Nutrition Frenzy

Unlock a wealth of health and beauty benefits with Acai (ah-sigh-ee).

This small, deep purple Amazonian berry is being hailed by health and beauty gurus such as Dr. Nicholas Perricone as a premier source of anti-aging antioxidants - more potent than other conventional fruits, such as blueberries and even the mighty pomegranate.

While you won’t find the berry sold at your local grocery store, you can pick up a jar of Sambazon Pure Acai powder at Whole Foods Market.

At only 19 calories a scoop, acai also contains a healthy dose of Omega 3, 6 and 9 plus amino acids and fiber. And, unlike blueberries, grapes or pomegranates, a serving of acai has 0 grams of sugar. Add a scoop to smoothies, oatmeal, or yogurt.

Taste? There really is none to speak of, maybe just a hint of chocolate flavor (never a bad thing).

Or, give Sambazon “pulp packs” a try. In the frozen foods section (again, at the glorious Whole Foods), these individually portioned packs are perfect for slipping into a blender. Add milk, and some protein powder, hit blend and voila, a perfect breakfast or post-workout delight.

Do beware that lurking in close vicinity to the 100% acai pulpy packs are Sambazon and other acai products that have been blended with other juices. While these products still contain antioxidants, they have a higher sugar content and less of the coveted acai.

If you are among the truly nutritionally lazy (no shame, no shame) go for Sambazon’s Powercapsule. Your daily dose of the Amazon in an easy to swallow capsule.

People, there is a reason those Brazilians look so damn good in those teeny bikinis. Acai??? Maybe . . . But what I do know, is that Acai can help you look and feel your best, and that makes it one supplement that is truly hot.

Acai, Nicholas Perricone, anti-aging, antioxidants, Sambazon

Tibetan Goji Berries are one of the most nutritionally-rich superfoods on the planet.

An ancient treasure, this little berry has been used for centuries to strengthen the immune system, stimulate release of human growth hormone by the pituitary, build muscle and strength, increase sexual potency and promote longevity.

Why Goji is Glorious:

According to the ORAC Scale, a test used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to measure a food’s anti-oxidant ability to destroy and neutralize free radicals, the Tibetan Goji scores 25,300. To put this score in perspective, on the ORAC scale oranges score 750, spinach: 1260, broccoli: 890. And even if you are into prunes, they still fall far short with a score of only 5770.

More facts about Goji Berries:

–Contain 18 amino acids, including all 8 essentials making it a complete protein source!
–Over 20 trace minerals (like calcium, iron, germanium, phosphorous and zinc)
–More beta carotene than carrots
–More Vitamin C per ounce than oranges
–Low in sugar (about 4g per serving. Substantially less than other dried fruit like raisins
–High Fiber-about 4g per serving
–Tasty! No yuck-factor here. Dried Goji berries are slightly sweet (like a cross between a raisin and a cranberry) and add delectable chewiness to trail mix, yogurt, oatmeal or salad. Gojis also can be blended into your smoothie or protein shake.

Before You Go Goji:

Be sure to buy cold-pressed, air-dried Goji that are raw - meaning they have never been exposed to heat processing and do not contain preservatives.

The Goji Controversy:
(more…)

Goji Berries, superfoods, human growth hormone, sexual potency