Healthy with Jodi

Curb Carb Cravings! Healthy Glucose Control

    Control Pre-Meal CapsulesTM
    30 servings $38.95

    Self-control now comes in a capsule

    Benefits:
    * Can help curb cravings and reduce appetite
    * Neutralizes starches found in processed carbohydrates
    * Can support stabilized blood glucose
    * May enhance mental alertness, endurance and stamina

    * Helps you feel satisfied faster and takes the edge off your cravings
    Purium`s CONTROL Pre-Meal CapsulesTM are specifically designed to help you eat less and reduce the impact of simple carbohydrates and sugars, lessening the possibility that your body will convert them into fat. It is a great addition to any weight loss regimen.
    Instructions: Take two capsules three times per day (approximately one hour prior to meals) with 8oz of water or, take two to three capsules prior to any fatty meal or dessert followed by 8oz of water.
    Interesting Facts:
    * Nopal (Opuntia Streptacantha): promotes weight loss by absorbing water and providing a feeling of satiety. It has a positive effect on blood sugar and helps reduce the appetite and control carbohydrate cravings. It can also reduce cholesterol by promoting the excretion of fats from the body, and aids digestion by absorbing toxins from the bowel as well as increasing the rate at which food passes through the system.
    * Garcinia Cambogia (fruit): inhibits the synthesis of fatty acids in the liver and promotes an increased availability of glycogen in the liver, thus sending a “full” signal to the brain sooner.
    * Green Tea Extract: Extract: research has found that green tea increases the amount of energy spent by the body and holds promise as a treatment for obesity and other weight problems.
    * American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius): Dr Lin Yutang, a Chinese research scientist who spent a lifetime learning about ginseng, summed up his work by saying that, “The magic tonic and building qualities of ginseng are the most enduring, the most energy-giving, restorative qualities known to mankind, yet it is distinguished by the slowness and gentleness of its action.”
    * White Kidney Bean Extract (Phaseolus Vulgaris):

    Final word from Dave:
    Drawing from the wisdom of ancient culture, we have put together a product for the ages. From the shaman we take Opuntia, from Chinese medicine – Green Tea, from Ayurvedic – the garcinia cambogia, and the power of White American Ginseng and the newly discovered effect of the amazing white kidney bean. Brought together to give you the ultimate in CONTROL, self control, appetite control, glucose control, energy and most importantly, your weight.
- Dave Sandoval

    Probiotics: BiotaGen

      BiotaGen
      Klaire Labs
      $22.95 5.3oz powder

      Versatile prebiotic formula to optimize gut microflora, improve bowel function 
and support the immune system.

      BiotaGen is a distinctive formulation of soluble dietary fiber with prebiotic 
activities that stimulates growth of colonic populations of beneficial bacteria 
and enhances gastrointestinal and systemic immune function in multiple ways. 
BiotaGen combines chicory inulin and oligofructose, highly effective 
prebiotics, with the immunomodulating actions of larch arabinogalactan and 
purified yeast beta-glucan.

      Chicory-derived inulin and oligofructose are inulin-type fructans best known 
for their ability to sustain increases in populations of Bifidobacterium, 
Lactobacillus, and Eubacterium, an important butyrate-producing species 
indigenous to the bowel. By escaping digestion and absorption in the small 
intestine, inulin-type fructans arrive largely intact in the colon where they 
selectively feed beneficial gut microbiota. In addition, inulin-type fructans 
promote normal colon transit times, enhance absorption of calcium and 
magnesium, favorably modulate lipid levels, improve gut mucosal barrier and 
immune function, regulate intestinal epithelial cell growth, and reduce the 
number of potentially harmful bacterial species.

      Arabinogalactan, a polysaccharide derived from the Western Larch tree, is a 
highly soluble dietary fiber that enhances immune function by promoting 
cytokine production and increasing the number of natural killer cells. 
Indigestible by human enzymes, arabinogalactan exerts prebiotic properties 
including the ability to selectively stimulate Lactobacillus species. 
Arabinogalactan is metabolized to short-chain fatty acids acetate, butyrate, 
and propionate and reduces ammonia production.

      Beta-glucan, a glucose polysaccharide prebiotic fiber, has broad, beneficial 
effect on immune function through enhancement of monocytes, macrophages, and 
natural killer cells. Beta-glucan stimulates immune response to a wide spectrum 
of pathogens, including fungal (Candida albicans), Gram-positive 
(Staphylococcus aureus), and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) microorganisms.

      BiotaGen is recommended to nutritionally support optimal gastrointestinal 
function, promote populations of healthful colonic bacteria, and enhance 
gastrointestinal and systemic immune function. BiotaGen® works synergistically 
with probiotics to assure intestinal microflora balance. Available in both 
powder and vegetarian capsule form.

      Servings Per Container: 30
      1 to 2 scoops daily with food or as directed by a healthcare practitioner..

      Serving Size: 1 Scoop (Approx. 1 teaspoon or 5 grams)
      Amount Per Serving
Calories … 5g
Total Carbohydrate … 5g
Dietary Fiber … 4g
BiotaGen Prebiotic Blend … 5g
Inulin (derived from chicory root) Oligofructose (derived from chicory root) 
Beta-Glucan (purified from Saccharomyces cerevisiae) Larch Arabinogalactan 
(Larix occidentalis), dried water-soluble extract

      Other Ingredients: None.

      Is Chewing Gum Bad for You? (One Ingredient Is Linked to Gut Destruction)

        Disturbing side effects of chewing gum.  Alternative bad breathe ideas and reasons why you should rethink putting gum in your mouth.
        Gut Destruction

        Chewing gum manufacturers have been turning to an ingredient called titanium dioxide for years. Now used in nanoparticle form, this extremely tiny metal compound is posing some serious emerging health threats. This is probably the scariest reason to avoid gum.

        Generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration, this compound is often used in nanoparticle form to create a bright white pigmentation in paints, plastics … and chewing gum. (2) It’s also found in tons of other foods, like candies and powdered white sugar (donuts!) and even bread. Although it’s allowed on store shelves and considered safe, scientists are starting to paint a different picture.

        In fact, a 2017 study published in the journal NanoImpact shows that nano-titanium oxide ingredients like titanium dioxide can severely impact gut health. Researchers exposed small intestinal cells to a meal’s worth of nanoparticles over four hours (acute exposure) or three meal’s worth over five days (chronic exposure). What they found is a bit shocking.

        Chronic exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles in the diet:

        Weakened the intestinal barrier
        Slowed down metabolism
        Triggered inflammation
        Weakened the gut’s defense against pathogens

        Blocked nutrient absorption of key nutrients like iron, zinc and fatty acids
        The nanoparticles actually blunted the effectiveness of the small intestines’ microvilli. Microvilli are tiny projections that jut off of small intestinal cells and work to absorb nutrients our bodies need to survive. (3)

        People also face this type of titanium dioxide exposure through toothpaste, and it’s even sometimes used to created a smoother texture in chocolates and to create a brighter appearance in skim milk.

        In 2012, Arizona State University found that titanium dioxide nanoparticles turned up in five percent of products tested, including Twinkies and mayonnaise samples. Under public pressure, Dunkin Donuts stopped using nano-titanium dioxide in its donuts’ powdered sugar in 2015.

        “To avoid foods rich in titanium oxide nanoparticles you should avoid processed foods, and especially candy. That is where you see a lot of nanoparticles,” — Gretchen Mahler, PhD, study co-author and assistant professor of biomedical engineering at Binghamton University, State University of New York. (4)

        Beyond that, many chewing gum products contain emulsifiers to retain flavor and keep gum from sticking to your teeth. (5) The trouble is, many emulsifiers act almost like detergent in your digestive tract, throwing off the natural balance of your gut flora. In fact, research in lab animals suggests certain emulsifiers used as food additives could contribute to colon cancer development.

        Is Chewing Gum Bad? More Reasons to Stop

        Migraines

        For children and adolescents dealing with vicious migraines and tension headaches, the natural solution could be right under their noses: Stop chewing gum. A small study published in Pediatric Neurology discovered that nixing gum led to significant improvements in 26 out of 30 adolescents in the study. Amazingly, 19 of them experienced complete headache resolution. No pills, no treatments — they just stopped chewing gum. (6)

        If you’re trying to figure out how to get rid of a migraine naturally, your gum habit is a great place to start. In tweens and teens, common proven headache triggers include stress, lack of sleep, hot weather, video games, noise, sunlight, smoking, skipping meals and menstruation. Now we can add gum to the list. Researchers aren’t sure if it’s the artificial sweeteners or a TMJ issue related to gum and headaches, but the good news is we can stop many headaches with this simple step. (7)

        Sinister Sweeteners

        You’d expect fake sweeteners like aspartame in diet soda, but chewing gum? Come on! Different chewing gum companies turn to ingredients like aspartame, sorbitol, high-fructose corn syrup, acesulfame K, sucrolose and xylitol. Some actually use multiple fake sweeteners in a single gum product.

        These ingredients are linked to serious health issues like tooth decay, liver fat buildup, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, leukemia, lymphoma, kidney tumors and more. Acesulfame potassium, also known as acesulfame K, is among the most common artificial sweeteners detected in breast milk. That’s troubling, since the ingredient is also linked to thyroid dysfunction. Sucralose harms the gut, throwing off healthy levels of enzymes and disrupting the microbiome. (8)

        While xylitol and sorbitol may seem more natural, these processed sugar alcohols aren’t absorbed well by the body and cause an allergic reaction for those who have a sensitivity to it. And then there are the digestive sugar alcohol and xylitol side effects, including bloating, gas, cramping and diarrhea. And get this: Its laxative effect is so pronounced that it’s actually part of the chemical makeup for many over-the-counter laxatives.

        Special note to dog owners: Xylitol and other sugar alcohol-based sweeteners are life-threatening toxins to dogs. Be mindful of breath mints, candies, sugar-free gum, frozen desserts and other foods when your pets are around. (9)

        Better Bad-Breath Fighters & Gum Alternatives

        Bad breath is a good excuse to reach for gum, but as you can see, the side effects are bad news, especially for your gut. Luckily, there are better ways to cope. After ruling out potential underlying issues for bad breath, you can turn to these things to naturally improve your breath:

        Eat parsley.
        Drink enough water, especially tap into the benefits of lemon water.
        Learn how to safely tap into peppermint oil benefits.(Not recommended for young children.)
        Learn about oil pulling with coconut oil.
        Avoid grains and added sugars.
        Final Thoughts on ‘Is Chewing Gum Bad for You?’
        American played a huge role in spreading the popularity of chewing gum all around the world.
        However, today’s ingredients include fake dyes and flavors. But perhaps most concerning is nanoparticle-sized titanium dioxide, an ingredient used in everything from gum, candy and bread to paint and plastics.
        Nano-titanium dioxide helps create a vibrant white color, but scientists now show that it can impact small intestinal cells in a way that blocks absorption of key nutrients, slows the metabolism, increases inflammation and weakens the gut’s ability to protect against dangerous pathogens.
        Chewing gum is also linked to migraines and tension headaches in children and adolescents.
        There are still some chewing gum companies that rely on old-fashioned, real-food ingredients, but they are sometimes harder to come by.

        Source: www.draxe.com

        Probiotics 25+Billion

          Which Probiotic is best for you? Here is one of my favorites, but remember everyone is different…

          There are several blends and strains depending on your individual ailments.  Let me help you choose the right one to help rebalance your gut flora…remember you need to be an 80% to 20% ratio to make your gut happy and healthy.

          Ther-Biotic Complete
          Klair Labs
          60 capsules $42.90
          120 capsules $79.95

          This high-potency, hypoallergenic blend of 12 certified probiotic species offers the most complete spectrum of microorganisms in the Klaire line. Ther-Biotic® Complete is a unique combination of colonizing and transient strains providing broad coverage to support a healthy balance of microflora across the entire gastrointestinal tract. Scientifically formulated with a full spectrum of synergistic and complementary species, Ther-Biotic® Complete is designed for individuals who require significantly higher amounts of several different types of probiotic species to help support intestinal health. Formulated with 25+ billion CFUs per capsule, Ther-Biotic® Complete uses our proprietary InTactic® technology to ensure maximum delivery of live microorganisms throughout the intestinal tract.
          FUNCTIONS OF PROBIOTIC STRAINS IN THER-BIOTIC® COMPLETE
• Produce lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, and other compounds naturally antagonistic to pathogenic bacteria, yeast and viruses
• Interfere with binding of pathogens to the intestinal mucosa
• Compete with pathogenic organisms for nutrients
• Produce short-chain fatty acids (acetate, propionate, and butyrate) that nourish the colon
• Support innate and acquired immune defense mechanisms
• Reduce production of proinflammatory cytokines
• Improve immunological gut barrier function
• Synthesize vitamin K and B vitamins
• Produce lactase enzyme that helps digest the milk sugar lactose
• Support activity of detoxifying enzymes and removal of ammonia and phenol 
• Produce analogs of the DPP-IV enzyme that break down opioid peptides
          Servings Per Container: 60
          As a dietary supplement take one capsule daily or as directed by a healthcare practitioner.

          Serving Size: 1 Capsule
          Amount Per Serving
Probiotic Blend … 280mg
(25+ billion CFUs) in a base of inulin (derived from chicory root)
Lactobacillus rhamnosus 6.0+ billion CFUs
Bifidobacterium bifidum 5.0+ billion CFUs
Lactobacillus acidophilus 3.0+ billion CFUs
Lactobacillus casei 2.5+ billion CFUs
Lactobacillus plantarum 2.0+ billion CFUs
Lactobacillus salivarius 2.0+ billion CFUs
Bifidobacterium longum 1.0+ billion CFUs
Streptococcus thermophilus 1.0+ billion CFUs
Lactobacillus bulgaricus 1.0+ billion CFUs
Lactobacillus paracasei 0.5+ billion CFUs
Bifidobacterium lactis 0.5+ billion CFUs
Bifidobacterium breve 0.5+ billion CFUs
          Other Ingredients: Vegetarian capsule (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, water), InTactic® proprietary polysaccharide complex, and L-leucine.

           

          NanOmega3 Pineapple Orange

            NanOmega3 Pineapple Orange
            BioPharma Scientific.
            $46.65

            HEALTH PROFESSIONAL FORMULA
            1000 IU of Vitamin D
Good Source of Fiber, Pineapple Orange
            SuperFood SOLUTION™. NanOmega3™
Heart, Brain & Vision SuperFoodlifesDHA™.

            HEALTHY BRAIN, EYES, HEART
SuperSorb® DELIVERY
            DIETARY SUPPLEMENT
            NET WT. 12.7 OZ (360g)
            More Info:
Omega-3s are essential for fatty acids (EFAs) for supporting:
* heart health
* joint health
* healthy skin
* maintenance of normal blood lipids
* healthy brain function
* healthy eyes (retina)
* immune health
* general health and wellness
            Truly a breakthrough functional food formula, NanOmega3 provides essential fatty acids (EFAs) from both:
-ALA, alpha-linolenic acid, from specially stabilized, organic MeadowPure™ golden flaxseed and
-DHA oil (lifesDHA™ from Martek) derived from plant marine algae, with
-Synergistic vitamins E, D3, folic acid, B6 and B12.

            Supplemental Facts:
SuperSorb® is BioPharma Scientifics registered name for its enhanced delivery systems wherein highly bioavailable forms of micronutrient and microencapsulation are utilized to help maximize nutrient absorption.
            In order to ensure correct usage of BioPharmas high potency formulas, BioPharma sells only through licensed healthcare practitioners.

            Servings Per Container: 30
            SUGGESTED USE:
Mix one [1] scoop (12 g) with 6-8 ounces of cold water, juice or milk to taste. Shake or blend briskly. Enjoy one (1) to two (2) times a day unless otherwise directed by your health professional. Children under 12 take 1/2 serving. NanOmega3 is scientifically formulated to taste great with BioPharmas entire SuperFood Solution™ line. For a wealth of SuperFood Smoothie/Shake recipes, ask your health professional for a copy of The SuperFood Solution™ Users Guide.
            Refrigerate after opening.
            Benefit:
YES:
*Great tasting, instant mixing
*Made with organic flax
*Vegan & non GMO
*Low net carb
*Low peroxide value (pv)
*Fortified with Vitamins D, E, & B
            NO:
*Fishy tastes, smells or toxins
*Fish oil “burps”
*Animal or fish products
*Eggs, dairy, wheat, yeast, soy, gluten
*Artificial flavors, MSG, or glutamate peptides

            Serving Size: 12g (1 scoop)
            Amount Per Serving
Calories …57
Calories from fat …122
Total Fat …2.5g / 4% DV
Saturated Fat …Total Carbohydrate …7g / 2% DV
Dietary Fiber …2.5g / 10% DV
Sugars …1g
Protein …1g
Vitamin D3 …1000 IU / 250% DV
(cholecalciferol)
Vitamin E …30 IU / 100% DV
(d-alpha tocopherol succinate)
Vitamin B6 …1mg / 50% DV
(as pyridoxal-5-phosphate)
Vitamin B9 …2000mcg / 50% DV
(as folic acid)
Vitamin B12 …85.5mcg / 1, 425% DV
(as cyanocobalamin)
Calcium …21mg / 2% DV
Iron …425mcg / 2% DV
Magnesium …22mg / 5% DV
Sodium …5mg / <1% DV
Potassium …36mg / 1% DV
Total Omega-3 …1100mg #
Omega-3/DHA …100mg #
Omega-3/Linolenic Acid …1000mg #
Omega-6 …300mg #
Lignans …50mg #
Turmeric …70mg #
Stevia Leaf Crystals …70mg #
(stevia rebaudiana)
            * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2, 000 calorie diet.
# Daily Value not established.
            OTHER INGREDIENTS: Meadow Pure™ Omega-3 Ultra Golden Flax™ with Marteks DHA oil derived from marine algae, Natural Flavors (plant based), Rice Bran Soluble fiber*, Vitafiber™ (isomalto-oligosaccharides from non-GMO corn and/or potato starch), Rice Malto-dexrin*, Xanthan Gum, Natural Curcumin Color (plant based).
            *Organic ingredients
            IMPORTANT:
Best if stored in cool, dark conditions. After each use close tightly and refrigerate immediately. Contains an oxygen absorbent packet to preserve freshness.
            Pregnant and nursing mothers, anyone taking prescription medications, or prior to any surgical procedures, inform their healthcare practitioner and/or pharmacist before taking this or any other dietary supplement.

            Probiotics Basic Info

              Probiotics in A Nutshell…

              The human gut contains 10x more bacteria than all the human cells in the body. 400 known species equaling 100trillion in the intestinal tract.

              Probiotics are ESSENTIAL for normal digestive, endocrine, and immunological functions of the bowel. They are therapeutic for treatment of variety of gastrointestinal and systemic disorders. Definitely needed if your gall bladder or spleen has been removed.

              Goal is to have an 80 to 20% ratio of good bateria verses harmful bacteria.

              In general, 1 billion CFU’s (colony forming units) is REQUIRED to deliver to the intestines. You can safely take up to 450 billion for patients with IBS, and even 200 billion following liver transplant.

              Do they need to be refrigerated? It is recommended it maximizes freshness. Probiotics that have micro encapsulated with fatty acids are the only exception. Probiotics sold in health stores are often not and have about 30-50% less viable microorganisms that they claim on their label.

              Probiotics live in the absence of oxygen. Dark Glass bottles are recommended. Moisture also kills micro organisms, keep in a cool dark place.

              Deliver systems are important because we want the absorption to happen in the intestines not the stomach. Stomach acid plays apart in breakdowns and absorption.
              The use of antibiotics feeds bacteria growth so it is important to double amounts during infectious times or if you are put on antibiotics or have heavily used them in the past.

              It is important to have B complex vitamins, especially B12, folates, and Vitamin K for probiotics absorption.

              When do you take them? Everyone is different but generally between meals or bed time is ideal so food or stomach acid isn’t interfering with absorption.

              Prebiotics are carbohydrates that are indigestible by the human intestine and selectively stimulate the activity and growth of certain bacteria in the COLON. Most are chains of 2-9 sugar molecules (oligosaccharides). They are commonly found in chicory, asparagus, artichoke, onions, leeks, garlic, and human breast milk. If you want to use food as medicine, consume those veggies. They should pass through the small intestine to the colon.

              There are different strains of probiotics that are more beneficial to your health issues which is why not guessing is important, research is good, but science based research is what professionals do. Knowing your source and trusting your health care practitioner to make the best recommendations for you. They may cost a little more, but why waste money and time guessing when you don’t have to?

              Gut health leads to immune health. If you want to power your body, supplementation is necessary.

              Why Should I Eat Organic? Reasons Why You Should Eat Organic…

                Importance of Organic Foods

                Organic Foods – Nutrient Density

                Simply stated, nutrient density means how many nutrients you get from a food, given the number of calories it contains. Nutrient density is a simple way to connect nutrients with calories.

                – World’s Healthiest Foods

                What’s In Organic Foods?

                Higher Nutrient Content

                More Vitamins & Minerals per Calorie

                More Essential Fatty Acids & Amino Acids per Calorie

                More Antioxidants per Calorie

                What’s Not in Organic Foods?

                *Acetylcholine Esterase Inhibitors

                Acetylcholine

                Acetylcholine is the body’s most predominant neurotransmitter.

                Essential for Memory Recall & Quick Thinking

                Nutrient Density: Organic Legumes, Vegetables, Fruits

                Acetylcholine Esterase

                Acetylcholine Esterase is the enzyme that clears the neurosynaptic junction allowing for the next impulse to come.

                This is an especially important cycle for inhaling/exhaling during respiration and the contractions and relaxations of the heart muscle.

                ◦Thus Pesticides have an adverse effect upon the Lungs & Heart.

                List of Banned Chemicals

                http://scorecard.goodguide.com/chemical-groups/one-list.tcl?short_list_name=brpest

                Consequently, “The nutritive value of crops and their ability to handle pests and diseases is diminished.” The bottom line, Kittredge says, is, “across the board, our foodstuffs are less nutritious than they were. It’s well documented. Between 1940 and 2009, in a basic salad, USDA records show a 55-70 percent decrease in mineral levels.” – Remineralize the Earth

                We identified 191 matched pairs with valid comparisons of antioxidant, vitamin and mineral levels. Of these, 119 organic samples within the matched pairs had higher nutrient levels, or 62% of the total matched pairs.

                ◦State of Science Review: Nutritional Superiority of Organic Foods – Charles Benbrook, Xin Zhao, Jaime Yáñez, Neal Davies and Preston Andrews- www.orgain-center.org 53 pages

                10 Reasons to Eat Clean

                  eat clean

                  1. You’ll become more mindful.
                  Which one takes longer and really makes you slow down? Eating clean also means eating with purpose and savoring food. That means a better relationship with everything from radishes and radicchio to red velvet cupcakes (which you’ll no longer crave).

                  2. You’ll save money.
                  Kiss sick days and medical bills goodbye when you get nutrients from eating clean, real food. Plus, shopping locally and in season makes sense– and cents. Planning clean meals for the week is cost-effective if you make a list and stick to it, as there’s no chance of overspending at the store.

                  3. You’ll live longer.
                  Study after study has shown that consuming these foods can lengthen your life-span. And in a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, European researchers have found that increasing your produce intake to more than 569 grams per day reduces your risk of mortality by 10 %.

                  4. You’ll have better relationships.
                  Preparing clean meals takes time, just the kind of time that allows for easy, relaxed conversations with your kids, spouse and other family members and friends. If they’re too busy with screen time to share stove-top time, point them to the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health 2014 study, published in Public Health Nutrition, showing good health comes from home cooking.

                  5. You’ll be smarter.
                  Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fish and nuts keep our minds sharper and our memories stronger by a whopping 24 %, proved a study published in spring 2015 in Neurology. Our brains also function better with nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, as shown in Nature Reviews Neuroscience, while they slow and sputter down when we fill them with sugar (including alcohol), fast food and the wrong kinds of fats. If that’s all too much too think about, remember one point from the Nature Reviews Neuroscience report: A balanced diet means better brain health.

                  See also 9 Amazing Brain Boosters to Add to Your Diet.

                  6. You’ll have more energy.
                  Adam and Eve were onto something when they bit into that apple: Fruit is just one of many clean foods that provide an instant dose of energy. High-fiber fruits like apples take longer to digest and can instantly stave off that afternoon slump while providing critical vitamins for the evening ahead. Other pick-me-ups include quinoa, almonds, eggs, kale, citrus fruit and a good-old-fashioned glass of water.

                  7. You’ll be better in bed.
                  Mamma mia! Women with metabolic function in Italy and other regions of the Mediterranean enjoy a healthier sex life than those in the US, thanks to the components of their diet– yep, vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains and olive oil. That’s what researchers found in a comprehensive study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research.

                  8. You’ll help the planet survive.
                  There’s an oft-quoted statistic that food travels approximately 1,500 miles from farmer to consumer in the United States. By eating seasonal and local foods, as recommended by Clean Eating, you can help reduce your carbon footprint. As the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported in 2003, “The major threat to future survival and to US natural resources is rapid population growth”and “the lacto-ovo vegetarian diet is more sustainable than the average American meat-based diet.

                  9. You’ll be stronger.
                  The lean protein that comprises part of the clean-eating philosophy builds lean muscle mass and boosts metabolism, found a study presented at The Obesity Society’s annual meeting in 2014. Some mighty choices for your muscles (in addition to animal-based products like chicken, fish and lean beef) include quinoa, chickpeas, nuts, spinach and seeds.

                  10. You’ll be happier.
                  Food and mood go hand in hand. And the better the food, the better your mood. If you need to brighten your day, go for berries, bananas, coffee, lean proteins, chocolate, omega-3 and turmeric fatty acids, all proven to boost your mental state.

                  Healthy with Jodi