Mum's Original: Ann Barnes

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Tricks for a Healthy Halloween

Hallowe'en is full of fun but also the not-good-choice sugar season. But like anything, there are opportunities to make event his daunting haunting season one full of healthy choices. Here are a is a couple of healthy tricks for the haunting season:

1. Full up the kids with healthy food & protein before TorT'ing.
2. Examine all treats for choking hazards & tampering.
3. Explain to children what sugar load does to them - it's a chance to educate!
4. Eat a teaspoon of Chia to counter sugar load - balances by 40%

5. Have one treat a day - that's why it is called a treat!
6. Have kids rate candy for nutritional value or NOT and group them for best choice to worst (think about additives, MSG, coloring)
7. Eat an equal amount of fruit to candy.
8. Think about donating candy to encourage 'out-of-me' focus.
9. Make treats at home full of healthy fats (coconut oil) and healthy sugars (Coconut Sugar)
10. Walk or run the block tonight - rain or shine it's an opportunity to exercise.

Happy Hallowe'en - have FUN!

Lead a Long, Super-Life with SUPERFOOD!

The best way to promote longevity and lead a long, happy, and healthy life is simple - It starts with a good balance of good-for-you foods and a moderate daily exercise to reach a healthy lifestyle. Raw, unrefined and minimally processed foods are the best kinds of foods to eat as they jam in plenty of heart healthy and longevity increasing goodies. Make a start by cutting out foods that contain unhealthy substances as bad cholesterol, added bad sugars, trans fats and saturated fats. Its really as easy as swapping out that unhealthy, bleached and highly processed flour for a more nutrient dense flour such as oat or coconut flour that’s super high in nutrients and fiber in your yummy baked goods instead… your kids won’t know the difference! Superfoods, are becoming more and more popular, and for great reason too! Superfoods are nutritionally dense foods that are high in fiber, are minimally processed, unrefined and have shown to have many health benefits. Lets have a look at a number of superfoods that can be easily found today and after plenty of research, have been shown to be beneficial to our bodies in many ways, including promoting longevity on both the inside and out:

Brilliant berries:

Berries are famous for their large antioxidant content which is vital in assisting our bodies in fighting off harmful free radicals, and also to protect our cells from any damage, whether it be from the environment around us, or the type of lifestyle we may lead in todays busy world. Goji berries contain a whopping 500x more of the free radical fighting antioxidant Vitamin C alone, compared to that of an orange along with an abundance of other important antioxidants and healthy nutrients needed for a long healthy life. They have been called the longevity fruit and for good reason too! They are very rich in carotenoids such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin which helps to protect our eyes retinas by absorbing blue light and acts as an important antioxidant that prevents cell damage in the eyes which could in turn lead to development of age related macular degeneration which is the leading cause of vision impairment in people over the age of 65[i]. Free radicals cause gradual cell damage that responsible for visible aging and can also boost development of some genetic and age related diseases such as cancer or dementia. Goji berries also contain a large amount of polysaccharides which causes the body to produce more human growth hormone (HGH) from the pituitary gland which can help slow down the aging process. Goji Berries are very beneficial in cardiovascular health and our circulatory system, due to their super cholesterol lowering properties, which helps to keep your heart in tip-top shape and your blood balanced - two very important aspects of a healthy human body.

Radically raw plant foods:

Raw fruits, vegetables and seeds such as hemp and chia are all part of a balanced diet with their large, naturally occurring amount of nutrients and minerals. They contain fabulous anti-cancer phytochemicals (naturally occurring plant chemicals), which provide stress damage resistance to the cells in our body and therefore help to prevent development of aging, and certain stress or age related diseases[ii]. Essential fatty acids and high antioxidant levels found in seeds such as hemp and chia, help to boost cardiovascular health by lowering bad (LDL) cholesterol levels, maintaining the health of your skin, hair and nails and therefore protecting them from signs of aging, helping to boost visual acuity, decrease the risk of developing Dementia and Alzheimers disease, along with protecting the brain from aging effects, helping to maintain alertness and mental health. Raw plant foods also contain anti-inflammatory properties, which have been associated in helping to reduce inflammation in related health issues such as arthritis, which can provide some comfort and relief to associated pain to those certain affected areas.

Great grains:

A unique polyphenol called Avenathramides can be found in oats and has the ability to keep the arteries clear and free of any plaque build up. This same compound lowers the pro-inflammatory cytokines that can cause inflammation in the body, that is associated with certain health issues such as Parkinsons disease, Alzhiemers and cancer. Beta-glucan is another substance found in oats, which help to boost our immune system, which is very beneficial in the elderly to keep their resistance strong to certain diseases and illness.[iii] Quinoa is another ancient grain jam-packed with longevity loving goodness. It contains high levels of magnesium, which help to relax your muscles and blood vessels that affects blood pressure and is crucial for cardiovascular health. Manganese and Copper act as antioxidants in your body to get rid of disease causing substances which may be effective in treating conditions artherosclerosis, breast cancer, diabetes and insulin resistance helping to prolong a long, healthy life.

RAWsome Cacao (raw chocolate):

Unlike commercially processed and refined chocolate bars, antioxidants are preserved in raw cacao and score a huge 62,000 on the ORAC scale. By keeping cacao in its raw state, it results in a much higher level antioxidants that are not lost during intense processing methods that can dissolve plaque built up on artery walls, keeping them clear and are therefore less likely to negatively affect your hearts health. Raw cacao, being one of the richest natural sources of antioxidants has twice as much as red wine and three times the amount of green tea! These antioxidants, along with anandamides (neurotransmitters) help to increase cardiovascular health by improving blood vessel dilation, blood pressure and also lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol levels which are all essential in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, one of the leading causes of death in North America. A feel good stress defense shield called serotonin helps us to have a good nights sleep and also protects us from stress related diseases as we age. In addition to all of these essential disease fighting substances, there are phytochemicals found in cacao that reveal it may be the most chemically complex food on earth when consumed in raw form and in every human diet to promote well-being and longevity[iv].

For more information on how to use these delicious, long-life superfoods, visit www.mumsoriginal.com for some fantastic recipe ideas!

[i] http://www.mdsupport.org/library/zeaxanthin.html

[ii] http://www.lef.org/news/LefDailyNews.htm?NewsID=4773&Section=NUTRITION

[iii] http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/eating-longevity

[iv] http://www.ajcn.org/content/77/6/1466.short

Berry Chia Pudding

This berry chia pudding is easy to make and full of vitamins, protein and anti-oxidants while bursting with berry flavors. Great as a pudding or fun as a popsicle, this one is sure to please everyone!

3/4 cup water

5 Tablespoons Mum's Original Premium White Wholeseed Chia

2 cups washed blueberries

1 cup washed raspberries

1/3 cup Mum's Original Delores Hemp Hearts

3 Tablespoons Mum's Original Banana Powder

1 Tablespoon Coconut Oil (optional)

3 Tablespoon Mum's Original Coconut Sugar or 2 tablepoons raw honey

1 teaspoon Mum's Original Cacao Powder

1/4 teaspoon vanilla

Add chia and water, stir and soak for 20 minutes.
Once soaked, blend chia mix with all other ingredients in a high speed food processor until mixed well (2-3 min). Blend longer for greater smoothness. Makes about 2 cups.

TURN THESE INTO FROZEN CHERRY CHIA POPSICLES:

Make berry chia pudding as above.
Take 12 cherries and gently split down middle and remove pit.
In an ice cube tray, place a teaspoon of berry chia pudding at bottom of each ice cube spot. Add in cherry and fill pudding to top of ice cube tray.
Place a small miniature wooden popsicle stick (or piece of wooden skewer) into cherry center.
Place in freezer for 3 hours. Remove, run back under hot water and pop out. Kids will love them!

Choco-Strawberry Chia Jam

Gluten Free, Nut Free, Soy Free, Corn Free, Vegan (option), WFM ‘Health Starts Here’ approved!

This jam is an excellent summer go-to for amazing flavors of local and ripe fruit. By adding in the live and raw Mum's Original Whole Seed Chia and the super anti-oxidant rich Mum's Original Cacao Powder, the jam goes from a nice-to-have to a must-have for an incredible source of super-sweet health.

Ingredients:

5 cups washed & chopped strawberries (approx 900g or 32oz)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 cup raw honey (or 1 cup Mum’s Original Coconut sugar)
4 tablespoons Mum’s Original White Whole Seed Chia
1 tablespoon Mum’s Original Cacao Powder

Directions:

Prepare 4 small mason jars with lids washed and cleaned, place in a cook pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil and then turn to low heat.
Place strawberries and lemon juice in a large pot. Place on stove top and turn heat to medium/high. Cook for 6-8 minutes, while heating up mash the strawberries with a potato masher.
Add honey stir in and turn to high, keep stirring and bring to a hard boil (meaning that mixture will not subside when you stir it). Keep at a hard boil for one minute and continue stirring.
Turn heat down to low, add chia, vanilla and cacao powder. Simmer for 15 minutes or until desired consistency.
Take each mason jar and remove from water, carefully add in jam mixture to mason jar. Cover with lid and lightly tighten lid. Repeat until jam all bottled.
Wait 10 minutes and the gently tighten each lid by hand.
Place in fridge – will keep up to 7 days.

Coconut-Lime Spiced Corn

This recipe is by Ann Barnes, Co-Founder Mum's Original and Superfoodie Extra-ordinaire!

With the long weekend about to begin, what better way to say 'hello summer' than a terrific tasting cob of corn. This recipe is simple to make with a new nutritious take on an old favorite. Impress your friends with your culinary art skills with little effort.

Ingredients:

5 cobs of corn (cleaned with husks removed)

2 Liters of water

1 lime

3 tablespoons coconut oil

1 teaspoon Mum's Original Rock Salt

1 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon cumin

2 tablespoons Mum's Original Slow Roasted Hemp Hearts

Directions:

1.Bring water to a boil then add in the juice of one lime, a pinch of salt and the corn. Let cook for 10 minutes.

2. Turn off heat and cover with a lid. Let corn soak for at least 1/2 an hour.

3. In a small saucepan, add in coconut oil and heat until melted. Remove from heat and add in Rock Salt, chili powder, cilantro and cumin. Mix well.

4. Remove corn from water and place in serving dish side by side.

5. Drizzle coconut oil mixture evenly over each cob (you can also 'brush" it on). Rotate each cob so it is coated all over.

6. Sprinkle the Slow Roasted Hemp Hearts on top and serve.

For more great superfood recipes, click here.

Himalayan Rock Salt – A Natural Alternative to Toxic Junk in the Trunk

Guest post by co-founder and Superfoody, Ann Barnes

Stuffed Up

Over time, any bad food that you've ever eaten (like procesed food, high bad-fat foods simple carbohydrates and sugars) often get left behind as our bad-choice calling card. Where does it get left? Well this undigested food and waste material build up and stick to the walls of our intestinal tract and colon. With over 25 - 30 feet of digestive tract, this micro-ecosystem becomes a breeding ground for anaerobic bacteria, which over time can cause serious health problems. Additionally, this toxic enviornment lays the foundation for a 5 star rated hotel stay for parasites which are commonly absorbed by exposure to: animals, soil, contaminated water or improperly cooked meat (pork is especially dangerous)[i].

Common complaints such as constipation and poor bowel movement (3 times a day is the goal) are indicators of an impaction of hard left behind fecal matter in the small intestine, large intestine and colon.

Symptoms of fecal build up include:

a sensation that the bowels haven't completely emptied
bloating of the abdomen
headaches
skin rashes
"rumbling" noise when digesting food
gas
indigestion
infrequent bowel movements
hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass
loss of appetite
pain or pressure in the belly
some bleeding as a result of straining

There are a number of ways to remove these toxins: colon hydrotheraphy (colonic irrigations); enemas (which only gets the last 8-12 inches of the digestive tract); herbal supplements (which don't cleanse the digestive track but just empty it and can also have side effects) and laxatives (which can lead to side effects including dehydration and loss of muscle around the colon lining) and most simply a "salt water flush".

Salt Water Flush

A salt water flush (SWF) is one of the easiest and quickest ways to clean your colon, stomach and the intestine. It will help to remove stored up toxins, left behind fecal matter, parasites and bacteria from your entire digestive tract. The SWF works as the salt water's saliency is the same as your body's saliency. So the water does not get absorbed into the body, but rather simply is flushed right through. The salt allows for your insides to be cleansed as well. Salt is a natural way to kill bacteria, which is why we rinse our mouths out with salt water to kill mouth bacteria or do salt gargles when we have a sore throat. So while this is winding its way through your system it has the same effect.

The SWF can help to:

cleanse & oxygenate the colon, small and large intestines

removes unwanted waste matter
removes extra weight and can help jump start to a new diet plan
promotes optimal colon health
promotes and nourish friendly intestinal flora
can hemp remove parasites such as candida (overgrowth of yeast and/or fungus) that have damaging side effects
improve digestion
improve skin
promote better sleep
increase the strength of the immune system

Get Started

To do a salt water colon cleanse, make sure that you do it when you have time to be close to the ‘loo’ so schedule at least a half or full day to do it. So make sure you have nothing to do and don’t need to leave the house.

The salt water colon cleanse starts with:

· one quart (8 cups) of lukewarm pre-boiled purified water

· add one heaping tablespoon of Mum’s Original Inner Mountain Himalayan Rock Salt (do NOT substitute for ionized table salt)

· add one tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional)

Stir or shake it until the salt fully dissolves. Drink this salt water mixture quickly (within 30 minutes). For optimal results lay down and gently massage your stomach down to your colon area to help break up accumulated fecal matter. Within thirty minutes to two hours after drinking the SWF you will feel pressure on your colon (and may hear gurgling noises) and will feel the need to go FAST! You may have several bowel movements over the next few hours and they may be very watery – which is what you want.

After your cleanse, all bacteria has been removed – the good and the bad - so don’t forget to take some probiotic supplements or eat fermented foods like sauerkraut to ensure that colon-friendly good bacteria can be effectively replaced. Help your system remain clean by getting the right amount of fiber rich foods: like chia, hemp and oatmeal, along with a colon-friendly diet that includes nutrient rich foods like fruits and veggies, beans, gojis and quinoa.

Always consult your doctor before undergoing a colon cleanse.

[i] http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Factsheets/Parasites_and_Foodborne_Illness/index.asp

Ann Barnes, is the co-founder of Mum's Original and considers herself a "Superfoody". As a mother of two young children, Ann left her fast-paced career as an entertainment lawyer to pursue her love of health, nutrition and easy healthy-home cooking. She is the author of the healthy living book: "BETTER BEING", which provides simple answers and recipes for clean and balanced living. Now leading an organic, gluten free and vegan lifestyle, Ann shares her healthy tips and whole food recipes to help everyone to get a little bit better.

Breakfast of (Miniature) Champions – Why Kids Need Breakfast

Guest post by co-founder and Superfoody, Ann Barnes

Breakfast: the First Academic Frontier

Studies show that fewer than half of us are eating breakfast with real adverse effects: especially for children. Studies conclude that students who eat school breakfast increase their math and reading scores as well as improve their attendance, memory, concentration, problem-solving ability and test scores[i]. Study after study proves what educators have long believed to be true: when children’s basic nutritional and fitness needs are met, they have the cognitive energy to learn and achieve. In addition, the lack of breakfast consumption over the last 40 years also mirrors obesity rates. Simply stated: breakfast is an essential part of a child’s life.

Breaking the Fast

The term ‘breakfast’ literally means literally means “breaking the fast”. After fasting all night, a developing body (and brain) needs a number of things: great carbohydrates (fiber), complete protein and healthy fats. When your child wakes up they have not eaten for a long time which is hard on a young person’s body as they have faster metabolisms and need constant replenishment. For example, if your 6 year old ate dinner at 7pm the night before, a 7am rise means a full 12 hours without nutrients. The result? Insulin and glucose levels rise while the child’s body tries to quickly rebalance itself. If nutrients are lacking over time, the body will start to effectively ‘stockpile’ energy (or fat) when the child does eat in order to quickly store food as fat for future use. This creates a cycle of stress on the body and potential pediatric weight gain.

Avoiding Childhood Obesity - Eat to Lose:

Studies indicate that with a healthy breakfast children are more likely to lose excess weight and maintain weight loss. In one American study, they reviewed thousands of adolescents for five years and found that: teens who ate breakfast (with more daily calories) had a lower Body Mass Index even though they ate more calories in a day. Other studies have prove that breakfast helps to jump starts the metabolism, helping kid feel fuller for longer while decreasing bad snack desires. In one study they reviewed the brains of children and found that those who ate breakfast were far less likely to be enticed by the bad trans-fatty foods at lunchtime.

Not all Carbs are Created Equal

Carbohydrates, with the best choice being the complex-carbohydrate of soluble and insoluble fiber, become the brain's basic fuel. "Without glucose," explains Terrill Bravender, professor of pediatrics at Duke University, "our brain simply doesn't operate as well. People have difficulty understanding new information, [they have a] problem with visual and spatial understanding, and they don't remember things as well."

When choosing a healthy breakfast meal, look for foods with high fibre percentages that make up the carbohydrate portion. So for example a cereal that is 20g of carbohydrate and has 18 grams of fiber is an incredible choice. Conversely, a bowl of cereal with 20grams of carbohydrate that has minimal fiber basically means that this is a bowl of sugar – as that is how your child’s body will use or metabolize the carbohydrates.

What you want to look for are “low glycemic” foods. The glycemic index is a measure of how quickly food carbohydrates are absorbed into our bodies and converted to energy. Sugary low fiber cereals are ‘simple carbohydrates’ that are metabolized very quickly causing a peak in blood-sugar levels. This sugar “high” then requires the body to try to get rebalanced by secreting insulin to stop the negative effects of this poor choice. Blood sugar levels then fall dramatically after two hours or so. These blood sugar peaks can trigger a release of hormones that can affect mood. In some children, these hormones can affect concentration and memory.

High fiber foods such as whole grains, chia, fruit, veggies and oatmeal, on the other hand, are absorbed very slowly. The result is high fiber breakfast eaters have a slow rise in blood sugar levels and the energy and nutrients last them through the morning. At one study done by Tufts University, the psychologist Holly Taylor had one group of children eat sweetened oatmeal for breakfast while another ate Cap'n Crunch cereal with the same sugar content. Afterwards, both groups were given academic tasks. The oatmeal eaters did up to 20 percent better than the Crunch eaters. To Taylor, that shows that "the children were remembering more information … after having eaten oatmeal." Although both cereals had the same sugar levels, Taylor says that the oatmeal had more protein and fiber, and therefore a lower glycemic index.

Perfect Protein

Protein is important to have at every meal, especially first thing in the morning. Most importantly, the protein needs to be complete so that the body can utilize it immediately. Research shows that a high protein breakfast results in feelings of satiety for longer periods and better food choices throughout the day if your first meal has protein-rich foods, such as eggs, low-fat dairy products and fiber-filled fare, such whole-grain bread, hemp seeds, nuts and oatmeal. These foods have more staying power than highly processed low fiber low protein foods such as bagels, muffins, donuts and sugary cereals.

Oh Omegas!

Good fats are also an important part of a healthy start to a little one’s day. Make sure that you avoid any trans-fatty acids found in many processed foods like donuts, cookies and snack foods. Also lay off the saturated fat that is high in meat and dairy products. Instead, opt for healthy fats found in essential fatty acids (EFA) – Omega 3 and healthy Omega 6. The EFAs are needed for:normal brain function; growth and development; bone health; and regulation of metabolism. Great sources of vegan EFA sources can be found in Chia and Hemp Hearts.

In addition, Hemp Hearts are the only food source of an incredibly beneficial type of omega-6 fat called gamma linolenic acid (GLA). GLA is a direct building block of good anti-inflammatory hormones. GLA has many benefits as it helps to: regulate blood pressure; reduce inflammation; enhance immune response; defend against abnormal cell proliferation; assist in production of steroids and hormone synthesis; regulate the body's fluid balance by assisting kidney function; reduce allergic response to allergens and promote nerve transmission. So a great way to start the day is to have EFA’s daily.

Recipe of Champions

This recipe is fast and easy. Rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals the combination of oats, coconut oil, chia, hemp, goji, and coconut sugar help boost immunity and energy, decrease inflammation, provide whole protein and EFA’s, lower blood sugar levels and ensures great digestive health.

1/2 cup water boiled

1/3 cup Mum’s Original Quick Flake Oats (Gluten Free)

1/2 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

1 Tablespoon Mum’s Original Wholeseed White Chia

1 Tablespoon Mum’s Original Delores Hemphearts

1 Teaspoon Mum’s Original Cacao Nibs

1 Teaspoon Mum’s Original Goji Berries

1/2 Teaspoon Mum’s Original Coconut Sugar

1/4 Teaspoon Cinnamon

Boil water. Assemble dry ingredients and place in a bowl. Pour water on top, stir and let sit for a minute. Top with rice milk.

[i] Sources:

[1] Bogden, J.F. Fit, healthy, and ready to learn: a school health policy guide. Alexandria (VA): NASBE, 2000;

[2] Schoenthaler, S. Abstracts of early papers on the effects of vitamin-mineral supplementation on IQ and behavior. Personality and Individual Differences 1991;12(4):343;

[3] Schoenthaler, S., Amos, S., Eysenck, H., Peritz, E., and Yudkin, J. Controlled trial of vitamin mineral supplementation: effects on intelligence and performance. Personality and Individual Differences 1991;12(4):361;

[4] American School Food Service Association (ASFSA). Impact of hunger and malnutrition on student achievement. School Board Food Service Research Review1989;(1,Spring):17-21;

[5] Parker, L. The relationship between nutrition and learning: a school employee's guide to information and action. Washington: National Education Association, 1989;

[6] Brown, L., Pollitt, E. Malnutrition, poverty and intellectual development. Scientific American 1996;274(2):38-43;

[7] Alaimo, K., Olson, C.M., Frongillo Jr., E.A. Food insufficiency and American school-aged children's cognitive, academic, and psychosocial development. Pediatrics July 2001;108(1):44-53;

[8] Center on Hunger, Poverty, and Nutrition Policy. Statement on the Link between Nutrition and Cognitive Development in Children. Medford, MA: Tufts University School of Nutrition 1995;

[9] Pollitt, E., Leibel, R., Greenfield, D. Brief fasting, stress, and cognition in children. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1991;34(Aug):1526-1533;

[10] Murphy, J.M., Pagano, M.E., Nachmani, J., Sperling, P., Kane, S., Kleinman, R.E. The relationship of school breakfast to psychosocial and academic functioning. Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine 1998;152:899-906;

[11] Kleinman, R.E. et al., Hunger in children in the United States: potential behavioral and emotional correlates. Pediatrics 1998;101(1):E3.

[12] Mathematica Policy Research. Children’s diets in the mid-1990s: dietary intake and its relationship with school meal participation. Final report to USDA 2001;

[13] Office of Research, Education, and the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, USDA. American

Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1998;67(4):798S-803S;

[14] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Guidelines for school health programs to promote lifelong healthy eating. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report Recommendations and Report 1996 Jun 14; 45:RR-9;

[15] Barnard, A. Study links school breakfast, results. Boston Globe 2000 Nov 29;

[16] Minnesota Department of Children Families and Learning. School breakfast programs energizing the classroom 1998;

[17] Murphy, J.M. et al. Effects of a universally free, in-classroom school breakfast program: results from the Maryland Meals for Achievement Evaluation. Initial Report 1999 May 4;

[18] Meyers, A.F. et al. School breakfast program and school performance. American Journal of Diseases of Children 1989;143:1234–9;

Gojis: the Go-To For Improved Athletic Performance

Guest post by co-founder and Superfoody, Ann Barnes

This little ancient berry packs a lot of punch for such plump little dried fruit. Not only a tasty treat, gojis are also an incredible way to increase overall physical health and improve performance for workouts and training.

Real Recovery

The polysaccharides in goji have also been shown to be a very promising supplement to stimulate recovery for post work outs and training. The results showed that the polysaccharide induced:

· a remarkable adaptability to exercise load

· enhanced resistance and accelerated elimination of fatigue

· enhanced the storage of muscle and liver glycogen

· increased the activity of lactic acid

· decreased recovery time after strenuous exercise

· and accelerated the clearance of blood urea nitrogen after exercise.[i]

So gojis are a great way to not only improve stamina during exercise but also improve recovery times afterwards.

Eye Spy

Any athletes relies on hand eye coordination, so great eyesight is key. Gojis have long been touted in Asia as a great resource to improve eye health, we now have the scientific facts to back it up! Goji supports eye health and vision, due to the high levels of beneficial carotenoids like beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. Zeaxanthin also helps with Macular Degeneration (retinol damage).[ii]

Hearty Heart

Another major source of stamina for improving performance is ensuring that your cardiovascular system remains string and healthy. The compound in goji's called ‘glycoconjugates’ have been shown to be able to inhibit lipid peroxidation, which is a common cause for heart disease[iii].

Immune Boost

As part of any workout, supporting your immune system is vital for overall health. Goji contains 4 important polysaccharides, which are called LBP1, LBP2, LBP3 and LBP4. With much research on these important compounds, they have been shown to improve and stimulate the immune system (and significantly reduce tumor weight with therapeutic efficacy in cancer)[iv].

Use it!!!

Simply eat a handful on their own, add to oatmeal, trailmixes and cereal, sprinkle on salads and bake and cook with it easily. For great recipes: http://www.mumsoriginal.com/