I was once convinced that soy was a healthy option, I started using soy milk as an alternative to dairy. When I finished breastfeeding, I used soy formula for awhile. I thought it was a better choice, but I didn’t have all the facts! An organization that has made a huge impact on me, is The Weston A Price Foundation. They have published a few facts on soy:

• FDA never approved GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status for soy protein isolate because of concern regarding the presence of toxins and carcinogens in processed soy.
• Soy isoflavones are phyto-endocrine disrupters. At dietary levels, they can prevent ovulation and stimulate the growth of cancer cells. As little as four tablespoons of soy per day can result in hypothyroidism with symptoms of lethargy, constipation, weight gain and fatigue.
• Soy foods can cause deficiencies in calcium and vitamin D, both needed for healthy bones. Calcium from bone broths and vitamin D from seafood, lard and organ meats prevent osteoporosis in Asian countries—not soy foods.
• Soy foods contain high levels of aluminum, which is toxic to the nervous system and kidneys.
• Babies fed soy-based formula have 13,000 to 22,000 times more estrogen compounds in their blood than babies fed milk-based formula. Infants exclusively fed soy formula receive the estrogenic equivalent of at least five birth control pills a day.
• Soy contains a high phytate content as well as potent enzyme inhibitors. These are not inactivated by ordinary cooking methods, such as soaking, but only after a long, slow fermentation process that results in traditional fermented soy products, such as natto, miso or tempeh.

For more details on the devastating effects of soy, please visit:

http://www.westonaprice.org/soy-alert.html

Are you looking for a pick me up that is also good for you?  A natural solution without the caffeine jitters! You have heard about green tea and all the wonderful benefits of drinking this beverage but have you heard about Matcha? It has 10 times the nutrients of regular green tea!! It also has 70 times the antioxidants of orange juice and 9 times the beta carotene of spinach.

What can Matcha do for you?

• Raise your Energy
• Boosts your metabolism, by 35 to 40% in regular drinkers
• Contains L-theanine, which improves mental  alertness, increases calmness and reduces stress
• Powerful anti-aging activity due to the super-charged antioxidants
• Lowers blood pressure
• Decreases LDL or bad cholesterol
• Minimizes symptoms of PMS
• High levels of polyphenols and catechins which are cancer preventatives
• Stabilizes blood sugar levels
• Powerful antibiotic and antiviral activity
• Strong blood detoxifier and alkalizer, due to the high chlorophyll content

I learned about Matcha several years ago from Dr. Andrew Weil and have enjoyed it ever since. There are so many ways you can use Matcha, I love mixing Matcha with some hot water, Truvia and a little cream. If you are avoiding dairy another great option is coconut milk, very yummy!

Now with the weather warming up, I will be drinking more Matcha smoothies. One of my favorite desserts is Matcha ice cream.

Grainfields uses a special fermentation technique called FermFloratm, what is FermFloratm?

A totally natural, certified organic, fermentation technique using probiotic flora. Grainfield's exclusive FermFloratm technique combines modern technology and centuries of fermentation knowledge. This ensures the production of high quality probiotic food products. FermFloratm is an entirely natural organic process, the best of present-day and age-old knowledge is used in the FermFloratm unique fermentation process. NO short-cuts are used and there are no chemical additives.

The FermFloratm technique is used exclusively to put the flora into all the products that Grainfields manufacture. The process enables Grainfields to manufacture products from organic grains and greens, caring for the natural nutrients within. The flora are an essential part of the whole process. Rather than being an added extra ingredient these tiny powerhouses are used to create healthy, natural food products. Research suggests that regular consumption of live lactobacilli bacteria can improve the gut microflora and reduce the number of infections by reducing unwanted bacteria.

Probiotic bacteria are a natural part of the food chain. Through the bacteria's active enzymes, foods exposed to these bacteria are broken down. Fermentation often improves the biological value of foods, so increasing the nutritional value for the consumer. The presence of active bacteria in the gut of man has been shown to aid his own digestive process in breaking down foods.

Are you new to the world of all-natural food and probiotics? For some of us, all the science involved can be intimidating, but knowing is the first step to improvement. This FAQ is for anyone interested in learning more about the 'friendly bacteria' that live in our bodies.

What are probiotics?

Probiotics the common term for a family of bacteria (lactobacillus), that is extremely beneficial to human health. They live in the intestinal tract, and not only help us to properly digest and absorb nutrients that are key to our survival, but also manufacture B vitamins, produce substances that inhibit harmful (or pathogenic) bacteria, and strengthen our immune system. They were found in abundance before refrigeration and mass production, but are sadly missing from foods now due to processing techniques. Many of the products Delightful Health carries contain friendly bacteria; these foods and supplements are designed to replenish your body with these organisms.

How are probiotics connected to cultured foods?

Cultured foods contain these friendly bacteria and used to be eaten daily. Before probiotic supplements we consumed our friendly bacteria in our foods.

What are some traditional cultured foods?

• Kimchi (Korea)
• Kefir  (Russia)
• Raw sauerkraut (cultured veggies), Germany
• Yogurt  (Greece, India)
• Miso (Japan)
• Natto  (Japan) 
  

What does the term ‘Intestinal Flora’ mean?

The intestinal flora is a commonly used metaphor that describes the bacteria living in our intestines. Everyone lives with this intestinal flora without it, we’d die. People whose intestinal flora lacks certain bacteria (such as those found in cultured foods), often suffer from Candida, weak immune systems, poor sleep patterns, and many other ailments (both physical and emotional).

What makes our Intestinal Flora Unhealthy?

Factors that disrupt the balance of your Intestinal Flora include:

• Antibiotic Medications
• Inorganic Antibiotic residues in meat and dairy products
• Chlorinated and Fluorinated water
• Continual Stress
• Diets high in sugar and simple carbohydrates (like fast food)
• Estrogen Replacement
• Exposure to Radiation (CAT Scans, excessive medical X-Rays)
• Oral Contraceptives
• Parasites
• Poor Digestion / Constipation
• Toxic Chemical Intake (such as Steroids)

Do cultured foods make a good weight loss program?

Probiotics are recommended for helping you lose weight because they aid the body in the digestion process, and they do help reduce your cravings for sugar.

Can Probiotics fit into an active lifestyle?

Probiotics are actually recommended by many sports trainers because they reduce muscle inflammation and help athletes, process carbohydrates more efficiently.

How difficult are cultured foods to prepare, and do they taste good?

These foods come in so many forms they can accommodate nearly any taste; yogurt is a great example of a cultured food that millions of people enjoy every day. If you have children, you can make some sweet tasting probiotic snacks, and working with cultured foods can range from the simple to the complex, depending on your skill level.

What are the physical benefits of probiotics?

• Proper function of nutrients and better absorption of nutrients
• Prevent and fight food sensitivities
• Decreased bloating and heartburn
• Bowel function improved
• Decreased incidence of Candida and Yeast Infections
• Essential fatty acids manufactured
• Immune system cells increased
• Fights infection and reduces inflammation
• Joint and muscle function improved
• Aids in digestion of lactose and protein
• Liver function improved
• Prevents growth of harmful bacteria and viruses
• Decrease in cavities and ear infections
• Protection against pesticides, toxins, and pollutants

This section will contain blogs from everything and anything in the world of health. Check back later for the newest topics and don't be afraid to email us if you have a topic you would like us to touch upon!