Monday, January 9, 2012

Kola Nut For Energy And Weight Loss!


Kola was once the main ingredient in cola drinks. Sound familiar? But before it was added to sodas, native to the Rain Forests of Africa, Kola Nut for a very long time has been chewed or made into a type of drink. Today many people create tinctures from Kola Nut as well as tea and grinding it into powder to have put into capsules. Kola Nut Powder is helpful in capsule form but the chunks of kola nuts contain much more caffeine than the powdered form. Kola Nut is also thought to increase male potency and is a popular energy tonic. When you pick up a natural weight-loss product, you may see herbs included such as guarana, kola nut, and yerba mate. These herbs contain caffeine and are known to increase energy. This has been known to be helpful in weight-loss.



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The information found on this blog is for educational purposes only.
This information has not be evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
This information is not indented to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.


Friday, January 6, 2012

WHAT'S CACAO?


In case you didn't already know, Raw Cacao comes from the Cacao Bean. Most of us know this as the "Cocoa Bean" that chocolate comes from. The natural chemical Theobromine is found in chocolate which produces a "feel-good" effect in your brain. This has been known to help with cardiovascular exercise and also in  reducing caloric intake. Its high chromium and coumarin content both help assist the body in weight loss.

In the opinion of many smoothie lovers, adding a little Raw Cacao to a smoothie not only enhances the flavor but also provides lots of energy to help get you going. Raw Cacao is popular today because of its high levels of antioxidants (oligomeric procynanidins, resveratrol and the polyphenols: catechin and epicatechin). Also found in Raw Cacao is vitamin C, and Omega 6 fatty acids, tryptophan, and serotonin. Heating raw cacao will destroy the vitamin C and can cause the omega 6 to become rancid which can cause inflammation in the body.

For a lovely smoothie/shake recipe:



Thursday, January 5, 2012

The Herbal Way To Quit Smoking!



Lobelia (pictured above): Also called, "Indian Tobacco" is a powerful herb that (used with caution) is known to help calm the mind and relax the body. Many smokers have found that it helps control their cravings for nicotine. Lobelia is closely related to the nicotine plant family and is said that the chemicals take up the nicotine receptor sites in the body reducing the cravings for nicotine.




St. John’s wort: One of the best known herbs for its ability to promote a positive mood which always helps when beginning a smoke free life-style.




Black cohosh root: Though it is most commonly used for menopause, it is also known to be a safe sedative that relieves nervousness and/or anxiety, which becomes useful for the irritability one may experience while quitting smoking.




Catnip: As an antispasmodic, it is useful for abdominal cramps as well as chronic coughing. If not having a smoke is making it difficult for you to sleep, catnip can be found to be useful in relaxation and reducing mental stress.


Oat straw: One of my favorites, also one of the best herbs for stress, nervousness, and exhaustion, especially when associated with depression due to the process many smokers experience while quitting.


Skullcap: Another one of my favorites, Skullcap is known to help the brain produce more endorphins. These endorphins are naturally occurring chemicals that promote feelings of well-being. Skullcap nourishes and revives the central nervous system while relaxing and calming the body.



Valerian Root: One of the top-of-the-line herbs for tension, stress, anxiety, and insomnia has been shown to act as a muscle relaxant. This is shown to be a very helpful herb when quitting smoking.




For more information on this list of herbs go to: www.refuahnaturals.com

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

An Interesting Spice For Your New Year Weight Loss Plan

You'd be surprised how many people are unfamiliar with Fennel Seed and don't even realize they've eaten it. Found in sausage, various Italian, Indian food, and as an ingredient in many other foods as well as natural flavored candy and desserts. Similar in taste to Anise Seed, one may find that once sweetened, reminds them of a black licorice flavor. Some of you may not prefer the flavor of black licorice but do enjoy other foods that fennel is found in. Fennel Seed is found growing native to the U.S. and is also found in several other countries.

If you are interested in it for the sake of loosing weight, Fennel Seed can help suppress appetite, boost metabolism and in fact aid in weight loss. You may sprinkle (if you'd like) a little Fennel Seed Powder over a food item of your choice or you may choose to brew a simply fennel seed tea. The most simple way seems to be by steeping 4 tsp. of seeds or seed powder in 2 pints of boiling water. Then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 - 10 minutes, and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. The strained tea can be drunk 4 times daily. Remember, exercise is always a big help when trying to get fit!

Precautionary Information: Though Fennel is great for colicky infants, fennel seed oil should never be given infants or young children due to the danger of spasms of the throat.




Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Try Adding A Little Super Green Protein To Your Diet!

Don't judge so quickly, a little "Super Food" may be just what you need to start out your day this New Year! One of the reasons that Spirulina has become so popular is because of its natural ability to control body weight. This herb belongs to the single-celled blue algae family. As a rich source of nutrients, it contains a total of ten types of vitamins, eight minerals, and about eighteen amino acids (essential and non-essential).  Spirulina is high in iron and proclaimed to be the best source for beta-carotene but is mostly famous for being 70% protein.

A heaping teaspoon of spirulina powder an hour before your meal is said to help satisfy some (if not most) of your body's appetite. Qualified physicians have recommended a daily dose of about 5 grams or 1 - 2 tablespoons. It is also said that for adults, if desired to skip out on a meal, may choose to supplement the meal with spirulina. For children between the ages of 2 and 10, parents have found it easier to blend into juice or a shake. Spirulina is a great source of Glycogen which, for the most part, is stored in the muscles and liver. Athlete's usually consume 2 tablespoons of spirulina powder with a glass of water half an hour before their workout.

Refuah Naturals Organic Spirulina Powder

Monday, January 2, 2012

WANT TO CUT DOWN ON YOUR SWEET CRAVINGS?

Gymnema Sylvestre is found mostly in mainland India and several parts of Africa and has a deep history rooted in Ayurvedic medicine.
What is most interesting about gymnema is that it has a molecular structure like unto (glucose) sugar. Studies show that it blocks and inhibits a large percentage of sugar absorption and has the incredible ability of slashing ones desire for sugar, therefore making it seem as if you've gotten your sugar fix.

A Study from Physiology & Behavior tested its effects on fasting patients with normal weight. Gymnema Sylvestre was given one hour before eating. The results were that they ate less food and fewer sweet foods than patients who had not consumed Gymnema Sylvestre.

Although Gymnema is safe for most people, it is not recommended for the following individuals such as pregnant and lactating women, people taking anti-diabetic medication, people taking antidepressants, and individuals with milkweed allergies.

These following herbal supplements should not be taken with Gymnema Sylvestre. St. John's Wort, White Willow Bark and Aspirin can enhance the blood sugar lowering effects of Gymnema resulting in Hypoglycemia.

On a positive note: The National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health do accept these following studies. Gymnema has been shown to improve the ratio of HDL to LDL Cholesterol which is one of the most predictive developers for heart disease. Gymnema has been known to lower triglycerides and bad cholesterol. Though further studies are desired to be done in order to verify more information on weight loss, Gymnema may be what you are looking for if sugar is your weakness.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

For those of you who are starting off fresh with a New Year's resolution to lose weight, we will be posting helpful suggestions throughout the month of January. 

Ceylon, a delicious reddish organic black tea, is a great choice to start the New Year out with. Ceylon tea comes from partially fermenting young tea leaves and is loved throughout the world as a classic black tea with a smooth taste that is not too bitter. The Ceylon Teas that Refuah Naturals carries is a  deeply aromatic Fair Trade® product harvested in Sri Lanka.

Trying to lose weight? Reach for a cup of tea instead of a diet beverage. If you consume 2,000 calories per day and don't gain or lose weight (you're in energy balance), an increase of 4% would translate roughly into an 80-calorie daily difference. Over a year, this could result in 89 pounds of weight loss. (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition)


Typically brewed for 3 - 4 minutes.


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