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January 2012 Newsletter
Happy New Year!
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25% off ALL Country Life Products
30% off ALL Tahiti Trader Juices
30% off Irwin Naturals Weight Loss Formulas
25% off RenewLife Internal Cleansing Kits
20% off ALL Desert Essence Products
30% off Organic India Tulsi Teas
25% off ALL Traditional Medicinals Herbal Teas
20% off Jarrow-Dophilus EPS Probiotics
20% off Salba Ground or Whole Seeds
25% off Herbatint Hair Color
30% off Nature’s Way Alive Multi Vitamins
25% off Pure Essence One “n” Only Multivitamins
30% off ALL Lily of the Desert Aloe Products
25% off Zand Herbal Lozenges
45% off Select Yogi Organic Teas
30% off McDougall’s Gluten Free Soups
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What's Happening this Month
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This month we're having a representative from the fantastic organization Rythym of Hope International in the store to sell jewelry, beadwork and crafts made by women in Nairobi, Kenya on Saturday, January 7th from 10-2. The proceeds of the sales go to helping African children and families affected by AIDS.
Not only is it beautiful work, but you can know that from a purchase you will be directly helping children, women, and families in desperate need in Africa. I really hope you will make the time to stop by next Saturday to check it out!
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Coconut Oil and Weight Loss
A study on virgin coconut oil looked at its efficacy in weight reduction. Twenty obese men were given virgin coconut oil during the study. According to the study, after one week waist circumference was significantly reduced with a mean reduction of 2.86 cm. To read more, click here.
Calcium with Vitamin D and Fat Loss
Daily supplements of calcium plus vitamin D may help slim fat around the waist, according to a new study from Massachusetts General Hospital. To read more, click here |
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Vitamin D and Longevity
Vitamin D supplements in order to overcome a deficiency may cut the risk of dying by more than half. An analysis of over 10,000 patients found that 70 percent were deficient in vitamin D, and that those deficient in the vitamin were three times more likely to die from any cause. When the deficiencies were corrected by supplements, the subject’s risk of death dropped by more than half. The researchers also found that patients with low vitamin D levels were more likely to have diabetes, high blood pressure, and diseased heart muscle. To read more , click here.
Vitamin D and Immunity in Children
A study in Japan found that giving children (ages 6-15) vitamin D3 supplements daily reduced their risk of developing the flu by 42%. The children were given 1200IUs of vitamin D per day. To read more, click here.
Low Iron and Blood Clots
New research has found that people with low levels of iron in the blood have a higher risk of dangerous blood clots. A study of clotting risk factors in patients with an inherited blood vessel disease suggests that treating iron deficiency might be important for preventing potentially lethal blood clots. To read more, click here.
Pycnogenol and Memory
A pine bark extract known as pycnogenol has been shown to improve memory and test scores in college students. Pycnogenol improved mental performance and decreased text anxiety by 17%. To read more, click here.
To read more health studies all month, friend us on facebook!
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Dear Pass,
I hate winter with its short days. I work in an office and it seems some days I hardly even see the sun. I have been dealing with seasonal affective disorder for years and wonder if there is anything natural you would recommend that could help.
Thank you,
Will
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Dear Will,
Seasonal affective disorder (also called SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at the same time every year as the days get shorter. Most people with seasonal affective disorder have symptoms that start in the fall and may continue into the winter months, sapping your energy and making you feel moody.
The supplement I would recommend most for seasonal affective disorder is SAMe (known formally as S-adenosylmethionine), pronounced “sammy”. SAMe is a molecule that all living cells produce constantly. Placebo-controlled, double blind studies show that SAMe is equal or superior to antidepressants, and works faster, most often within a few days (most pharmaceutical antidepressants may take three to six weeks to take effect), without side effects. Instead, SAMe has side benefits: It is an effective treatment for degenerative joint disease, fibromyalgia, and liver problems. According to one comprehensive review of all the studies, 92 percent of depressive patients responded to SAMe, while only 85 percent responded to anti-depressant medications.
Research also shows that SAMe treats the fatigue, inflammation, and pain associated with fibromyalgia, a puzzling and hard-to-treat condition. Patients have reported significant benefits from taking SAMe daily, including improved sleep, reduced fatigue and pain, and enhanced mood.
So I would definitely recommend trying SAMe for seasonal affective disorder. We’ve had several customers who take it regularly for SAD with great results.
I’d also say to get as much sunlight as you can, even if that’s only in the mornings.
Spending even 15 minutes outside in the sun can make a difference. It might be a good idea to take a high potency vitamin D supplement as well. Vitamin D is created the body when it’s exposed to direct sunlight which can be in short supply during winter months. Vitamin D is also great for the immune system and for bone health.
I hope that helps! If you have any other questions feel free to stop by the store so we can help you further!
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The Number One Supplement for 2012!
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The number one supplement we at Pass Health Foods recommend for you to take in 2012 is Omega 3 fish oil. Omega 3 fatty acids impact almost every part of health, from brain function to cardiovascular health to joint and skin health. Unlike many other nutrients, omega 3 fatty acids cannot be manufactured in the body and must be added to the body by eating fatty fish and fish oil supplements.
I’ve read quite a few amazing studies on fish oil recently, so I though rather than write about how amazing I think Omega 3 fish oils are, I thought I’d let the evidence speak for itself. There are countless studies on the amazing benefits of fish oil, these are just a few.
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Omega 3s Preventing Sudden Cardiac Death
One of the most impressive studies on fish oil was published in Lancet. Researchers found a 45% reduction in sudden cardiac death in a population of heart attack survivors taking 900 mg a day of combined EPA and DHA (beneficial components of fish oil). The group was followed for 3.5 years. The placebo group saw no benefit in risk reduction. Cardiovascular disease was also significantly reduced among those who took fish oils.
Omega 3s vs. Statin Drugs for Heart Health
Swiss researchers reviewed 97 double blind studies on the effectiveness of statins, diet, and fish oil in preventing sudden cardiac deaths. In the study from The Archives of Internal Medicine, fish oil was 45% more effective than statin drugs in preventing cardiac deaths, and 77% better at warding off death from all causes.
Omega 3s and Cholesterol
A number of studies have demonstrated fish oils efficacy in reducing triglycerides as well as overall cholesterol levels.
Omega 3s and Coronary Heart Disease
A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association demonstrated a conclusive relationship between the dietary intake of fish and omega 3 fatty acids and coronary heart disease, in that the higher the omega 3 fatty acid intake, the lower the likelihood of developing coronary heart disease. Also, the New England Medical Journal published an article the same year about blood levels of omega 3 fatty acids. Researchers found a “striking relationship” between levels of omega 3 fatty acids present in the blood and the chances of dying from coronary heart disease.
Omega 3s and High Blood Pressure
Many recent suggest that diets rich in omega 3 fatty acids can lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. An analysis of 17 clinical studies using supplemental fish oil found that taking 3 or more grams of fish oil daily may reduce blood pressure in people with untreated hypertension.
Omega 3 and Dementia
There is significant research showing DHA and EPA (the beneficial parts of fish oil) showing benefits to cognitive function. In one study published in The Journal of Clinical Therapeutics and Medicine, patients with senile dementia improved after six months of taking 1,400 mg of DHA per day. Studies participants also showed improvement of intellectual function. Levels of DHA are lower in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients than in those of elderly patients not afflicted with the illness. Researchers in the Oxford Durham Studies which administered EPA and DHA combined with GLA (a component of omega 6 oil) to individuals for 12 weeks brought about significant improvements in reading, spelling, and behavior. They concluded that fatty acid supplementation might offer a safe, effective, option for treating educational and behavioral problems among children.
Omega 3s and Macular Degeneration
A questionnaire given to more than 3,000 people over the age of 49 found that those who ate more fish were less likely to have macular degeneration (a serious age related eye condition that can progress to blindness) than those who ate less fish. In addition, a clinical study comparing 350 people with macular degeneration to 500 people without the eye disease found that those with higher levels of omega 3 fatty acids were less likely to have macular degeneration.
Omega 3s and Joint Pain
In one study of 125 participants taking a omega 3 fish oil concentrate for joint pain, 88% were satisfied with their joint pain improvement and said they would continue using the product. Another study found that people with arthritis have a 40% deficiency of omega 3 fatty acids compared to people without arthritis.
Omega 3s and Depression
A study published in Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found the effectiveness of omega 3s for patients diagnosed with depression was comparable to conventional antidepressant treatment.
Omega 3s and Anxiety
One placebo controlled, double blind study demonstrated that a high EPA fish oil formula significantly lowered anxiety by 80% percent over a four month period compared with the placebo group that reported no reduction in anxiety.
Omega 3s and Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Children with ADHD have been often found to have significantly lower levels of omega 3 fatty acids in their blood than other children. One clinical study of nearly 100 boys found that those with lower levels of omega 3 fatty acids had more learning and behavioral problems (such as temper tantrums and sleep disturbances) than boys with normal levels of omega 3 fatty acids.
Finally I wanted to mention how important it is to get a high quality fish oil supplement that is formulated to be high in EPA and DHA (the beneficial parts of omega 3s). Solgar’s Omega 950 has the highest amounts of EPA and DHA available per pill of any other we’ve found, so I would recommend that over other brands as the best to take. The company Barleans has another fish oil product which is very popular called Omega Swirl. It’s a great tasting and is a great way for children or adults who dislike swallowing pills to get their daily amount of omega 3s. Stop by the store for a free sample!
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Gluten Free Mexican Breakfast Pizza
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INGREDIENTS:
1 – 15 ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
½ cup jarred salsa plus more for topping if desired
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon kosher or fine sea salt, plus more for the eggs
½ teaspoon black pepper, plus more for the eggs
1 tablespoon water
2 Kinnikinnick frozen gluten-free pizza crusts (do not thaw)
1 cup grated cheese or dairy-free cheese
2 – 4 eggs
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DIRECTIONS:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Place the beans, ½ cup salsa, cumin, salt and pepper in the blender with 1 tablespoon of water. Process until the mixture is thick and combined, all the beans do not have to be pureed, it is nicer with some larger pieces of beans left in. The mixture should be thick.
- Spread the black bean mixture on the pizza crusts leaving a ¼ inch edge of crust. Place the cheese on top. With the back of a spoon, make a shallow dip in the cheese and beans for the eggs so when you crack them on it they don’t just run off to the side. Bake for 5 minutes.
- Remove the pizzas from the oven, crack the eggs on top, either 1 or 2 per pizza, season the eggs with a little sprinkle of salt and pepper and return to the oven for 10 – 12 minutes or until the pizza crust has browned and the eggs are cooked to your liking.
Serves 2 – 4 people.
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Banana Oat Muffins
This is a nice high fiber, low sugar muffin recipe which could easily be adapted to be GF as well.
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Ingredients:
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1 cup rolled oats
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1/2 cup turbinado sugar
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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1 teaspoon baking soda
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1 egg
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3/4 cup milk
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1/3 cup safflower or sunflower oil
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1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 cup mashed bananas
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Directions:
Combine flour, oats, sugar, baking powder, soda, and salt. In a large bowl, beat the egg lightly. Stir in the milk, oil, and vanilla. Add the mashed banana, and combine thoroughly. Stir the flour mixture into the banana mixture until just combined. Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper bake cups, and divide the batter among them. Bake at 400 degrees F (205 degrees C) for 18 to 20 minutes.
Makes 12 muffins
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Step 1:
1 rounded cup raw organic almonds
Sea salt
Fresh water
Place the almonds in a glass or ceramic bowl and sprinkle them with a little sea salt. Pour in just enough fresh cold water to cover the almonds (some will float). Cover with a clean tea towel and allow them to soak overnight- at least eight to ten hours. Note- if it's very hot where you are, place them in the fridge to keep them cool and extend the soaking time to at least 12 hours. They should be soft when ready and you'll see tiny sprouts starting to bud at the tips.
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Step 2:
Soaked almonds, as above
2 tablespoons coconut milk, or pickle juice
Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Cashew Cream or vegan mayo, as needed
Pinch of sea salt and ground pepper, to taste
1/2 cup diced celery
Fresh minced herbs: dill, parsley
Dab of raw organic agave, to taste
Dump the soaked almonds into a food processor bowl; cover and pulse until shredded. Add the liquids and pulse again.
Add the cream or mayo, to your liking. Pulse again. You want it flaky.
Taste test for texture. Add more liquid if it needs moisture to obtain the right consistency.
Season to your liking with fresh minced herbs and and a dab of raw agave.
Use in sandwiches, roll-ups, lettuce cups. Serve as an appetizer spread for crackers.
Serves 3-4.
Options:
If you like the taste of raw red onion, add a teaspoon or two of minced Bermuda onion.
If you like curry, add curry to the mixture. Add chopped golden raisins for a spicy-sweet Indian twist.
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Dairy-free Soy-free Mushroom Alfredo Pasta Sauce
From bookofyum.com/blog
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The Sauce:
2 tbsp. olive or grapeseed oil
1 small onion, diced
1/2 cup cashews, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
2 tbsp. nutritional yeast
2 cups water
1 teaspoon raw cider vinegar
1 teaspoon herbamare or your favorite herbed salt
The Pasta:
1 lb. spaghetti
The Veggies:
1 tbsp. olive or grapeseed oil (if needed)
3/4 lb mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
freshly ground pepper and additional herbamare to taste
large handful of chard, cleaned and cut into slivers
2 small zucchini or 1 regular zucchini, cleaned and grated
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DIRECTIONS:
Heat oil on medium-high in a large cast iron or stainless steel skillet. Saute your onion until translucent. Then combine translucent onion, soaked and drained cashews, nutritional yeast, water, vinegar and herbamare in a blender. Blend until you have a creamy sauce. Reserve.
Boil pasta until al dente.
Heat additional oil (if needed) in your pan on medium-high and add your sliced mushrooms in a single layer on the pan. Season with freshly grated black pepper and herbamare. You may have to do several batches. Brown one side and then turn over to brown the other side. Remove from pan and reserve while you brown the remaining mushrooms. Add your slivered chard to the last batch of mushrooms and sautee them until they wilt and start to brown. Sprinkle on your grated zucchini and let it soften slightly. Pour on your sauce and let it thicken.
Mix pasta into the sauce and serve topped with fresh basil if desired.
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Ingredients
2 – 15 ounce cans organic black beans – drained and rinsed
2 cups gluten free chicken or vegetable stock
½ cup prepared salsa
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt & Pepper
1 lime – optional
Garnish:
½ cup sour cream
Juice of ½ a lime (more or less)
Sliced green onion tops (green part) or cilantro
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Directions
Put 1 can of black beans in a blender with the chicken or vegetable stock, salsa and ground cumin. Blend until smooth. Put into a saucepan with the other can of beans and heat over medium heat. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed. Add the lime juice.
Stir some lime juice into the sour cream until smooth and swirl some over the top of each serving and garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro.
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If you like vegan, guten free, and allergen free recipes, friend us on Facebook for healthy recipes all month!
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January's Secret Sale Word is "Suzy Snowflake"
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We haven’t had much snow yet, though I’m expecting that to change this month.
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To save 10% off your order this month say, "Suzy Snowflake" at the cash register before your items are rung up. Try to be stealth in doing so, because this offer is only for people who subscribe to our newsletter. The Secret Sale Word is not to be combined with other discounts or applied to sale merchandise.
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"The shortest day has passed, and whatever nastiness of weather we may look forward to in January and February, at least we notice that the days are getting longer. Minute by minute they lengthen out. It takes some weeks before we become aware of the change. It is imperceptible even as the growth of a child, as you watch it day by day, until the moment comes when with a start of delighted surprise we realize that we can stay out of doors in a twilight lasting for another quarter of a precious hour."
- Vita Sackville-West
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