Happy pills in a jar for this season---Dark Chocolate

Its winter and the weather is chilly cold, recession is knocking at our door and we are worried about what gifts to send and a little depressed from stress, which can cause free radical build up and damage to our bodies. (Free radicals are highly charged atoms that are missing one electron, making them unstable. They enter our body through sunlight, poor diet, use of alcohol, tobacco, airborne chemicals, and stress; they steal an electron in order to gain electron stability. Free radicals target fatty acids, cell membranes which are rich in phospholipids, DNA, and proteins and in the process cellular activities are replaced by chaos of electron swapping, which eventually disrupts cell function. Free radicals are the primary factors in aging and inflammation because they produce random radical change and disrupt normal metabolic processes, over time leading to disease). So what can we do to reduce stress---bring some joy and Santa moments to our life this candy season; we can make time for candies--chocolates of course. Dark chocolate are little bitter, sweet and high antioxidant snacks that brings on pleasurable feelings because it releases natural feel-good chemicals called endorphins in your brain.

Dark Chocolate is a psychoactive food. It is made from the seeds of the tropical cacao tree, Theobroma cacao. The cacao tree was named by the 17th century Swedish naturalist, Linnaeus. The Greek term theobroma means literally "food of the gods". Dark chocolate made of cocoa bean from the plant (Theobroma cacao) is a rich source of flavonoids, rich in cell-protecting antioxidants.

                                          

                                         Other benefits of Dark chocolate:

• Dark chocolates are highly loaded with epicatechin- an active member of a group of compounds called plant flavoniods. Epicatechin may improve blood flow and can potentially improve the health of the heart. 
• Dark chocolates have antioxidant properties that are effective against aging caused by oxidative stress, inhibition of platelet activity, and activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase due to its flavonoids content. 
• Flavoniods in dark chocolate prevents cholesterol from gathering in blood vessels, reduces the risk of blood clots, and slows down the immune responses that lead to clogged arteries. 
• Dark chocolate was found to reduce blood pressure, improve blood flow and prevent plague formation in the arteries and had mild anti-clotting effects

• Dark chocolate has potential cancer-fighting properties---immune boosting.

• Dark chocolates improve cognitive function.

• Pure dark chocolate improves endothelial function and increases plasma epicatechin concentrations that aids wound healing.

• Pure cocoa can help elevate insomnia because it’s relaxing and can put you to sleep—you tend to dream more when you drink pure cocoa by nettle and eat dark chocolate! 

   Send an antioxidant gift to a friend ---organic dark cacao chocolate truffles as a Santa gift.


 

Boost your Immune System

The best defense against diseases is a strong immune system. The immune system includes Macrophages, T cells and B cells. The immune system protects the body from harmful organisms, abnormal cells and chemicals. Immune system helps  repair tissue that are injured/wounded or attacked by disease. Bacteria, Virus, Fungi, abnormal and cancerous cells, malnutrition, Aging can threaten our body's immune system.
The immune system has an excellent memory for recognizing foreign substances and organisms. To fight a viral or an invading microorganism the immune system creates an antibody to recognize and to attack foreign bodies or viruses. In return it helps make your immune system stronger. When the immune system mistakes a harmless foreign substance for an enemy, it causes allergic reaction such like hives, hay fever or asthma. Occasionally, it can mistake an internal signal and attack the normal body tissue causing an autoimmune disease such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

You can Strengthen the immune system with
Diet rich in proteins and super foods are important for the proper functioning of the immune system- Protein provides amino acids used to make antibodies and other immune compounds that attacks foreign invaders and helps to prevent infection.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids helps reduce acute inflammation as a result of an immune response to foreign invaders. It helps to stop this immune function after an attack is launched on a foreign invader.

Vitamin E (tocopherol/tocopheryl):
Helps to protect fat-soluble vitamins
It helps reduce the signs of aging.
It helps prevent blood clots.
Maintains healthy muscles and nerves, strengthens capillaries and enhances T cells function.
Improves fertility.
It helps in the production of antibodies.
Vitamin E helps improve hair, skin, mucous membrane.
Vitamin E can be found in cold pressed oils, nuts, seeds, margarine, eggs, oatmeal, wheatgerm, black strap molasses, sweet potatoes, whole wheat, dark green vegetables and avocados.
phosphorus, selenium, manganese, inositol, vitamins A,B-1,C,F,B-complex helps to enhance vitamin E absorption.
When the body is deficient in vitamin E, red blood cells become weak, hair, skin and nails become dull and bristle, heart disease, infertility and impotency, enlarged prostate, miscarriage and gastrointestinal problems. Mineral oil, rancid fat & oil, chlorine, birth control pills inhibits the absorption of votamin E.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) helps to build healthy teeth, Gums and bones.
It helps to strengthen the blood vessels walls and reduce the duration of a cold infection.
It aids the absorption of iron.
It helps the body resist infections.
Increases collagen production.
It protects vitamins and maintain mucous membranes and collagen.
It can enhance the proper functioning of the immune system.
Vitamin C can be found in fruit and vegetables such as Red peppers, kiwi fruits, papaya, broccoli, strawberries, sprouted alfalfa seeds, acerola cherries, citrus fruits such as oranges and lemon, Goji berry, Cantaloupes, water melon etc

The richest natural sources are kakadu plum, camu camu, Rose hip, Acerola fruit for vitamin C

Plant source	Amount (mg / 100g)
Kakadu plum	3100	Plant source	Amount (mg / 100g)
Camu Camu	2800	Papaya	60
Rose hip	2000	Strawberry	60
Acerola	1600	Orange	50
Seabuckthorn	695	Kale	41
Jujube	500	Lemon	40
Indian gooseberry	445	Melon, cantaloupe	40
Baobab	400	Cauliflower	40
Chili pepper, green	244	Garlic	31
Guava (common, raw)	228.3	Grapefruit	30
Blackcurrant	200	Raspberry	30
Red pepper	190	Tangerine	30
Chili pepper, red	144	Mandarin orange	30
Parsley	130	Passion fruit	30
Kiwifruit	90	Spinach	30
Broccoli	90	Cabbage raw green	30
Loganberry	80	Lime	30
Redcurrant	80	Mango	28
Brussels sprouts	80	Blackberry	21
Wolfberry (Goji)	73 †	Potato	20
Lychee	70	Melon, honeydew	20
Persimmon (native, raw)	66.0	Cranberry	13
Cloudberry	60	Tomato	10
Elderberry	60	Pineapple            10 Blueberry            10

Bioflavonoids, calcium, magnesium, all vitamins and mineral helps to enhance the absorption of vitamin C.Vitamin C deficiency causes muscular weakness, anemia, appetite loss, skin hemorrhages, swollen joints, slow healing of wounds and fractures, bleeding Gums, easy bruising of the skin, low resistance to infections. Stress, high fever, tobacco, antibiotics, aspirin, cortisone inhibits the absorption of vitamin C. 

Vitamin A (beta carotene) helps prevent and reduce the infectious diseases by helping to keep mucous membranes healthy.
Vitamin A helps to increase white blood cells and other antibodies.
It helps build healthy bones, teeth, skin, It helps to maintain the outer layers of tissues and organs.
Promotes growth and vitality.
It is essential in pregnancy and lactation, necessary for night vision, good for growth and repair of body tissues.
It helps improve the health of hair and eyes.
Vitamin A can be found in Carrot, colorful fruits and vegetables,Dark green leafy vegetables such as kale, spinach, watercress, turnip, Red pepper, Tomatoes, Papaya, Melon, Apricot, Mangoes, sweet potatoes, Vinegar etc; also beta-carotene can be converted to vitamin A in the body.
Vitamin C, D, E, F, B-complex, zinc, calcium, choline enhances vitamin A absorption.
When the body is deficient in vitamin A, defective teeth and gums, allergies, dry and dull hair, retarded growth, susceptibility to infections, eye irritations, night blindness, sinus trouble, dry skin, loss of smell.
Coffee, alcohol, excessive iron, mineral oil, vitamin D deficiency inhibits the absorption of vitamin A.

Zinc is a trace mineral with many important functions. It aids in digestion metabolism of phosphorus and protein, carbohydrates,  It is a component of insulin and male reproductive system thereby preventing prostrate problems, It helps wounds heal and supports the immune system. Zinc is important for repairing and renewing damaged tissues however too much zinc can negatively affect the immune system. Zinc can be found in eggs, whole grain, plant-based milk, nuts like cashew & almond, oatmeal, kidney beans, chickpeas, yogurt, raisin bran, peas, black strap molasses, brewer's yeast, soybeans, spinach, mushrooms, sunflower seeds. Phosphorus, copper, calcium, vitamin A enhances the absorption of Zinc in the body. When the body is deficient in Zinc it causes sterility, delayed sexual maturity, loss of taste, poor appetite, fatigue, retarded growth. High intake of calcium or alcohol can inhibit zinc absorption.

Selenium is an essential trace mineral that is very important for a strong immune system, it helps to preserve tissue elasticity, It helps the body utilize protein efficiently. Vitamin E helps in selenium absorption. Selenium can be found in broccoli, onions, brewer's yeast, whole grain, bran and wheat germ. When the body is deficient in selenium premature aging occurs.

Iron is a very important for the body, it needed for formation of hemoglobin and myoglobin. It promotes protein metabolism, srtess and disease resistance. It promotes growth. It is essential for a healthy skin, hair and nails. Iron help cells get oxygen needed to function properly and to resist diseases. Iron helps to create antibodies, T cell and B cells that helps prevent infection. Iron can be found in cherry juice, wheat germ, leafy green vegetables, shredded wheat, black strap molasses and dried fruits like Goji berry.

Antioxidants will protect the body against free radicals and infections.

Garlic and Onions- contain a powerful compounds called sulfur which helps to block enzymes that allow organism to invade healthy tissue. It helps stimulate the fighting power of macrophages and T cells.

Exercise helps improve the body and its immune system under healthy conditions.

Shitake muchrooms helps to boost the immune system response against bacteria and viral infections.

Probiotics and prebiotics are active bacterial cultures that are said to help restore gut function and improve immune response.
It stimulates the growth of specific beneficial bacteria in the colon.
It helps to prevent and control yeast infection.
It helps improve the body's response to infections especially digestive tract problems.
It can be found in yogurts and Kefir, Chicory root contain fructooligosaccharide (FOS) and insulin- both are good source for probiotics.

Blueberries, blackberries, grapes, Goji berries are powerful antioxidants that have immune stimulating properties. They contain Anthocyanins.

Whey proteins-provide a high dose of the amino acid cysteine, enhance immune function. Cysteine is used by the body to manufacture gluthathione.

Green tea (camellia sinensis)- green tea leaf contain an active component called catechins (polyphenols), a powerful antioxidant. It helps support healthy cardiovascular function, It helps prevent cancerous growth, it helps defend the body against the harmful effects of free radicals. It support waste elimination.
Other immune strengthening herbs include Enchinacea, bilberry, Astragalus, Ashwagandha, Ginseng,Tumeric etc.

Eat Functional foods such as Omega-3 fatty acids, soy protein, psyllium, oats, Lutein, stanol and sterols to help your body maintain healthy immunity.

Immune Punch is an innovative proprietary blend designed to bolster your body's natural defenses, suitable for vegetarians. It is 100% pure with no added sugars, flavors, artificial sweeteners or colors of any kind. Madre Labs Immune Punch is formulated with select super fruit juice powders & berry extracts, medicinal mushroom--MushRex, Camu Camu, Elderberry, Epicor, AHCC-100 and a mixture of other healthy ingredients. Immune punch by Madre Labs helps support Healthy Immune System Function and prevents free radical damage.

MushRex Blend contains Six Certified-Organic Mushroom Species:--Lentinula edodes (Shiitake), Grifola frondosa (Maitake), Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi), Agaricus blazei (Himematsutake), Coriolus versicolor (Turkey Tail) and Inonotus obliquus (Chaga) are considered to be the most immuno-active of all medicinal mushrooms and have been studied extensively by research scientists around the world for their immuno-stimulatory properties.

Camu Camu (Myciaria dubia) is a berry valued for its high levels of naturally-occurring Vitamin C and can also make mushroom active ingredients more absorbable and available.

Berry Immune Blend (Elderberry, Aronia & Bilberry Extracts) is a proprietary blend of concentrated berry extracts formulated to support a healthy immune system. One of its key ingredients, Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is used worldwide, especially during flu & cold seasons. Its use dates back more than 2000 years.

EpiCor (dried yeast fermentate complex) is a revolutionary new dietary ingredient which significantly supports immune function has been added to further enhance the naturally-occurring Beta-Glucans found in the Mush-Rex Blend.

AHCC-100 (Active Hexose Correlated Compound) is a proprietary blend of several hybridized species of mushroom mycelia that is extensively used throughout Japan.  

Immune Punch by Madre labs is great for immune support.