the New Year. Cleanses are said to do everything from detoxing the body to helping you lose extra weight to boosting energy and to improving overall health. But, are they safe? Do they really work? And will they help you lose weight like the celebrities claim they do?

In a nutshell, it depends on the cleanse. Cleanses that are the most popular in 2013 — cleanses that rely on fruits and veggies — are okay for most.


"Anytime you decrease the amount of food you take in at the same time you are increasing your nutrient concentration, something healthy generally takes place," says Georgianna Donadio, Boston nutritionist and author.


This past year, there are four cleanses that seem to be most popular, Donadio says. While all of the most popular cleanses of 2013 have the same aim to clean out certain areas of your body and decrease the work of the digestive system, some last just 28 hours, while others last weeks. 


The first most popular cleanse of 2013 is the BluePrintCleanse, which is a juice-only cleanse that typically lasts three to five days. 


Second, is the LOVE cleanse from Organic Avenue, which stands for "Live. Organic. Vegan. Experience." This one is a five-day cleanse consisting of all green drinks, which include cucumber, kale, cabbage, apples, broccoli and lemons. 


Third, is the 48 Hour Super Charge cleanse by David Kirsch. This cleanse includes two days of nothing but liquids, which are his signature "pink lemonade" containing cranberries and milk thistle aimed at detoxing the kidneys and liver. 


Lastly, is the Cleanse Program by MD, which is a 21-day protein drink twice a day with an evening meal of steamed veggies.


"For a healthy individual these cleanses are 'safe' in that they should not cause any harm to the body," Donadio says. "They are short-termed and do contain a high concentration of nutrients that should prove to be healthful."


However, these cleanses can be harmful for people with blood sugar or insulin conditions, for anemic individuals or for people on medications that require they eat solid foods in order not to have a reaction, Donadio cautions. Also for people who exercise a lot, this type of low-calorie, liquid-based dieting can cause fainting, low blood pressure or dizziness.


"The best cleanse is to recognize that we have to eat half of what we normally eat and eat living, nutritious food and remove 'junk' from our diets," Donadio recommends.


This article courtesy of Shape.com