Spirulina

Spirulina, or Blue-Green Algae, Are Some of the Oldest and Richest of the Superfoods

Spirulina, which is a specific strain of Blue-Green Algae, grows in most of the world’s untouched, still, alkaline waters.  Often, the clear waters will show the algae growing underneath in a spectacular display of deep color.

It is known that the Aztecs ate Blue-Green Algae regularly many hundreds of years ago.  Spirulina, specifically is an African strain of BGA and it is known to have been eaten by the nomads of the Sahara Desert region.

Spirulina contains a broad array of nutritional elements, many of which are very highly concentrated.  Vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex are heavily concentrated.  Because they are all in their natural form (rather than the synthetic or semi-synthetics often found in vitamin pills), they are infinitely absorbable.

Minerals like calcium, magnesium, iron, and many trace minerals are abundant in Spirulina.  It’s also a great source of non-animal protein, amino acids, gamma linolenic acid, and more.

In fact, Spirulina and most BGA types are hightly sought-after by the vegan community as a replacement for soy.  It is also featured in some detox and weight loss program regimens (and for good reason).

Finally, on one more amazing note of the power of Spirulina: it has very few calories per ounce compared to most foods.  Like nearly all green plants, BGA is more fibrous than caloric, so most of what you’re taking in when you ingest it, besides the vitamins and minerals, are nearly calorieless fibers.

Fiber, of course, helps clean your digestive tract and is extremely beneficial, so this is definitely another added bonus.

If at all possible, you should acquire your Spirulina in its natural state: freshly harvested.  Dried or canned (bottled) Spirulina is also available and, if done well, still retains most of its nutritional values.  Vitamin B12, which many scientists consider bioavailable by eating fresh Spirulina, may not be a preserved when otherwise preserved for shipping.  There is some contention about this, but it’s worth noting.  Dried Spirulina is also likely to be missing most of its linolenic acid as well, which can break down when dehydrated.

All in all, however, the benefits of Spirulina are huge.  There are plenty of others not listed here, including its ability to leach heavy metals out of the body (like fluoride, mercury, etc.) and its known cancer-fighting properties as an anti-oxidant.

Do you use Spirulina or Blue-Green Algae?  What are your thoughts on it?

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Maca Powder

Maca Powder as an Herbal Supplement and Superfood

Maca powder is derived from the maca plant, which is a cousin of the radish that grows only in the high altitudes of the Peruvian mountains.  It’s a root or tuber plant that has been cultivated as a nutritional source for at least 2,000 years.

When the Spanish arrived in Peru, it was recorded that the Incas paid taxes to their kings and rulers in maca.  Although the plant has been known as a superfood in South America for centuries, it has only recently become known and popular in North America.

So far, the little plants have not grown well anywhere but their natural habitats in the high altitudes of South America (mostly in Peru).  There is another type of maca that grows in Bolivia at lower altitudes, but neither type has been successfully greenhoused, so most of the maca we receive for sale in the U.S. is in powdered form.

Traditionally, maca is used for two main purposes: to improve metabolism by curbing hormone imbalances and as an aphrodisiac for men.

While other research has shown that maca has a high nutritive content with many types of essential vitamins and minerals, it also aids the adrenal glands, producing energy and bringing hormonal balance back to many women suffering from menopause symptoms.  Maca is similar to most cereal grains and is made up of about 60% carbohydrates, 10% protein, 8.5% fiber, 2.2% fats and has a high iron, selenium, calcium, and magnesium content.

In men, it is a known sexual stimulant, but does not seem to change hormone levels significantly.  It also lifts mood in both men and women.  It may also aid in preventing or reversing prostate cancer and selenium is believed to be a prime ingredient for both that as well as osteoporosis and other bone problems.

Maca can be cooked, fermented into a weak beer, roasted, boiled, crushed, and mixed with goats milk for cereal, or mashed into a powder (or flour).  The latter form is how it’s seen most often here in the States.  It can also be found as a cereal gelatin (after being boiled and crushed).  Most believe the gelatinous form is the most potent way to get maca.

Most maca roots are black, cream-colored, and red.  Traditionally, each color denotes a primary purpose: black for energy, cream for flavor, and red for bladder and prostate problems.  Scientific study has not been done to tell whether there is truly a difference and other colors are also common such as gold, purple, and even green.

In some European countries, such as Norway, maca must be prescribed to be legal, as it is considered a medicine.  In most countries, it is merely a food or herb and is not regulated.

What is your favorite story about maca and do you use it often?

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Hemp Seeds

Hemp Seeds as a Superfood

Hemp seeds are one of the purest and most nutritionally dense foods sources on the planet.  They are laden with vitamins, minerals, and the hard-to-get fatty acid gamma-linolenic acid (GLA).  They are also rich in protein and are the best substitute for soy as a protein source for those on a vegan diet.  Unlike soy, hemp is not genetically modified (GMO) and is often grown organically.

Because of short-sighted and narrow-minded laws in the United States, however, hemp cannot be legally grown here, despite the fact that it has almost no THC in it.  The law covers all “cannabis” plants, which is a large range of both hemp and marijuana plants.  Hemp is part of the Sativa family of cannabis and is grown virtually the world over.

Hemp seeds are known to help the heart and lower blood pressure by reducing inflammation to allow for improved circulation.  They also contain omegas 6 and 3.

Hemp seeds are also known as a digestion improver as everything in them that is not a vitamin, mineral, protein or fatty acid is fiber.  This also aids in losing weight as the fiber is a filler and also a known appetite suppressant when eaten in the vegetable form hemp seeds provide.  The fatty acid GLA is also good for metabolism stabilization, which aids in weight loss.

This means more energy, better cholesterol levels as your body can better regulate itself and both of those mean that your metabolism will also help balance your blood sugar levels, helping to defy age and avoid diseases like diabetes.

That’s a lot of punch for such a tiny little seed.  Hemp oil is another popular way to get this nutrient, which has everything except most of the fiber in it. This is the easiest way for most Americans to get hemp for their own use.  Ground seeds are also popular, but have a short shelf life and so are not as easily found on the market here.

Much of the hemp seed and oil that is available is certified organic as well.  Some may not be, but was not likely sprayed with pesticides (hemp and marijuana got the name “weed” for a reason: they are one) as these plants usually choke out any competition quickly.  They may have been fertilized with chemical/synthetic fertilizers rather than natural ones, however.

Look for hemp seed and oil at your local health food store.  Got a favorite recipe or way to eat your hemp seeds?  Let us know!

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Goji Berries

Goji Berries as a Superfood

Goji (or gogi) berries have only recently gained popularity in the West, but they’ve been known for centuries in Asia.  Sometimes commonly known as “wolfberries,” goji berries contain a huge number of beneficial nutrients and vitamins in a tiny little berry package.  Their scientific name is Lycium barbarum.  The name “goji” comes from the popular Chinese name for the berries.

The little oblong berries are often dried into red raisins for storage and longevity.  The goji berry itself grows in bunches on shrub-like trees that grow up to twelve feet high.  These trees have pale purple flowers and are not actually trees.  Amazingly, despite growing above ground, goji berries are closely related to potatoes.

The best berries, called “red diamonds,” originate in the Ningxia region of China.  When you purchase goji berries in the store, they will most likely be dried or bottled as juice.

Goji berries are packed with eighteen amino acids, have more iron per pound than spinach, and have more beta carotene than carrots too.  Truly amazing little berries!

In many Asian countries, goji has been used to treat allergies, liver and eye ailments, and more.  The juice is often used to treat skin ailments like rashes by smearing it on.  Western herbalists often prescribe goji to treat diabetes, hair and skin problems, to reduce signs of age, reduce wrinkles, improve oral hygiene, and more.

Goji is also known to have positive effects on Hepatitis B, memory enhancement, blood pressure problems, as an anti-inflammatory, and as an anti-fungale and bacterial killer.  Of course, no Western studies have been done to prove any of these claims, but several Chinese and Tibetan studies have shown these to be true and current studies in India are being conducted to verify some of these claims.

When prescribed goji as a supplement by your herbalist or homeopathic doctor, you’ll most likely be given a juice recommendation.  The juice, while tasty, is usually sold concentrated and will need to be mixed as you would most juice concentrates.

If berries are prescribed, they will likely be dried.  They have a nutty flavor, but are difficult to eat straight and will likely need to be rehydrated.  This is usually done by mixing the berries into some soup recipes, seeping them in hot water to make a tea (and rehydrate the berries), or chewed straight.  They are somewhat tart, but very tasty—especially when mixed with other dried fruits as a snack.

Be aware that the dried berries also have tiny seeds in them that are about the size of a small sesame seed.  For most people, they are not a problem, but if you have dentures or caps, you may have some difficulty with them getting caught in your appliances.

Even if you are not prescribed goji berries for an ailment, they are a great daily supplement.  They are one of the most nutritionally dense foods known with the aforementioned antioxidants combined with vitamins C, B1 and B2, niacin, at least 30 trace minerals, and more.

Be aware, however, that hucksters have gotten hold of the goji craze and are promoting it to no end.  No studies of Western science have proven anything about goji’s curative properties or health benefits beyond the content of the berries themselves.  Only preliminary testing has thus far been conducted otherwise and no proven or published results are available to back any claims.

The next thing to understand is the difference between a goji berry, goji juice, and a dried goji berry.  There are many nutrients and elements available in the berry (when whole or dried) that are not in the juice.  This is mainly because the juice will not contain the skin’s value.  So if you can use whole berries, you will be getting more bang for your buck.

Also be aware that, as yet, there are no organically-grown goji berries available on the market.  So you will need to thoroughly wash them before eating (preferably with apple cider vinegar) or before reconstituting.

Here are some great ways to enjoy dried goji berries, once they’ve been washed:
•    mix them in with a fruit smoothie, last so they’re only chopped
•    party reconstitute them in hot water and mix them in with yogurt, pudding, oatmeal, hot cereal, or in vegetable soup
•    put dried goji berries into your rice steamer when making rice
•    mix dried berries in with nuts or trail mix

There are a lot of great ways to enjoy goji berries.  How do you eat your little superfood?

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Coconut Oil

6 Great Uses for Coconut Oil, a Superfood

Coconut oil is sort of a rising star in the natural foods world, with news of its many benefits spreading fast.  One of the main components of coconut oil—and the reason for many of its great benefits—is lauric acid.

Lauric acid is converted into a monoglyceride compound called monolaurin which has several attributes.  It’s an antiviral, antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, and antifungal.  It disrupts the lipid membranes in many types of naughty organisms like fungi, bacteria, and viruses.  This destroys them, of course, and makes coconut oil a great topical and internal medicine.

So beyond just using coconut oil as a frying oil or stir-fry alternative, it can be used for many other great things.  Here are six of our favorites:

As a daily supplement:

Coconut oil taken as a daily supplement can help boost the immune system by augmenting your first-line defenses, it boosts metabolism, and gives vital nutrients to help build healthy skin and hair.  Most nutritionists recommend cold-pressed oil, taken at about 2-3 tablespoons per day.

For colds, sore throats, and cough:

The antimicrobial and virus properties of coconut oil are extremely useful as a natural way to kill the bad germs that are causing head colds, light flu symptoms, and the like.  Especially sore throats and congestion.  Take a tablespoon of warm coconut oil to sooth.

On cuts, scrapes, rashes, and acne:

Again, the antimicrobial/bacterial aspects of coconut oil come into play with these topical uses.  Just spread over the affected area, rubbing it in thoroughly.  It’s most effective if used 2-3 times per day on persistent problems like rash or acne.  For acne prevention, it can be used as a twice-daily face wash.

Hair conditioning and dandruff preventive:

Coconut oil has many properties that make it protect and build your hair and follicles.  It also heals damaged skin and kills some of the infections that can arise because of dandruff.  The natural oil itself is a soother and hydrant for these needs.  Apply to hair and scalp, leave for three to five minutes, then shower and rinse or shampoo as normal.

Athletes Foot:

For athletes foot, and similar fungal infections, coconut oil is applied as on other skin maladies.  Topically, it is rubbed into the infected area and left for as long as possible.  For athlete’s foot, this means rubbing it into feet and wearing socks.  As an athlete’s foot preventive, it can be applied at the gym or after the gym to prevent the fungi that you may have acquired from taking hold.

These are just a few of the many ways that coconut oils and butters are used in people’s daily lives.  It’s a great, natural, and healthy way to take care of many of life’s worries.  It’s also great as a lip balm, deodorant, natural makeup remover, the base for a sun screen, and even in toothpaste.  Did I mention that it helps remove the bags from under your eyes too?

Truly, it’s one of nature’s superfoods!  What are your favorite uses?

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Coconut Oil – Benefits

How Coconut Oil Can Help You Detox, Cleanse, and Lose Weight, Naturally!

We’ve talked about coconut before and it’s extremely beneficial effects and given you 6 Great Uses For Coconut Oil.  Now let’s talk about how you can specifically use this superfood for a detox, cleanse, and even a weight loss supplement.

Most body detox and cleanse methods will involve drinking a lot of water, supplementing with something exotic, and waiting.  This lather-rinse-repeat method of detox is common because it has one secret that the people selling it to you don’t want you to know: the water you’re drinking gallons of as part of their program is doing most of the work.

Of course, there are exceptions to this, but for the most part, that secret Chinese herb or that exotic-sounding supplement they charge you all that money for is doing very little.  Of course, water alone doesn’t do a thorough cleanse or detox, it just gets the process started.

Most of the time, a real detox requires two specific things: removal of parasites and removal of wastes.  Many things can do one or the other: vinegar, for instance, is great for putting many intestinal parasites down and out.  Not many things, however, can help with both.

Coconut oil can do both.  There are other things that can as well, of course, but they aren’t always as pleasant.  Garlic and caster oil, for instance, can do both (though they aren’t as balanced as coconut), but neither is exactly tasty or pleasant.

The Cleanse

The cleansing process itself is not very complex.  It is, however, going to require some sacrifice for a few days to be complete.  You’ll basically be sugar-fasting for about three days while taking coconut oil by the tablespoon (usually 2 at a time) for a total of 14 per day.  You will also be drinking your normal amount of water, or as much as you need in order to not be thirsty—no coffee, milk, etc.  Just water.

In fact, to optimize the process, you should limit your food intake to only raw foods and unsweetened, natural herb teas.  So a lot of vegetables, fruits, and so forth, but no meats, breads, and other processed or (heavily) cooked foods are consumed.

During this time, you’ll likely have some gastro-intestinal discomfort for a day or two, but you will adjust quickly.  Some people will have diarrhea or other problems, but this can be alleviated by simply “weaning onto” the coconut oil.  This means taking lower doses before the detox begins, usually with meals.  Do this for a few days and once you begin the cleanse, you will not likely have many problems other than perhaps gas.

What It Does

This cleanse will rid your body of a lot of its problem-causers.  Digestive curses like irritable bowels and the gunk buildup that commonly lines much of our digestive tract will be cleared out.

Candida suffering, a common problem amongst adults who eat high-sugar or similar diets and a problem linked intimately with early onset diabetes and other maladies, will likely be cleared with a coconut oil detox.  This is because of the medium fatty-acid chains in coconut wreaking havoc on the candida itself and helping to restore metabolism and thus insulin control.

Weight Loss

Which brings us to the final bit.  This coconut oil detox can quickly put you on track for a new weight loss phenomenon.  When your body’s metabolism is restored and your sugar levels balanced, you’re likely to begin losing weight.

The losses won’t be dramatic or spectacular, with tens of pounds per week, but it will be steady and ongoing until you’ve reached your optimum weight for your metabolism.

A periodic cleansing, practiced maybe once a month until the body normalizes (weight, metabolism, etc. balance) and then every two or three months thereafter will greatly increase your health and well-being.

Of course, this isn’t the only answer to your needs, but it’s a very good part of a balanced way of living.  Have you tried a coconut oil cleanse?  Let us know how it was!

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Cacao Nibs and Beans

Raw, Organic Healthy Cacao

Everyone loves chocolate. Men, women, children, even dogs love chocolate. The problem with most chocolate that we have available to us is that it’s over-processed and really isn’t anything like the cacao from which it comes. Plus its had a lot of equally over-processed sugar added to it.

Raw cacao still affects our neurological systems in the same way that the over-processed chocolate we get does. That part has not been lost. Cacao is distantly related to cocaine, but doesn’t have the heavily addictive and negative metabolism effects that coca does. Cacao, rather, only lightly induces the neurotransmitters that cause us to feel contented or euphoric.

Cacao also has great health benefits besides its calming and even stress relieving effects. Cacao is most often found as chocolate, but not the commercial milk or sugared dark chocolates you usually find the store. Instead, it is found in artisan chocolates, usually as very dark and unsugared treats.

Raw cacao contains antioxidants, beloved for their anti-aging properties that benefit skin, eyes, nails and more. The very name “Cacao” means “Food of the Gods.” There are over 300 compounds in cacao, including magnesium which primarily what makes it so calming.

Cacao also contains traces of phenylethylamine (PEA), an adrenal chemical that our bodies naturally create when excited, which explains some of the metabolism-enhancement briefly felt when you’ve eaten it. This short increase in metabolism, while small, enhances the well-being effects of cacao.

Anandamide is also in cacao and is another “alert” chemical that increases metabolism and temporarily raises blood sugar levels. This ads to the PEA effects and both work to benefit the longer-term effects of the magnesium in cacao. Some would be interested in knowing that while the effects of anandamide are similar to amphetamines (but not related), the chemical is closely related to the THC that is the active ingredient in marijuana.

The bad news for some is that in order to use cacao to get the same “high” you get from a few hits of marijuana, you would have to consume about twenty-five pounds of cacao.

The most controversial thing found in cacao, interestingly enough, is the thing that makes it most like coffee: theobromine. This is one of the more concentrated elements in cacao (making up about 1-2% of the bean) and it works almost exactly like caffeine does, but at only about 25% of caffeine’s efficiency.

Compared to caffeine, however, cacao is much safer and has few ill effects when eaten in normal quantities. Dark chocolate derived from cacao at the size of the average chocolate bar (50 grams of cacao) has about 1/ 4 of the effects of a cup of coffee. In fact, it’s roughly equal to decaf.

Another thing to be aware of if you plan to use cacao as a supplement is its interference with your body’s calcium absorption. It contains oxalic acid, which can block the body’s ability to absorb calcium. Its not alone in this, as spinach, rhubarb, black pepper, and other foods also contain oxalic acid.

Many people replace their morning coffee with a raw cacao drink made from cacao powder, similar to hot cocoa, but not as sweet. In moderation, cacao is a great supplement to ad many antioxidants, beneficial mood raising, and more to your life.

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Olive Oil

Olive Oil the Wonder Ingredient for Health and Remedies

Olive Oil is more than just the love interest of Popeye the Sailor Man.  It’s great stuff that can be used in cooking, in foods, as a health remedy, and even around the house for improvements and cleaning.  It’s definitely one of nature’s most wonderful products.

In the past, we’ve mentioned olive oil to relieve earaches, constipation, and more.  Here’s more information on olive oil itself and more of its medicinal uses as well.

Kinds of Olive Oil

There are several types of olive oil available on the market.  All of them come from olives, of course, and most come from regional Italian variants of olives.  Most of these olives have roughly the same properties and differ only in their size, shape, and flavor.  Be aware that, nutritionally, there is a big difference between the common black olives you see in cans at the store and the larger, green olives usually used to make oils.

Olive oil marked “extra virgin” is generally useless for all but the most mundane of household uses.  It’s usually heavily processed and filtered and is mostly just oil without much of the olive essence left in it.  This oil is good for lubricating squeaky door hinges, preserving iron cookware, and the like, but is nutritionally nearly empty.

Most of the good olive oils available in the U.S. are likely from American and Mexican olive groves rather than shipped in from the Mediterranean.  At least, the ones that are affordable and eco-friendly will be.

The “chunkier” the olive oil is, the better it is nutritionally.  Straight-filtered (single filtered oil) is also much less expensive and is often available by the gallon.  Once you see how many things it’s possible to use it for, you will probably see that buying by the gallon isn’t s a bad idea.

Medicinal Uses for Olive Oil

Earaches and constipation, as mentioned, have already been covered here on our blog.  One thing to remember with olive oil: do not feed it to young children (toddlers and infants) or to small animals (small dogs, cats).  It can cause diarrhea and make them sick.

Olive oil can be taken before bed to reduce or eliminate snoring.  About a teaspoon’s worth will not affect digestion, but will lubricate the throat so that breathing comes easier.  Many singers and orators use olive oil in this way to loosen and medicate the throat before or after a performance.

The same remedial use can help with heart burn and indigestion.  Just take a teaspoon and lie down for a few minutes and it will coat your esophagus on the way down, removing the heartburn.

As a shampoo for humans or animals, olive oil is great stuff.  Rub it in while washing to pull out tangles, ad extra shine, and give it a better condition for management and sheen.  Rinse thoroughly when done to leave behind only a finite coating of it for better hair management.  This does wonders for dogs and cats and can nearly eliminate even the worst pet dander.

On rashes and dry skin, it works similarly and can be rubbed in to hydrate and soothe the hurt.  Rub it in liberally, let it soak in well for a few minutes, then use a moist cloth to wipe it off.  Eating olive oil on salads and so forth gives even more skin benefits.  It can also be applied, warm, after shaving or even as a blade lubricant during shaving to help with razor burn.

There are a lot of uses for olive oil, not the least of which are medicinal.  It’s definitely a “must have” for every household.  What are your uses for it?

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Raw Bee Pollen

Healthy, Natural, and Extremely Beneficial Bee Pollen

Often called a “super food” by health gurus, bee pollen is definitely one of the few things that really warrants that name.  While a lot of things are called super foods with dubious reasoning for it, bee pollen is for sure one of nature’s most perfect substances for dietary intake.

In other words, it’s awesome stuff.

Honey is another of those foods that might warrant the name “super food.”  Bee pollen, however, has some benefits that honey does not.  Namely it’s huge concentration of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and co-enzymes, and so forth.  Honey has most of these things, but not in as concentrated a form.

Where Bee Pollen Comes From

Bee pollen is a mixture of things, mostly plant-derived.  The basis of bee pollen is, of course, pollen.  This resides in the stamen of many flowers (collectively called “bee flowers” as they are the ones that bees will frequent).  The pollen is actually seeds for the flowering plant and usually looks like yellow dust.

When bees enter flower stamens to collect nectar for honey (which they ingest), the pollen “sticks” to their legs as they enter and exit.  This is part of the symbiotic relationship bees have with flowering plants: as the bees enter and exit the flower stamens to collect nectar for honey, the pollen rubs on and off their legs, helping the plants to reproduce.

People who collect bee pollen do so by installing “brushes” at the entrances and exits to bee hives, which rub or brush off the pollen and collect it.  The pollen at this stage is fresh from the flower and thanks to its ride on the bee, has collected some specific enzymes the bee produces and excretes through its legs.  These enzymes are part of the “sticky” formula that coat the tiny hairs on bee’s legs to facilitate the pollen collection.

What Is In Bee Pollen

Bee pollen contains, as stated above, many enzymes and vitamins.  Most prominent amongst these are several of the vitamins B, vitamin C, several flavanoids, antioxidants, and selenium.

Several of the vitamin B types (like B12) are associated with energy boosting, skin health, eyesight, weight maintenance (and appetite control), and immunity enhancement.  They are also associated with asthma relief, digestion, and cancer prevention.

Vitamin C, of course, is an immune system booster and is vital for healthy teeth.

Flavanoids and antioxidants are very strong immune system builders and also aid digestion and vitality.

Selenium is the basis for strong bones and tooth enamel and has recently been found to be actually more important for these than is calcium—though both are needed, of course.  Selenium is a naturally-occurring mineral found in teas and other plant-derived mixtures and bee pollen is one of the few sources for it directly available.

Allergies and Information

Those with an allergy to bees may have to miss out on the great benefits of bee pollen, but some will find that their reaction is not triggered by it.  “Bee” allergies are actually several in nature, not just one.  Someone allergic to bee stings, for instance, may have no reaction to honey or pollen while others who are allergic to bee enzymes will have a reaction to all three.  As always, consult with your doctor or medical professional and, if you do test bee pollen, do it in small amounts in a controlled setting with a medical professional’s oversight.

Top Bee Pollen Products

Bee pollen is awesome stuff and can be purchased in capsule form, in liquid formulas, as a supplement to regular honey in pre-mixed versions, or in pure powdered form.  Any of these are good ways to ingest this great supplement.

High Desert Bee Pollen – Raw Granules

Bee Pollen is 100% American Bee Pollen.

Ingredients: Calories – 10 – % , Total Carbohydrates: 2g – 1%, Protein: 0.5g – <1%
Sugars: <1g – %, Iron: 4mg – 2**%, Bee Pollen: 2.94g – %

Pesticide Free Raw Bee Pollen

This Spanish Bee Pollen is some of the best, cleanest, and most delicious bee pollen we’ve ever come across! Sustainably harvested from pristine, pollution-free wilderness areas, these richly-colored granules are an excellent example of a true superfood.

How to Get the Most out of Spanish Bee Pollen:
Start by using one Tablespoon (14.2 grams) of Spanish Bee Pollen each day for children over 5 and adults. Increase serving if desired. Spanish Bee Pollen blends well with smoothies or other drinks, or it may be eaten plain as a snack food by the spoonful.

Pregnancy Stretch Mark Oil and Cream

What Are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks are often the result of the rapid stretching of the skin associated with rapid growth or weight gain due to the pregnancy, weight gain or muscle building that overcomes the dermis’s elasticity. Although the skin is usually fairly elastic, when it’s overstretched, the normal production of collagen (the major protein that makes up the connective tissue in your skin) is disrupted. As a result, scars called stretch marks may form. If you’re noticing stretch marks on your body, you’re not alone. Moist women have stretch marks after pregnancy.

How to Prevent Pregnancy Stretch Marks

• Drink plenty of fluids. Properly hydrate your skin and maintain its elasticity.
• Maintain healthy weight gain. Make sure that you diet is full of vegetables and fruits. Eating healthy is great for your baby and your skin. If your body decides that you baby needs more vitamins then it will start to pull vitamins from your body.
• Try the stretch mark creams, salves and oils that made specifically for this cause. Apply lotion daily and nightly.Moisturizing your skin will help increase its elasticity and help reduce pregnancy stretch marks. You can use a simple moisturizing lotion or you can buy special stretch mark lotions, creams and oils.
• Be patient. It will take time for your stretch marks to fade. Anywhere from 2 months to 1 year.

What heals pregnancy stretch marks?

Stretch marks can be prevented by regaining skin’s firmness, strength, suppleness, and elasticity. This can be achieved with the help of biological molecules formed by glycans (complex sugar chains) and peptides, proteins and enzymes that promote the orchestrated and orderly proliferation of all the structural elements of healthy skin: collagen, elastin and glycosaminoglycans. To increase the speed of this healing period using natural oils and creams are highly recommended.

Oils and Creams for Stretch Marks

Mama Mio Tummy Rub Stretch Mark Oil

Based entirely around the beauty of women and the superpowers of mothers around the world, Mama Mio provides the ultimate skin and body care. From dry skin, stretch marks, and swollen ankles, to stressed senses and aching muscles, Mama Mio has a full line of products to treat every skin type and condition.

Tummy Rub Stretch Mark Oil

Elasticize and moisturize your skin with Mama Mio Tummy Rub Stretch Mark Oil. It uses skin-repairing and nourishing oils to rid your skin of those ghastly marks while keeping it super silky and soft.
4.1 fl. oz.

Skin Type

Ideal for pregnant and post-pregnant women who want smooth, moisturized skin that is free of stretch marks.

Full Ingridients

Prunus Amygdalus Dulcus (Sweet Almond) Oil, Triticum Vulgare (Wheatgerm) Oil, Barago Officinalis (Borage) Seed Oil, Rosa Moschata (Rosehip) Seed Oil, Parfum (Fragrance), Tocopherol, Limonene, Linalool,   Citral, Citronellol, Evernia Furfuracea (Treemoss) Extract , Benzyl Benzoate (from Ylang Oil).

Mama Mio Tummy Rub Stretch Mark Butter

Mama Mio was founded by three hardworking supermoms, Sian, Kathy, and Tanya. Between them, they have 40 years of experience in the beauty industry and 62 years of experience as mothers. Mama Mio was created to help find a solution to save their skin from stretch marks during pregnancy. The research resulted in the powerful Tummy Rub Stretch Mark Butter. Today, Mama Mio is one of the most trusted names in body and beauty products for pregnancy and beyond.

Tummy Rub Stretch Mark Butter

Rub away all your cares with Mama Mio Tummy Rub Stretch Mark Butter. It uses skin-smoothing and healing oils to take away the stress and frustration over those unsightly marks, allowing you to enjoy your pregnancy and motherhood. 4 fl. oz.

Skin Type

Ideal for pregnant and post-pregnant women who want soft, moisturized skin that is free of stretch marks.

Full Ingridients

Aqua (Water), Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cetyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG 100 Stearate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetearath-20, Sodium Acrylate/Acryoldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Isohexadecane, Polysorbate 80, Dimethicone, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Oil, Rosa Moschata (Rosehip) Seed Oil, Barago Officinalis (Borage) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Parfum (Fragrance), Limonene, Linalool, Citral, Citronellol, Evernia Furfuracea (Treemoss) Extract, Benzyl Benzoate (from Ylang Oil).

Belli Elasticity Belly Oil

Are you more scared of developing stretch marks than giving birth? Calm your fears with Belli Elasticity Belly Oil. It keeps your skin firm and flexible, preventing damage and the uneven, red marks that come with it.
4 fl. oz.

Who it’s for

Ideal for pregnant women who want to prevent the formation of stretch marks on the abdomen, buttocks, hips, and breasts.

Full Ingridients

Prunus Dulcis (Almond) Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil (and) Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola) Extract, Collagen Hydrolysates

StriVectin-SD Pregnancy Stretch Mark Oil

Strivectin-SD is intensive Repair for Stretch Marks. This remarkable cream dramatically reduces the length and depth of stretch marks, increases smooth surfaces and skin thickness, and corrects irregularities in skin discoloration. For results, this cream MUST be applied three times a day, every day for a minimum of 4 weeks. We know it works, we’ve tried it!
6 fl. oz.

Full Ingridients

Deionized Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Sesame Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sweet Almond Oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Striadril Complex (consisting of Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract, Siegesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Polyglyceryl Methacrylate, Propylene Glycol, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Glucosamine HCL, Algae Extract, Yeast Extract, Urea, Butylene Glycol,DMDM Hydantoin, Hydrocotyl Extract, Coneflower Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Bearberry Extract and Licorice PTH), Glycerin, PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate & PEG-100 Stearate, Cocoa Butter, Stearic Acid, Shea Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, Mango Butter, Peppermint Oil, Methylparaben, Xanthan Gum, Propylparaben, Triethanolamine, Butylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Retinyl Palmitate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate.

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Apothica.com is an online beauty boutique, which carries the finest selection of natural skin care, body care, aromatherapy, and cosmetic products on the market today, including the most natural, organic products available. We are dedicated to providing you with high quality products formulated to promote and enhance your natural beauty.

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Based entirely around the beauty of women and the superpowers of mothers around the world, Mama Mio provides the ultimate skin and body care. From dry skin, stretch marks, and swollen ankles, to stressed senses and aching muscles, Mama Mio has a full line of products to treat every skin type and condition.

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