Blenders — No comments
01
Sep 10

Omega J8003 Masticating Juicer

There are many different types of juicers being sold these days. For example you can get centrifugal juicers such as the Breville BJE510XL, twin gear juicers like the Green Star GS-1000 and you can also buy an Omega J8003 which is a masticating juicer. They way that these three machines work is quite different but they all have the same goal. That is, to make great tasting fruit and vegetable drinks. There are many different places where you can read juicer reviews and before you make your final purchasing decision, it is a good idea to read a wide range of articles to establish which style of appliance is best for your specific needs. Each type of juicer has its own strengths and weaknesses. In this article I want to talk specifically about the Omega J8003 masticating juicer.

When you look at this machine you will see that its body is white. The J8005 model looks similar except it has a black and chrome body. In fact, this is the only difference between these two machines, apart from the price. The J8005 is about $30 more expensive. So if you are keen to get a good juicer for a lower price, then the J8003 can be seen as a bargain. Masticating juicing appliance can work continuously. They have 3 separate holes. One is on the top, this is where you put in the fruit and vegetables that you want to juice. The hole on the bottom is where the liquid comes out. Then the hole at the side is where the pulp is ejected. This juicer comes with two containers, one for the juice and the other for the pulp. The two choices that you should consider if you want a masticating juicer are Omega and Champion. They are not cheap but they are good quality.

Nutrition — 1 comment
25
Aug 10

The Vitamin B12 Deficiency Myth

If you are a starting-out vegan, or even a seasoned one, one of the things that you’ll commonly hear is that a vegan diet causes a deficiency in vitamin B12 and some say you may need to take b12 shots. This is a serious allegation, because a deficiency in B12 can have serious health consequences.

Among others, a deficiency in vitamin B12 may lead to anemia and chronic fatigue syndrome. B12 is necessary for the synthesis of red blood cells that carry oxygen around the body. The oxygen is used to burn up food and thus provide energy and therefore a lack of it leads to fatigue and in more serious cases, anemia.

Deficiency in vitamin B12 can also lead to depression and over a long period of time, can cause brain damage. B12 is necessary for a healthy central nervous system, and thus its association with depression.

So where is the myth derived? For many years, B12 was believed to be only available in animal products like meat, milk, eggs and cheese. Anyone who did not take these therefore was considered to be lacking in B12, and any sign of anemia or depression was attributed to their diet.

Well, science has gone a long way to disprove this:

  1. B12 is a microbe or friendly bacteria, so no food really contains it (although it can be found on the surface of some foods). This microbe lives naturally in the human body within the digestive tract, and it’s triggered and absorbed by taking in of the right kinds of foods, not necessarily animal products. There are indeed many foods that vegans can take to trigger release and absorption of B12 into the blood stream.
  2. Studies over the years have revealed that non-vegans are more likely to suffer a B12 deficiency than vegans. Though not solidly proven, it is thought that this could be because of 2 reasons: meat eaters take in way too much B12. Over-intake of B12 causes lower absorption and therefore can lead to deficiency. The other argument is that because a meat eater’s diet does not allow the microbes in the intestinal tract to release B12, they may end up with deficiency. On the other hand, a vegan’s diet keeps their digestive tract healthy and clean and gives a conducive environment for B12 to thrive and be absorbed.
  3. Vegans are more likely to get B12 into their systems. Microbes that are on the surface of the food that we eat contain B12. During cooking, these microbes get destroyed and B12 gets lost along with that too. Vegans mostly eat food that does not require cooking. This makes them more likely to have higher levels of B12 than non-vegans.
  4. Naturally, people on a plant diet have cleaner digestive tracts that have healthier bacteria – probiotics – that encourage release and absorption of B12 into the body.

Whatever the arguments, the fact is that more non-vegans than vegans suffer a B12 deficiency. It could be attributed to the fact that vegans generally watch their diets more closely to ensure that they get all that the body requires.

Either way, if you are a vegan and would like to put the myth to rest once and for all, visit your GP. Through a blood test, he will tell you if you enough B12 in your body. Watch out for signs of lethargy and depression too – they can be as a result of lack of B12.

To learn more about sublingual B12, its benefits and its sources, click here.

Sources

  1. The Benefits of Eating a Plant-Based Diet: The Vitamin B12 Myth by Erin Brennan
  2. Goldman: Cecil Textbook of Medicine, 22nd ed., page 1056
  3. “Increased Urinary Methylmalonic Acid Excretion in Breast-fed Infants of Vegetarian Mothers and Identification of an Acceptable Source of B12″ (Specker B. Am J Clin Nutr 47:89, 1988)
  4. “Vitamin B12 and Seaweed” Van Den Berg H. Lancet 1:242, 1988)
cookbooks — No comments
21
Aug 10

Vegan Cookbooks Dedicated to Desserts

Pies, crepes, cakes, cookies, brownies, muffins, puddings, vanilla ice cream and sorbets – oh, how lovely.  Even those without a sweet tooth could succumb to such temptation.  These are most people’s common coffee partners or their codas after a sumptuous meal.  And even if you have not an idea about baking, knowing that eggs and butter are their main components is a common given.  But having all these – sans the eggs and butter?

The vegan way of dieting has not been cruel to the sweet lovers.  Some of the best vegan cookbooks are dedicated to the sweet baking treats even without using a single drop of egg white or a thin slice of butter.  Vegan desserts are slowly capturing the hearts of people wanting to veer away from the excessive calorie count without crossing out the inimitable slice of cheesecake as a treat for a hard day’s work.  Others may be skeptical about trying it, either for fear that it won’t meet their taste buds’ requirements or they might end up over-stuffing because of the diminished calorie content and the satisfaction that they have derived from its taste that they thought was impossible.

A vegan cookbook sitting quietly on bookstores or on queue in online sites suddenly became a hit.  People used to brush them off and go straight to the more palatable covers that showcased treats rich in pure, decadent, dark chocolate and thick blobs of whipped cream.

While it may not be such a bad idea to have a dose of a “normal” sweet indulgence, the stricter vegans wouldn’t dare try.  If you can get the same satisfaction from “eggless” batters of bread covered with “butterless” icings without having to worry about calories and becoming overweight, then they would rather stick to the narrow road that has paved the way to living healthy.  Being in the pink of things these days is far more important than savoring thoughts of sinful scoops of ice cream and worrying about diabetes for the rest of your life.

tea / weight loss — No comments
11
Aug 10

What Is Oprah Weight Loss Tea

Most people are wondering what this Oprah tea is. It is good to indicate that there is no such thing as an Oprah tea rather this notion arose from the fact that Oprah Winfrey of the Oprah Winfrey fame endorsed some kind of tea as healthy and good for weight loss. This tea was actually some kind of Chinese tea. This celebrity just spoke about her love for green tea but has never indicated that she herself has ever been on a tea diet no matter the kind.

There has been some useful information about green tea and Oprah weight loss tea from Oprah her self that is followed by thousands of her fans. According to her and some of the renowned experts it is recommended that one should add green tea to their diet for effective weight loss results. It has been shown that tea can be an anti-aging agent if used properly among some of its other benefits to the health of an individual
Some tea experts have suggested that green tea can aid an individual lose up to 10 pounds in just six weeks if the diet is followed appropriately. Tea can be a good substitute to coffee as unlike coffee the tea can help an individual suppress their diet. This helps a person control what they take especially if they are planning on losing weight in a healthy manner.

Some research was also carried out in Japan, which is the origin of all kinds of teas. This particular one brought to fore the calorie burning property of green tea. It is believed that tea has the capability to burn around 80 calories in a single day. This is mostly effective if the person is an a diet of about 4-5 cups of green tea a day. Most of these claims have not been substantiated by scientific proof but this should not be a reason for you not to include green tea in your diet. Apart from its weight loss properties tea is also good for your memory and it helps in keeping you fresh the whole day.

The origin of tea is believed to be in the Far East and can be dated back to around four thousand years ago. For all this time the origin countries have used green tea for medical purposes and it has proved to be successful.

Supplements — 1 comment
26
Jul 10

Using Probiotic Supplements To Improve Your Digestive Health

There are a lot of ways that probiotic supplements will be able to improve your digestive health that you will want to look into. If you are someone who seems to have a lot of digestive problems such as acid reflux, constipation, and other problems that occur frequently then your body is not getting enough good bacteria to help break the things in your stomach down properly. If you are interested in improving your health and getting rid of the irritating, painful symptoms you have been going through then make sure to learn how probiotics can help you.

One thing that you will want to know about these supplements is that there are several different ones that you can take. There is a single strain, double strain, and multi strain that you will be able to take depending on which digestive problem you are experiencing and trying to get help with.  When you are trying to choose the right supplement to start taking make sure that you talk with your physician first so that you can ask him how much you need to take of the supplement and if it is right for you to take. Once you find out if it is right you will be able to start looking for the probiotic you need to be able to improve you digestive health.

There are a lot of different places that you will be able to buy probiotic supplements when you are looking to buy some. Health food stores and vitamin shops usually are the most common places that you are going to be able to find these supplements but you can also purchase them online for a great price. Make sure that you take a look at the different options you have so that you will be able to buy the supplement you need to start improving your digestive system and functions.

Food / Uncategorized — No comments
24
Jul 10

List of Healthy Foods: Top 10 Super Foods to Keep You Healthy

In an age when toxic schedules and rushed mealtimes are proving more and more deleterious to the health & overall well-being of many people, taking a closer look at our diets has gained paramount importance. Getting a nutritional boost from natural foods is one of the best things you can do for your body, if you want to live longer, richer, and more productive lives, and help your family members do the same.

Relying on medical experts and nutritionists for good advice on the best foods to consume is a good start.  Occasionally, some people stumble into wonder food products that heal or alleviate some of their bodily conditions.  In truth, there are many super foods that have taken centerstage in recent years.  They certainly number beyond 10.  Zeroing in on the top 10 from the perspective of doctors may anyhow prove to be useful.  Here’s one list of healthy foods touted to slow the aging process and prevent numerous degenerative diseases, from the standpoint of a former clinical professor of dermatology and author of several bestselling health books, which may ring a bell:

Açaí
Green Foods
Nuts & Seeds
Barley
Beans and Lentils
Buckwheat
Hot Peppers
The Allium Family
Sprouts
Yogurt and Kefir

Only one fruit is listed above – the deep plum-colored acai berry with skin-enhancing, immune-boosting, and energy-providing antioxidants, phytonutrients, amino acids, fiber and beneficial fatty acids.  There are other super fruits, though, which rank high on other people’s list of healthy foods. Not all people will find the following super foods suitable, though, as they may have certain medical conditions requiring medications that may negatively interact with some items falling on the list.

In any case, given normal health conditions, another list of healthy foods is topped by antioxidant-rich grapefruit (which is rich in vitamin C, fiber and phytonutrients, and versatile) and pomegranate (whose polyphenols, tannins and anthocyanins, serve as useful antioxidants). Joining the list of superfoods are mushroom (which can lower elevated blood pressure contribute to a healthy immune system), fish, flax seed, garlic, whole grains, beans & legumes, and colorful veggies like tomato and sweet potato.

The benefits of eating healthy are numerous and if you compound choosing healthy super foods, you are bound to increase energy, feel better, and live a long, healthy life!

Blenders — No comments
06
Jul 10

Vegetarian Food Prep with an Angel Juicer machine

As a vegetarian you have made a lifestyle choice that is not always easy. Many “quick” dishes that can be passed off as healthy are still based around meats or meat products, so putting together a fast and health meal or snack is not easy.

It becomes even more complicated if you believe in a vegan diet of course!

A really useful machine to have I the kitchen is a multi purpose juicer machine such as the Angel Juicer. Far more than just a fruit and vegetable juicer, it can be used to make a number of different foods that will definitely complement your healthy diet.

Firstly, the Angel Juicer can be used as a food processor to make nut butters. Peanut butter, or even thing s like cashew butter are really tasty and are very healthy if made and consumed fresh. Nuts are high in minerals, and contain essential fats and fat soluble compounds that are difficult to obtain elsewhere. Its as simple as feeding fresh nuts in to the juicer, and collecting the nut butter at the other end.

Another great feature is the ability to make your own soy milk with this juicer. Soy is a delicious alternative to dairy products, but is hard to find in fresh form – it is commonly sold as a UHT product in tetra packs. To make your own soy milk, simply follow the preparation instructions for correctly soaking the soy beans, then process them. Fresh soy milk on demand!

If you have researched the potential deficits associated with a plant based diet, you will be aware that certain fats and oils cannot be found in vegetables alone. Nuts, as mentioned are one course, but better still are seed oils from linseed or flax seed. Did you know that the Angel Juicer can process seeds, to make genuine cold pressed oils rich in Omega nutrients? These oils can be used as salad dressings, or eaten on cereals for a real health boost.

In short, the Angel Juicer is a great versatile kitchen gadget, that is the perfect choice for anyone looking to naturally supplement their diet and wanting to make all their own foods at home. This is no cheap investment, and while the price of the Angel may seem excessive to some consumers, you are getting a top of the range juicer that will last for many years.

Food — No comments
30
Jun 10

Quinoa – A Super Food that is Great for Vegetarians!

Whether you are trying to make healthy changes in your diet or are just looking for something new to try, you should consider cooking quinoa.  Not only is this versatile seed good for you, it tastes great!

Quinoa, which is actually not a grain but a seed, has been called a “supergrain” by many nutritional experts.  The reason for this is that it is one of the few foods that provides your body with an ample supply of everything it needs – carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber and fats.  In fact, New Crops Agronomist Dr. Duane Johnson of Colorado State University has said “If I had to choose one food to survive on, quinoa would be the best.”

Quinoa is not a part of the grass family and is gluten free.  This makes it great for those who suffer from food sensitivities.

Perhaps one of the best things about quinoa is that is one of the most perfect foods around for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.  Most grains do not provide a complete source of amino acids.  Specifically, many grains lack lysine, which is critical for cellular repair.

Quinoa is considered a complete protein as it supplies your body with all eight of the essential amino acids, including lysine.  This amino rich protein is critical to the health of all vegetarians.  Just one cup of cooked quinoa provides you 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber.  With only 220 calories, quinoa works great for those who are trying to watch their diets.

Quinoa has a creamy texture that can also be crunchy depending on how it is prepared.  Cooked quinoa has a slightly nutty taste to it.  It can be substituted in recipes for just about any grain.  One of my favorite ways to enjoy quinoa is to mix cooked quinoa with oatmeal and almond milk.  Top with some nuts and dried fruit and enjoy!

Blenders — No comments
29
Jun 10

Getting Healthy Made Easy!

It is interesting to know that today’s latest trend is getting healthy. People start following a wholesome lifestyle basically by increasing the level of fruits and vegetables intake. You no longer need to search for different ways to prepare vegetables just so you can eat them; just get a great juicer as The Jack Lalanne Power Juicer Elite and you’ll get all the magic done to make eating fruits and vegetables enjoyable.

Unlike the conventional juicers where you have to peel, chop and remove the seeds from fruits and vegetables, Jack Lalanne Power Juicer Elite gets all the work than for you. Just wash the fruits or veggies you like and put it inside the feeder and presto! You already have a refreshing and highly nutritious drink.

The Jack Lalanne Power Juicer Elite is an innovative power juicer made from the latest technology to guarantee efficiency. This juicer is equipped with a stainless steel blade that ensures thorough breakdown of food. You can enjoy more juice since no pulp goes wasted with its non-drip spout and you can input more food to be juiced with its large feeder chute. It’s powerful motor works silently yet affirms absolute juice extraction. Could there be any juicer better than this one?

Share the wonders of Jack Power Juicer to your friends. Instead of artificial juice drinks and soda, why not serve fresh fruit drinks or smoothie on parties and gatherings? Amaze them by being creative with the help of this juicer. Combine fruits or veggies in making a drink. You can mix pineapple, orange and lime for that Hawaiian citrine drink, very nutritious and reviving.

You can search the internet for more information regarding this product’s specifications. Read reviews and comments to further assess this juicer’s capacity and visit several online shops to find great deals. This is more than some one function tomato juicer. The Jack Lalanne Elite Juicer package includes an operational manual, a recipe book entitled “Living Life, Living Proof” that gives more ideas how you can prepare natural and nutritious foods and Lalanne Power Juicer that is sleek and stylish that comes in two elegant colors-black and silver. So, what are you waiting for? Grab one now and start getting healthy!

Modern technology made it easier for us to live a sound lifestyle. High tech innovations even did a favor those unloving of fruits and vegetables by creating power juicers. Getting healthy is not an arduous task after all. We just have to do our part; get plenty of sleep, exercise and let a great power juicer do the rest. Just do a little sacrifice and have a very fulfilling reward.

Blenders — No comments
19
Jun 10

Healthy Smoothies are Big Business

Smoothies are Big Business, with sales of over $2 Billion per annum and more than 6,000 smoothie shops in the US alone in 2010.

Smoothie sales are rocketing in the UK too.  Figures from Mintel (a consumer research firm), showed that sales in the UK had increased from an amazing 6.3 million liters in 2001 to an absolutely staggering 34 million liters in 2009.  The value of sales was £134 million.

There has been a huge public health awareness push in the UK, with the  5 a Day campaign providing massive advertising and public information to increase the awareness of the importance of consuming five portions of fruit and vegetables every day.  The campaign to improve our health in the short term and to decrease the possibility of diseases such as bowel and colon cancer in later life has largely been responsible for this increase in sales. According to a Senior Market Analyst at Mintel, Vivianne Ithekweazu, the growth in sales has been ‘exceptional’.  The forecast is for sales to almost treble by 2011.

A smoothie is an easy way to top up on healthy fruits and vegetables with today’s hectic lifestyle.  Mintel’s research shows that young people in the 15 to 34 age range are the most likely to buy smoothies.  It seems that the sales are growing fastest in a group of smoothies specifically designed to contain ingredients to boost immune systems, although fruit smoothies still account for the majority of smoothies sold in the UK.

This success on the high street has had a knock on effect in our homes too with sales of smoothie makers growing rapidly.  A smoothie maker is generally more powerful than a home blender as it needs to be able to crush ice and the frozen fruit that produces a more creamy texture to the smoothie without making it higher in calories!

Children love smoothies and families are finding it a great way to get the them to eat the fruits and vegetables they might otherwise refuse in a bid to get them to eat more healthily.

Perhaps another reason to buy a smoothie maker is that the recession has made everyone more careful about how they spend their money and healthy smoothies can be made at home for a fraction of the cost of shop bought ones.

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