VitaBlog The Vitacost Blog: Views and News on Vitamins, Supplements and Herbs

Ways to Use Coconut Oil

You can spoon it, sip it, simmer it or spread it. Coconut oil has many uses and can be added to your diet in many ways. But exactly how and why should you use it?

 

Coconut oil contains lauric, capric and caprylic acid, along with essential fatty acids and antioxidants. It is known to support healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure already within normal range, as well as support weight management and normal immune response. Coconut oil is used in hair and skin products for its soothing properties and antioxidant content.

 

The easiest way to add coconut oil to your diet is to cook with it. It is stable and resistant to heat-induced damage, meaning that the precious fatty acids remain intact. And unlike other cooking and frying oils, coconut oil does not contain long-chain triglycerides, which your body usually stores as fat.

 

You can use coconut oil in baking in place of butter or as a spread for your breads, or you can simply add a spoonful to your morning smoothie. To help fight wrinkles and soften your skin, add coconut oil to your daily beauty regimen.

 

Take a look at Vitacost.com and browse dozens and dozens of coconut-oil products that can support your body’s overall health, both inside and out!

 

 

 

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: This blog is written exclusively by employees of Vitacost.com. Vitacost.com and writers of the VitaBlog have a material connection to any links contained within. This disclosure is made in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.5 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Five Power Foods

If you want to get the most out of your body, you have to put the right food in it. These five power foods are rich in numerous nutrients and abundant with antioxidants that can help support your overall health while ensuring your body’s systems run smoothly and efficiently. Does your daily diet contain any of the following?

1. Spinach: Your mother was doing you a favor when she told you to “eat your spinach!” This dark-green, leafy vegetable contains at least 13 different flavonoid compounds that act as antioxidants, protecting your body’s cells from free radical damage. Spinach also contains high levels of vitamin K, vitamin A, manganese, folate, iron and an array of other helpful nutrients. Your biceps may not swell like Popeye’s, but eating spinach will protect and nourish your body so it can reach its highest potential.

2. Walnuts: Not only are they delicious, walnuts are one of the biggest non-animal sources of protein. They are packed with fiber, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids. Walnuts have even been approved by the Food & Drug Administration as a heart-healthy ingredient with numerous benefits.

3. Yogurt: It’s alive! Yogurt’s beneficial properties come from its active cultures and “good” bacteria, live microbes that can support healthy digestion. It’s also a great source of calcium, with approximately 400 mg per cup. Check the label though, to make sure it has Lactobacillus acidophilus, and to verify it’s not loaded down with fat or sugar.

4. Salmon: Eat plenty of salmon. Why? Because it’s filled with omega-3 fatty acids (specifically DHA and EPA) and protein, and can be prepared in a variety of ways. If you prefer not to eat fish, you can take a fish oil supplement to get your daily dose of these helpful omega-3 acids.

5. Sunflower Seeds: A handful of sunflower seeds is a good source of vitamin E, vitamin B1, magnesium, copper and selenium. They also contain phytosterols, plant compounds that can help support healthy cholesterol levels already within normal range.

So, next time you’re at a restaurant, look for this dish on the menu: “Spinach-wrapped salmon topped with walnuts, sunflower seeds and drizzled with yogurt.”  Or visit Vitacost.com, where you’ll find hundreds of products, including snacks, supplements and more that can give you the nutrients found in these amazing super-foods.

 

 

 

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: This blog is written exclusively by employees of Vitacost.com. Vitacost.com and writers of the VitaBlog have a material connection to any links contained within. This disclosure is made in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.5 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Natural Sweetness of Stevia

Do you dump spoonfuls of sugar into your coffee every morning? Or crave cookies and cake in the afternoon? Many people are dependent on sugar for a satisfying treat, pick-me-up or flavor enhancer. But as we all know, this sweet additive can have many harmful effects, including its role in rapid fluctuations of blood sugar levels and its tendency to promote the storage of fat.

 

If you just can’t give up that sweet treat, there is another option. Stevia, a plant species native to South and Central America, has recently been gaining national attention as an all-natural way to sweeten your food and beverages. Stevia has been widely popular in Japan since the 1970s, where it is used in food products and soft drinks.

 

Stevia extract is said to be 300 times sweeter than sugar, while the leaves of the plant are approximately 30 times sweeter than sugar. Unlike sugar, stevia has no effect on blood glucose levels, which means it does not lead to spikes and crashes that can make you wired, then tired. Stevia also has no calories and does not promote fat storage within the body, making it a smart way to get sweet.

 

 

 

 

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: This blog is written exclusively by employees of Vitacost.com. Vitacost.com and writers of the VitaBlog have a material connection to any links contained within. This disclosure is made in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.5 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Top Five Healthy Nuts

If you want to eat healthier, go nuts! Just a handful of these edible seeds can be packed with powerful nutrients that may support normal cardiovascular health and help protect your body from harmful free radicals. Consider adding one or more of these five healthy nuts to your stockpile of snacks:

1. Walnuts: An amazing source of omega-3 fatty acid, walnuts are a delicious and healthy snack that helps promote healthy cognitive function, inflammatory response and cholesterol levels already within normal range. They also contain high levels of antioxidants, such as ellagic acid and 16 different types of polyphenols, known for their role in protecting the body against dangerous free radicals.

2. Pecans: These rich and buttery-tasting nuts aren’t just a great topping for your favorite dessert. They’re also an excellent source of over 19 vitamins and minerals, including zinc, calcium, magnesium, folic acid, potassium, vitamin A and vitamin E. Pecans are known for helping to support healthy cholesterol levels already within normal range.

3. Brazil nuts: One ounce of Brazil nuts can contain almost 10 times the recommended daily allowance of selenium, which is a good thing! Selenium is used by the body to build antioxidants that protect cells from damage. Brazil nuts also contain protein, niacin, magnesium, copper and vitamin E.

4. Almonds: One of California’s major food exports, almonds are a popular and widely used ingredient in snacks and desserts. They are rich in fiber, magnesium, potassium, copper, vitamin E and selenium, nutrients that support heart health and help maintain healthy cells. Almonds are also very calcium-dense, offering as much per quarter-cup as the same amount of milk.

5. Macadamia nuts: These nuts are known for their role in supporting healthy cholesterol levels, due to their high nutrient content. In a macadamia nut, you’ll find lots of healthy monounsaturated fats, as well as fiber, potassium, magnesium, iron and phosphorus.

Just like anything else, nuts should be consumed in moderation. So next time you want a snack, grab a handful of nuts, and you’ll also be grabbing an array of helpful vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which may support normal health and well-being.

 

 

 

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: This blog is written exclusively by employees of Vitacost.com. Vitacost.com and writers of the VitaBlog have a material connection to any links contained within. This disclosure is made in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.5 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Vegetarians Coming to Your Holiday Dinner?

Restricted diets are common these days, but accommodating guests with special needs at a party can be tricky. According to a Vegetarian Times study, 7.3 million Americans are vegetarian, meaning they don’t eat beef, chicken, pork or fish. If a vegetarian is coming to your holiday dinner this year, there are plenty of easy-to-prepare appetizers and meals that will satisfy your guest and make him or her feel welcome.  

There are endless meatless apppetizers vegetarians can enjoy before dinner. One simple but elegant option is a tray of mixed nuts and dried fruits.

Falafel, a worldwide vegetarian favorite, is a spicy Mediterranean chickpea mixture shaped into walnut-sized balls and served with a light cucumber dip. Falafel is a filling, tasty finger food that can be prepared ahead of time and kept refrigerated until the party. Other finger foods like bruschetta, mini-quiches, twice-baked potatoes and vegetable platters will be a hit among vegetarians.

Vegetarian dinner options might include rich, organic vegetable-based soups or fresh salads topped with chopped veggies and tempting dressings. You could serve a hearty tomato, garlic and onion risotto, or delicious, aromatic rice-and-grain pilaf. Other main dish options might include vegetable lasagna, a tossed-vegetable pasta primavera, vegetable casseroles and more. Slices of crusty, French bread or butter-topped dinner rolls are always an appreciated dinner accompaniment for vegetarians, as well.

For dessert, your vegetarian guests will most likely be able to eat the same dishes as your non-vegetarian guests, as long as they are not vegan. Vegans do not eat dairy products or eggs, which are common ingredients in dessert foods. When in doubt, a fruit platter with a variety of cut-up seasonal selections or pure, dark chocolate bars (or fruit dipped in melted dark chocolate) are always a good bet.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: This blog is written exclusively by employees of Vitacost.com. Vitacost.com and writers of the VitaBlog have a material connection to any links contained within. This disclosure is made in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.5 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

 

 

 

Going Green Part 2

In a perfect world, we would purchase all organic fruits and veggies, but it can get expensive! You may be wondering which fruits and vegetables are most important to buy. Below is a list of organic produce that you should definitely pay more for, based on USDA Consumer Reports:

• Nectarines – 97.3% of nectarines sampled were found to contain pesticides.
• Celery – 94.5% of celery sampled was found to contain pesticides.
• Pears – 94.4% of pears sampled were found to contain pesticides.
• Peaches – 93.7% of peaches sampled were found to contain pesticides.
• Apples – 91% of apples sampled were found to contain pesticides.
• Cherries – 91% of cherries sampled were found to contain pesticides.
• Strawberries – 90% of strawberries sampled were found to contain pesticides.
• Imported Grapes – 86% of imported grapes (i.e. from Chile) sampled were found to contain pesticides.
• Spinach – 83.4% of spinach sampled were found to contain pesticides.
• Potatoes – 79.3% of potatoes sampled were found to contain pesticides.
• Bell Peppers – 68% of bell peppers sampled were found to contain pesticides.
• Red Raspberries – 59% of red raspberries sampled were found to contain pesticides.

Fruits and vegetables that have thick, inedible skins often contain the least pesticides. Bananas, avocados, asparagus, broccoli, corn, onions, pineapple and cauliflower are examples of these types of produce. So when choosing which food products to buy organic, keep this list in mind!

Disclosure of Material Connection: This blog is written exclusively by employees of Vitacost.com. Vitacost.com and writers of the VitaBlog have a material connection to any links contained within. This disclosure is made in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.5 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

The Benefits of Brown Rice

Did you know that the milling and polishing process that converts brown rice into white rice destroys 67% of the vitamin B3, 80% of the vitamin B1, 90% of the vitamin B6, half of the manganese, half of the phosphorus, 60% of the iron, and all of the dietary fiber and essential fatty acids? Fully milled and polished white rice is required by the FDA to be "enriched" with vitamins B1, B3 and iron. But the form of these nutrients, when added back into the processed white rice, is not the same as in the original version, and at least 11 nutrients are not replaced in any form. So why not just eat brown rice instead of white?

Brown rice is an easily digested whole grain that provides the body with 88% of the daily value for manganese, an important antioxidant that may help maintain nervous system functioning. Brown rice is also rich in fiber, calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, selenium and phytonutrients such as plant lignans.

There are brown rice pastas available that will deliver the same nutritional punch as brown rice. Many are gluten and wheat free, and made from 100% quality, unprocessed brown rice. You can find delicious brown rice pasta in many of your favorite styles, including fettuccine, elbow noodle, spinach, angel hair, and regular spaghetti noodles. Take advantage of the benefits of brown rice!

 

 

 

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: This blog is written exclusively by employees of Vitacost.com. Vitacost.com and writers of the VitaBlog have a material connection to any links contained within. This disclosure is made in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.5 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Walnuts to the Rescue!

Move over almonds, there is another nut that is full of nutritious properties that may support healthy weight management. Walnuts are an amazing natural source of protein and fiber, and are loaded with vital nutrients including vitamin B, vitamin E, magnesium and potassium. In addition, walnuts contain high amounts of omega-3 essential fatty acids, “good fats” that support overall health. And most importantly, they taste delicious!

What are some of the benefits from eating walnuts, you may ask? Walnuts provide an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, healthy fats that may support the body’s normal inflammatory response, as well as healthy cardiovascular and cognitive function. They contain ellagic acid, a powerful antioxidant that may help support normal immune response. Walnuts supply beneficial amounts of L-arginine, an amino acid that helps the body produce nitric oxide, a compound that may help maintain healthy blood pressure already within normal range. 

So if you're searching for a satisfying snack, grab a handful of healthy walnuts.

Disclosure of Material Connection: This blog is written exclusively by employees of Vitacost.com. Vitacost.com and writers of the VitaBlog have a material connection to any links contained within. This disclosure is made in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.5 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

Seeds and Nuts: A Dieter’s Dream

I love to snack. Cookies, chips, pretzels… I adore them all. As I get older though, I realize that I need to find healthier snack options that will satisfy my hunger without increasing my waistline. So what are my options-other than bland, boring rice cakes?

I discovered that snacking on seeds and nuts satisfies my appetite and has many nutritional benefits. Sunflower seeds taste delicious and are a great source of vitamin E. Vitamin E is an important antioxidant that may support a healthy circulatory system and guards against the effects of free radicals that may cause cellular damage. Sunflower seeds are also full of fiber, protein and carbohydrates, making them a great snack before exercising.

Another of my favorite snacks, full of protein and fiber, are raw almonds. They are rich in vitamin B2, vitamin E, copper, manganese, magnesium and phosphorus. Almonds contain naturally occurring monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fat, the “good fats” necessary to maintain overall health. The high amounts of magnesium and potassium naturally found in almonds help to support cardiovascular health and maintain healthy blood sugar levels already in the normal range. Best of all, almonds leave you feeling full and satisfied. So throw away those salty snacks…go nutty!

Disclosure of Material Connection: This blog is written exclusively by employees of Vitacost.com. Vitacost.com and writers of the VitaBlog have a material connection to any links contained within. This disclosure is made in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.5 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

More Than Great-Tasting Tea: Kombucha Supports Health

Kombucha Tea may not be better for you than orange juice or grapefruit juice, but it may help support overall health.

Also known as Manchurian mushroom tea, Manchurian fungus tea, Kwassan, combucha tea and / or the champagne of life, Kombucha is a fermented beverage made from mushroom. It contains different cultures, along with organic acids, active enzymes, amino acids and polyphenols. In short, it's the antioxidant cocktail of a lifetime.

In America, Kombucha is most commonly consumed in tea form, but is available in both extract and pill.  When taken regularly, Kombucha may help maintain a healthy immune system and fight harmful free radicals.

Disclosure of Material Connection: This blog is written exclusively by employees of Vitacost.com. Vitacost.com and writers of the VitaBlog have a material connection to any links contained within. This disclosure is made in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.5 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”