Hemp Seeds: They're Awesome (and are a great source of protein and omegas)

Have you tried hemp seeds?  If not, you really should. They’re delicious and are incredibly nutrient dense.

Hemp is related to the marijuana plant but does not contain marijuana's mood-altering THC. Hemp seeds are completely legal in the US. Hemp seeds, either in their shelled form or ground as hemp protein are a wonderful whole food that is a boost to any diet. Hemp seeds are high in protein and amino acids, in fact, one 30 gram serving of shelled hemp seeds has over 10 grams of protein and 10 grams of amino acids- three of which are omega 3 fatty acids which are so lacking in most American diets. Hemp seeds also contain the rare omega 6 fatty acids known as GLA. GLA has been shown to help with balancing hormones and lubricating skin. GLA is available in supplement form as borage or primrose oil softgels, but hemp seeds are the only whole food which GLA is naturally found.

Hemp has double the protein of flax or chia seeds (not that I’m badmouthing either of them- I love flax and chia) and hemp also has a broader spectrum of omega fatty acids as well as all ten essential amino acids. They also don’t contain gluten, soy, or dairy, so they’re a nice nutrient boost for people with food allergies.

For hemp seeds, we recommend the Nutiva brand, since I truly believe they’re the best. They’re organic (which also means they’re GMO-free), cold processed (heat can destroy some of the beneficial compounds in hemp seeds), and are completely chemical free. I’ve had other brands of hemp seeds which I didn’t think tasted as good- Nutiva’s hemp seeds taste absolutely delicious- they’re nutty, sweet, and savory all at the same time.

Check out our recipe section for two delicious hemp seed recipes, but they can also be eaten by themselves or sprinkled on top of salads and cereals. Hemp seeds are softer than seeds like sunflower seeds, so they’re easy to add to any foods. They’re also a great addition to a morning smoothie!

Jarrow's Bone Broth Powder: It's Amazing for Joints, Digestive Issues, and More

We have been searching for a good bone broth powder to carry in the store and have finally found one!  We now have Jarrow Bone Broth Powder for sale in the store, in both beef and chicken varieties. Powdered bone broth is much more economical than buying bone broth liquid (which we do also have at the store), and still makes a delicious, steamy mug.

Bone broth is an incredibly nutrient dense whole food. It is a natural source of type I and II collagen, which is amazing for skin and joint health. The collagen found in bone broth also contains natural forms of glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid- all nutrients which are well known for supporting the cartilage in our joints and helping arthritis-related joint pain.
Interestingly, bone broth is also incredibly healing to the digestive tract, and is something that would be particularly helpful for people with Celiac or any other digestive issues. Drinking bone broth is very comforting to the intestines, and actually helps to supply the body with specific amino acids and other natural compounds which can help to heal and repair the intestinal lining (nutrients not easily found in sufficient quantities in other foods). 

I actually went to a seminar many years ago about natural ways to help people with Celiac, and the speaker recommended simmering a variety of bones and even chicken feet for days, saying that it made a broth which he said was, “The best thing for people with Celiac disease and other digestive issues” due to the types of collagen found in such a broth. I think most of us there thought that sounded a little weird, so it’s funny how that seemingly strange advice is now becoming so well known, and now we’re hearing more and more testimonials of people who have used bone broth with impressive results for their digestive problems. 

In addition to joint, skin, and digestive health, research has even shown that bone broth can help with boosting the immune system, something we could all use as the weather turns colder.

Jarrow’s bone broth is unique in that it also has additional natural calcium and silicon, two other nutrients crucial for bone health. The type of silicon in Jarrow’s bone broth has also been clinically shown to help with reducing wrinkle depth and improving skin elasticity.

When choosing a bone broth, it’s important to use a brand you trust, since I’ve been reading more and more reports about how many bone broths on the market are not much different from regular beef or chicken broth. I trust Jarrow as a company (they make some of my favorite products) and love that they list the actual amounts of nutrients per serving (including the amounts of collagen) right on the label, so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Bone broth powder is great mixed by itself with hot water in a mug, but it can even be added to soups or other foods for an added nutrient boost. One naturopath I read an article from recommended swapping a hot cup of bone broth for one’s afternoon coffee or tea- something I think is a great idea!

Jarrow’s bone broth powder is available in both chicken and beef varieties and will be on sale for 25% off for the entire month of November.

Free Fitbit Charge Raffle at Pass Health Foods!

We are having a free Fitbit Raffle for a new black Fitbit Charge!  Solgar has partenered with us and donated a new Fitbit to raffle off!  You can see more information on the Fitbit Charge on its product page, here.   It retails for $109.99.

For every Solgar purchase, now through November 25th, you will receive a raffle ticket (for example, if you buy 3 Solgar products, you’ll receive 3 raffle tickets).

We love Solgar at Pass Health Foods, and I’ve wrote about their products numerous times in past newsletters.  I’ll link a few articles below on different products we’ve featured of theirs in the past.

Solar’s New Full Spectrum Curcumin

Solgar's PM Phytogen for Hot Flashes and Menopausal Symptoms

Leaky Gut and IBS: Solgar’s Probi Probiotics

Anemia and Iron Supplements (without constipation): Solgar’s Gentle Iron

All About Omegas: Solgar’s Omega 950

Additionally, Solgar is on sale for 25% off this month!  Don’t miss out on the chance to win a fancy new Fitbit!

A Pass Favorite: Magnesium Oil Spray

I wanted to write about a new favorite of ours at the store- magnesium oil spray and magnesium flakes for soaking. Our new LifeFlo brand magnesium oil spray and flakes are from the Zechstein Seabed- an ancient geological formation of pure magnesium, unspoiled by pollution or chemicals.

Magnesium is great for the muscles, and using magnesium topically (whether through a magnesium oil spray or soaking in magnesium flakes) is especially effective.

I tried some for the first time recently and was kind of amazed, to be honest. It is absolutely wonderful for sore muscles. I’ve been using it when I have sore legs before bed and can’t believe how well it works for soothing and relaxing the muscles. I’ve also been using it on my daughter’s legs when she complains of “growing pains”. Liz, who works at the store, has a son who plays hockey, and he’s been using it after practice to help with sore muscles and is impressed with how well it works.

Even though we’ve primarily been using it for muscle aches, many of our customers have found it to be very effective for arthritis and joint pain as well.

The nice thing about magnesium oil spray and magnesium flakes for the bath (or a foot soak) is that there is really no downside, they can only help. I’d really recommend giving them a try!

Solgar’s Curcumin Softgels - Now on Every Day Sale for 25% Off

In the past year, turmeric (and its extract curcumin) has gone from being a little-known supplement to one that nearly everyone has heard about. Curcumin is most commonly used for reducing inflammation and pain in the body, but it seems new research on curcumin is coming out all the time for a variety of benefits, including for neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

In the past, one of the troubles with curcumin was that it was difficult for the body to absorb. A new form of curcumin came out last year by Solgar that had been confirmed through scientific research that it is 185 times better absorbed than standard turmeric extract. Because of this, it is the only curcumin supplement we recommend anymore at the store due to its fantastic absorption and effectiveness. For more information on Solgar’s Curcumin, see this article on our website:

Solgar’s New Full Spectrum Curcumin: It’s Pretty Much the Best Thing Ever

Since we sell so much of it (because we really do think it’s the best), we’ve been able to work out a deal with Solgar on their curcumin supplements so that we are able to offer it (on all sizes) at an everyday discount of 25% off!  It’s a pretty big deal, so we’re excited to be able to announce this discount to our ustomers since I know so many of you take it!  

Jarrow's New Theanine Gummies: For Relaxation on the Go

I wanted to mention a brand new product that we’ve found: Jarrow’s new Theanine Gummies. If you’ve been a subscriber of our newsletter for a while, you know that we are crazy about theanine at Pass Health Foods. It’s an amino acid found in small amounts in green tea that works very well for stress and anxiety, without making you tired. All of us at the store take it at one time or another. It’s great because while it can be taken on a regular basis for anxiety, it doesn’t need to be; it can be taken only a needed during a stressful time or before a stressful situation and still be effective. It's also great for sleep, since even though it doesn't make you feel tired, it helps to reduce anxious thoughts, which can lead to an easier time falling and staying asleep.

Our new Jarrow gummies are fantastic because first, they are delicious, so they’re easy for both kids and adults to take. Second, they’re wonderful for taking on the go since they don’t need to be taken with water- they’re perfect to keep in a purse or bag if needed. They’re also nice for people that have problems with swallowing or would just rather not be bothered with swallowing a pill and having to find a glass of water.

We are offering them for 20% off as an everyday deal, so they work out to be $18.99 a bottle. They’re also gelatin free, so they’re suitable for vegetarian diets, plus, they aren’t sticky gummies if that’s at all descriptive. I feel like some gummy vitamins stick to my teeth, but not so with these. I would absolutely recommend giving them a try. For more information on theanine, see our website here for an index of our many past articles on the benefits of theanine.
 

Start the New Year Right with a Whole Body Cleanse

January is the start of a fresh new year, and as such is a fantastic time for a whole body cleanse!  Every day our bodies are bombarded by toxins from our environment, cleaning products, medications, and the foods we eat.  Doing a whole body cleanse once or twice a year is a great way to keep your body in tip top shape.

Whole body cleansing kits like those we sell at the store are a combination of supplements which help to aid in detoxification of all the body’s main detoxification pathways, supporting the liver (the body’s main cleansing organ), as well as cleaning out the colon.

Many people find enhanced energy and immunity after a whole body cleanse.  It’s also a good way to begin a diet and exercise program, since being bogged down to toxins can hamper weight loss efforts.

One we especially recommend at Pass Health Foods is Nature’s Plus Complete Body Cleanse- a kit of three different products (all in vegetarian capsules, thankfully).  It’s a certified organic formula that’s both gluten free and vegetarian that includes an herbal cleansing formula, a fiber formula, and then a nighttime colon cleansing formula.  It is taken only in the morning and evening, and while it does increase bowel movements, it is gentle and will not lead to “colon cleansing emergencies” (something I know many people are worried about).

It’s definitely one to try, and is a great way to start 2016!

A Pass Favorite: Andalou Naturals Skincare Lines

We have a new line of facial products that I wanted to feature by Andalou Naturals.  What makes these different is that they are research-based products that use potent antioxidants and fruit stem cells to aid in cellular repair as well as significantly improving skin appearance and texture.

While many people will use different skin products from different companies, I wanted to mention the benefits of using a complete line targeted to your skin type.  The Andalou Naturals Skincare Lines I’ll mention below have each been in independently tested in a clinical testing which found over an 80% improvement in skin after using each of the skincare lines for 6 weeks.  Each of the Andalou Naturals products are made to improve and complement each other, so using them in a layered fashion can make an impressive difference in your skin, since their products enhance the effectiveness of each other.

There are four different complete color coded lines that we have available:

PURPLE for Aging and Dry Skin

The (Purple) Age Defying Line uses the antioxidant power of resveratrol and CoQ10 to increase cellular renewal and reduction in wrinkle depth. After 6 weeks, research found that participants experienced an 87% increase in skin elasticity.

ORANGE for Normal and Combination Skin

The (Orange) Brightening Line uses Vitamin C, Turmeric, and Sea Buckthorn to help to reduce hyper pigmentation from sun damage and acne scars and evens out skin tone. After 6 weeks, research found that participants experienced an 86% overall enhancement in skin tone and luminosity.

BLUE for Acne Prone and Oily Skin

The (Blue) Clarifying Line combined the calming and purifying ingredients of Willow Bark, Kombucha, and Cucumber to clear skin. After 6 weeks, research found that participants experienced an 83% overall improvement in their skin.

PINK for Sensitive and Reactive Skin

The (Pink) 1000 Roses Line is made specifically for people with extremely sensitive skin.  It’s formulated with rose stem cells and damask roses to soothe skin and increase skin’s resilience.  After 6 weeks, participants with easily irritated skin experienced zero irritation. 

 

A Natural, Herbal Version of Tamiflu for Flu Recovery?

Q: It seems everyone is getting sick around me, so I was wondering if there was anything that was really effective against the flu virus.

A: We wrote last month about a number of natural immune boosters which are very effective for preventative immunity (you can read the article here). There is a combination of supplements however that have been shown in recent research to be as effective as the prescription antiviral Tamiflu against the flu virus.

The study gave 473 patients who exhibited flu symptoms elderberry extract and echinacea or Tamiflu within the first 48 hours of the beginning of the illness. The recovery rates from the combination of elderberry and echinacea were the same as Tamiflu  (the elderberry and echinacea group actually had slightly better recovery rates when compared to the prescription Tamiflu), but without side effects- the researchers reported that patients taking oseltamivir (Tamiflu) were more likely to experience gastrointestinal issues such as nausea and vomiting than the supplement group.

I would definitely recommend keeping elderberry extract and echinacea in the house this winter. For elderberry extract we recommend Sambucus elderberry syrup by Nature’s Answer since it is the exact formulation used in several other trials against the flu virus, with impressive results. Elderberry syrup can be taken preventatively against viruses or taken in higher doses if you do actually get sick.

For echinacea, we recommend the standardized echinacea extract by Nature's Way. It's a great, high potency extract.

Elderberry can be taken preventatively against illness, but it’s best to save the echinacea until you feel the beginnings of sickness, since research has shown that that is when it is most effective. If you've been sick for a while, supplementing with elderberry alone is the best course of action, due to its potent antiviral compounds. 

Here are a few other articles from our site which you may find helpful:
 

A Pass Favorite: Irwin Naturals ImmunoShield

Zinc Lozenges: Clinically Proven to Boost the Immune System

Health Q & A: Keeping Kids Healthy this Winter

Our Favorite Immune Boosting Supplements

Zollipops: Xylitol Lollipops for Kid's Oral Health

Zollipops are new xylitol lollipops we’ve just gotten in and they’re amazing! Xylitol helps to prevent tooth decay, and Zollipops have also been shown to help restore a healthy oral pH, which helps to prevent cavities and tooth decay. Zollipops are great tasting and are a fantastic treat for kids after a meal, since they actually help to prevent cavities!

Zollipops certainly aren’t a replacement for proper brushing, but they’re a great thing to have on the go, and are a wonderful alternative for sugar laden candies! A little bit of xylitol is wonderful for oral health, but Zollipops should be limited to three a day for children. 
  
I don’t know if you’re a Shark Tank fan, but Zollipops was featured recently on their Kid-Preneurs Edition- Zollipops was conceived by a nine year old girl who dreamed of a lollipop that was actually good for your teeth, and from that, Zollipops was born.