Although the acai berry is the major foundation of the drink, there is more.  There is a special blend of 18 additional fruits.  MonaVie knows that the acai berry holds a tremendous amount of benefits, but wanted to go beyond this, and not use this only at the expense of other amazing nutrients found in hand selected fruits.  These fruits contain all of the essential phytonutrients and antioxidants you need to stay healthy.  This is what sets MonaVie products apart from the other products that rely only on the acai berry.

Because MonaVie is a significant source of antioxidants, it is said to play a role in preventing cell damage that accelerates the aging process.  The product has been highly endorsed by Dr. Nicholas Perricone.  Dr. Perricone is a Dermatologist, who is the author of three best sellers on health, beauty, and longevity.   You can find information about Dr. Perricone on Oprah’s website.

If you have a specific health issue that you would like to help prevent or improve, MonaVie has specific formulations.  MonaVie Active has ingredients to help improve joint health and pain.  MonaVie Pulse is especially formulated for heart and cholesterol maintenance, and MonaVie EMV is formulated to give you a very healthy energy boost without any side effects.  No matter what the formulation, you will still get all the benefits of the original formula as well.

The body can be given so many nutrients from MonaVie juice, that people have nothing to lose in trying it.  The formulas promote body healing, while increasing function and protecting from cell breakdown.  You can also replace and replenish many vitamins and minerals.  Simply put, it will give your body whatever it needs.

We don’t often take care of ourselves in today’s society through lack of sleep, exercise, and diet.  Over time, many people don’t think they feel different because the process has come on so gradual.  It isn’t until the body is 100% nourished do people start to feel what they have been missing out on.  One day they realize that they actually feel good.  They feel healthy with a better well-being.

Why not get on the path to good health with MonaVie.  You will be getting the best of the best in ingredients and quality.  Once you feel the difference, you will think you are a completely new person.  You will want to be stopping by the MonaVie Mall so you can buy your gear and shout out from the rooftops.  You may even become so passionate that you want to become and independent distributor to help spread the gift of health.

To learn about other great benefits of MonaVie visit this site.

Magnesium is essential to the functioning of many of the body’s systems.   For instance, it contributes to the proper functioning  of nerves and muscles.  Among a host of other vital duties, it contributes to bone strength, plays a role in regulating heart rhythm, maintains normal levels of blood sugar and aids in muscle relaxation.  Medical conditions that may be improved and/or managed by an increased intake of  magnesium include fibromyalgia, mitral valve prolapse, asthma, diabetes and migraines.

Studies have shown that many Americans do not get enough magnesium in their diet.  This appears to be due in part to the highly-processed diet on which many of us in this country live.   The Recommended Daily Allowance for males, ages 19-30, is 400 mg, while for females in the same age group, 310 mg is recommended.  For males over age 30, 420 mg is the recommended daily intake, while the figure for females in the equivalent age group is 320.  Figures for pregnant and lactating women, and for children, are not presented here.

A large variety of foods contain magnesium.  Among these are whole grains; leafy green vegetables, such as spinach; legumes, such as kidney and pinto beans; and some types of seafood, such as shrimp and salmon.  Supplements are also available if one is unable to achieve the desired intake of magnesium through diet.

Magnesium is absorbed through the intestines.  Factors that may interfere with the absorption of magnesium include certain digestive disorders, alcoholism and some prescription medications.  Some experts believe that the chelated form of magnesium supplement is more easily absorbed by the intestine.  “Chelated” means that a given mineral is attached to a protein molecule, helping it enter the bloodstream more efficiently.

It seems that most people could benefit in some way from increasing their daily intake of magnesium.  If we all paid more attention to this vital mineral, perhaps we would see a decrease in some debilitating and preventable medical conditions.

Surprisingly, I have rediscovered wheatgrass and have found that I actually do not mind the taste anymore.  Granted, I am not salivating over the thought of my first shot every morning…it doesn’t rank up there with the taste of freshly squeezed orange juice, but it is no longer quite so revolting.  I suppose the last few months of being high raw (eating an 80% raw food diet) has something to do with this phenomenon.  My body must be adjusting to the increase in green vegetables so it now views wheatgrass as a welcome friend rather than foe.  I’m sure there is a much more scientific explanation, but I’m not really that interested in finding out.

So why did I return to wheatgrass after being so turned off to it initially?  I was doing some research about the late Ann Wigmore—a pioneer in the living foods movement—and found that wheatgrass was a primary focus of her program.  She cured herself of several debilitating ailments even returning her gray hair back to its normal shade of brown from drinking wheatgrass everyday in addition to following a raw foods diet.  After I read the full list of this grass’s benefits, I was sold.  (Okay, the gray hair reversal is what really got me).

Briefly, wheatgrass is extremely cleansing and detoxifying.  It is very high in protein, provides an incredible boost in your energy level and has been known to cure many types of blood disorders.  For myself, I was searching for a way to increase my protein without relying on animal sources and to boost my low white blood cell count, so I thought this would be a good thing to add into my daily routine.

It is best to take wheatgrass on an empty stomach about 20 minutes prior to eating.  I start my day with a 1 ounce shot after I drink a cup of hot water with lemon, a morning ritual of mine which is excellent for cleansing and digestion (ie: getting things moving along).   Later in the day, I will go to a juice bar and get a 2 ounce shot, usually prior to lunch.  Freshly squeezed wheatgrass is best since all of the enzymes are preserved, but frozen shots are sold in health food stores and are convenient to have on hand if you do not intend to grow your own grasses and juice them yourself or if you don’t live near a juice bar.  The frozen varieties are said to retain somewhere between 30 and 80% of their enzymes depending on who you ask.  Harley Matsil, owner of Perfect Foods, claims his frozen wheatgrass (which is indoor grown) retains 80% of its enzymes.   This is the brand I buy and after comparing it to a Canadian competitor of theirs, I could definitely tell there was a difference between the indoor and outdoor grown varieties both in taste and in how I felt directly afterwards.    You can also buy a powdered form and add it to your juices or smoothies if you find the taste of freshly juiced wheatgrass unbearable, but this is the least effective method since most of the enzymes are not preserved in this form.

It is advisable to work your way up gradually from 1 to 6 ounces a day. Many people will experience nausea or an unpleasant taste if they are new to grass juices.   You may have the same experience I had, so requesting a slice of orange to use as a chaser will help you to get over the strong taste initially.  An average active person will usually have 1-3 ounces a day; people using wheatgrass therapeutically to cure an illness will have 4-6 ounces.  For optimal results, Harley Matsil recommends 2 ounces 3 times a day on an empty stomach.  “This is when the magic will occur!” I’m not quite there yet, but after three weeks of 3 ounces daily, I am very pleased with the results. I have noticed a big difference in both my energy level and mood, I’m eating more green vegetables than ever, I’ve lost my sweet cravings and (most importantly) my hair is starting to look smoother and shinier!  Ok, I guess that last one could be my imagination at work, but I have received three separate compliments this week on my hair, so I am giving the credit to wheatgrass.

Seasoned wheatgrass drinkers grow their own in sprouting trays which I am told is quite easy to do, but I have not tried it firsthand.  For now, I suffice with a daily trip to the juice bar and a stock of frozen shots in my freezer.  When I reach the day when I can stop paying my hair stylist to get rid of my gray, I’ll start growing my own!  I’ll keep you posted on that one.

List of benefits:

• Increases energy level
• Fulfills nutritional deficiencies
• Removes waste that clogs your cells, blood, tissues and organs
• Cleanses and detoxifies, especially the liver and blood
• Strengthens body by boosting immune system
• One of the best dietary sources of minerals
• High in protein:  contains all 8 essential amino acids
• Protects body from carcinogens
• Eases digestion
• Reduces cravings for addictive substances
• Builds healthy blood and can cure a variety of blood disorders
• Has an anti-aging effect; slows down the process
• Heals wounds, sores, infections
• Stimulates and regenerates the liver
• Tightens sagging skin
• Removes foul body odors and freshens breath
• Improves resistance to outside pollutants
• Its nutrients are available in simplest form making it easy for assimilation
• Heals a variety of illnesses and ailments when taken therapeutically

Article written by:  Carol Galanty, www.GalantysGamePlan.com

The only thing we need to really know when wondering how to loose weight is our bodies and what our bodies really need…not want. Since the dawn of creation the universe has provided the essentials that the human body needs and only since the birth of our new found “foods” has obesity come to the rise. When we look at the data of the early 1900s, before popular sports drinks, chips that last 2-3 months before going stale, and Tang became household necessitates, we see that early 20^th century Americans faced little to no obesity at all compared to the near 40% that our current generation is aching to surpass. Why is that you ask? Because early American peoples were not stuffing their faces with Doritos but rather sweet treats such as apples and bananas. It is very simple when looked at in laments terms as to why we are obese, we have diabetes, and we litter the ER with digestive problems…we ingest little to no fiber, natural sugars, or heart healthy Omega-3s that would foster a body prepared to face the hardships of pollution and overpopulation that is present around us.

Now it may seem impossible to eliminate all junk foods from your diet and substitute them with healthier solutions such as bananas, green peppers, and raw tuna and salmon but in reality it is extremely simple. The amount of calories present in an entire green pepper is less than 100, 100 calories compared to the 420 in an average bad of Sun Chips, or 280 in an Oatmeal Cream Pie.  If we were to substitute at least one fatty treat with a healthy and filling one we could easily see the pounds melt away. Lets take the Sun Chip example to another level…say a person eats one bag of the 420 healthier alternatives each day and he decides to substitute those with a green pepper. By cutting 320 calories he doesn’t need he cuts one pound each two weeks. Was that not simple? Let’s take it to a new level…salad. Say that you eat a normal SADD dinner each night of over 900 calories (meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and a soda pop) and you substitute this for a healthy salad of kale, carrots, cucumbers, green and red peppers, and cabbage. By doing this we more than quadruple the amount of fiber needed to digest the large meal but also cut the calories down to about 300. With this -600 loss we are actually talking about an additional -1lb weight loss every 6 days! Here are some more healthy substitutions that will not cut the amount of food but increase the quality:

• Candy bars for apples, bananas, and oranges. An average candy bar has about 280 calories whereas an average sized apple, banana, and orange together only constitute 380 calories. 100 additional calories for 3 regular sized fruits that will actually keep you regular.
• Hamburgers for tuna and wheat crackers. Substituting a nearly 500 calorie hamburger for  a 120 calorie can of tuna with about a tbsp of low-cal mayonnaise with 80 calories and 7 wheat crackers with about 200 calories cuts the calories by 100 and increases the quantity by 2x. 100 calories means a -1lb weight loss in a little over a month.
• Regular milk for Soy Milk. If you were to cut out your regular glass of 2% for a glass of soy you cut nearly 120 calories and increase the fiber by about 8g. 180 calorie loss means an additional -1lb in 20 days.

Suggestions like these run all over the internet and hold extreme merit when thinking of loosening the belt in the midst of bikini season. Just substituting a few things each day can really add up. Think of starting each morning with a pantheon of fruit and soy milk on low-cal cereal and it is easy to already feel slimmer. Once a few substitutions are in place it is easy to continue the trend and before you know it our old habits of grabbing brownies can be replaced by strawberries and peaches in a light yogurt dressing. The only way to change is to start but lets start smarter so the work is not harder.

Salsa – This party topping is a great choice because, for those that do not load many vegetables between your slices of bread, salsa contains a variety of vegetables (and sometimes fruits).  Not only is it low in calories and fat, it also is rich in Vitamin A, B6, C, and iron.  Salsa is a good source of magnesium and potassium which helps maintain normal blood pressure.  The tomatoes in the salsa contain lycopenes that help prevent prostate cancer and heart disease, however the tomatoes work their magic best if heated.  Spicier salsas are recommended to slow down sandwich consumption and prevent over-snacking with your meal.

Parmesan Cheese – A sandwich should always replace provolone and American slices with Parmesan cheese because this cheese is loaded with flavor and skim on the calories (25 calories per tablespoon).  Like other cheeses, Parmesan is rich in calcium and protein, but it’s also a strong source of phosphorus, which works with calcium in strengthening bones while maintaining healthy nerve impulses and normal kidney functions.  Parmesan cheese is made with whole milk that contains fat-burning acids not found in 2% or skim milk.  Sprinkle only a tablespoon onto your bread before toasting it in the oven to prevent over-fattening and over-flavoring your sandwich.

Hummus – This Mediterranean classic is as strong in flavor as it is in dietary benefits.  Hummus is a great source of fiber, iron, and Vitamin C.  It is trans-fat free, cholesterol free, and low in carbohydrates and calories (50-60 calories in 2 tablespoons).  This spread is diabetes-friendly because it helps keep blood sugar levels from rising too rapidly.  Hummus is best paired with raw vegetables because it matches up the protein count in meat and the meat-and-hummus pairing is hard on the digestive system.

Pesto – For flavor fans, this spread is a fun way to jazz up your sandwich nutritiously.  Pesto has a variety of minerals including Vitamin A, E, and K, and it contributes to the protein count alongside the sandwich meat.  The pine nuts and olive oil in pesto have monosaturated fats that carry out the other unwanted fats from your digestive system.  Brush a thin layer of pesto onto your sandwich to avoid over consumption of monosaturated fats and overwhelming your tongue with its potency.

Make sure the product of choice isn’t loaded with sodium, sugar, or ingredients you can’t pronounce.  Using more than two tablespoons of most of these toppings will increase the fat and calorie count of your sandwich.  Don’t allow these healthy choices be your excuse to add other fatty fillers to your sandwich because every bite counts towards a healthy diet.  But that doesn’t mean you can’t lick your fingers afterwords.

By Kaitlyn Wightman