Free radicals cause cellular damage. Antioxidants neutralize and discard free radicals from the body.

The more stress you put on your body, the greater the need fo antioxidants. The more intensely you train, the greater the stress on your body. The more you run or cycle in traffic and swim in chlorinated pools, the greater your exposure to toxins. Lack of deep rest, demands from your career and family all contribute to an increase in free radicals.

Hence, antioxidants are crucial to increase performance levels and for long-term health. The best sources of antioxidants are raw, organic fruits and vegetables. In today’s world, you will not be able to consume enough to combat the demands placed on your body, especially if you train intensely.

It is important to note that you want a full spectrum of antioxidants as they all work in conjunction with each other to rid the body of a wide variety of free radicals. It is also vital to keep glutathione levels up in your body, since glutathione serves to enhance the effects of all other antioxidants and is responsible for disposing of the waste products of free radical neutralization.

Some great products include: Lifeshots antioxidant liquid, Primorye Stress Relief Plus, Immunocal Platinum (to increase glutathione), Montmorency Tart Cherry Juice and PNT 200 (to reduce excess cortisol levels)

Filed under: Anti Aging, Antioxidants, Recovery, Stress Relief, glutathione, vegetarian by Healthman
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Most athletes are aware of the muscle building benefits of protein, but did you know that protein is also crucial for every enzyme, immune cell, neurotransmitter, the skin and bones? Without adequate protein, the body suffers. You will tend to feel tired, it will take longer to recover, you will suffer sickness more often, you will experience mood swings, good quality sleep is harder to come by, and the list goes on. You can see how proper protein intake is vital to performance and health.

Proteins are made up of amino acids. Some come from food and supplements and others can be manufactured by your body. Food containing proteins are considered either complete or incomplete, depending on whether they contain all the essential amino acids. Animal sources are considered complete while vegetarian sources are considered incomplete. In order to become complete, vegetarian protein must be comined with grains. Examples of animal protein are; eggs, poultry, meat or fish. Vegetarian protein comes from nuts and legumes.

The amount your body requires depends on your weight and activity level. Generally, it is recommended to consume 1-2 grams per kilogram of body weight throughout the day. Portions should not be more than 25 to 30 grams at a time. What happens when you consume too much protein? This can acidify the body, which increases inflammation.

What are some convenient sources of high quality complete protein? There are 3 specific all-natural products that I recommend:

The first is Vega Health Optimizer, an all-in-one meal made from plant-based foods. It is a protein powder developed by a vegan athlete but appropriate for everyone. I have found this product to be extremely helpful in increasing my energy levels prior to activity. It is best included in a smoothie, taken at least 1-2 hours prior to exercise. Here is one recipe you can use.

Second, I recommend Sytropin just prior to activity and at bedtime. This is an amino acid complex that I have found to increase endurance, improve sleep and increase energy.

Third, I recently discovered a product called Immunocal Platinum. This product is the most scientifically and clinically proven natural product I have come across to increase glutathione levels in the body, which is crucial for maintaining a strong immune system and detoxifying the body. Glutathione is the body’s main antioxidant as well. It exists in virtually every cell in your body and must be manufactured at the cellular level. The benefit of Immunocal Platinum is that it provides the precursors necessary in a biologically available form for the body to create its own glutathione. It also helps alkalize your body. It has also been clinically proven to increase muscle performance. It is best consumed within an hour following your workout. Do not include this product in a smoothie. It’s biological integrity is highly dependent on how you mix it. Make sure you read the instructions so you get the maximum benefit from this product.

Filed under: Anti Aging, Exercise, Protein, Recovery, vegetarian by Healthman
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Ingredients:
1 organic orange
½ cup of non-fat organic milk
2 tbsp poppy seeds
1 organic egg
¼ cup organic canola oil
1 ½ cups plain organic flour
1/4 cup agave nectar
1 tsp organic baking powder
1 tsp organic baking soda
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F.

In a small bowl, soak 2 tbsp poppy seeds in ½ cup of organic milk and let it stand for about 20 minutes.

Cut the organic orange into 8 pieces and remove any seeds. Place the whole organic orange (including skin), the organic milk with poppy seeds, the organic egg and organic canola oil in a blender and blend until smooth.

In a large bowl, mix together all the dry ingredients. Make a well in the center and add the wet mix to the dry and stir carefully until just mixed.

Fill mixture into muffin tins and bake for about 15 – 20 minutes. Check regularly to ensure you don’t burn them.

Enjoy for breakfast or with a nice cup of organic coffee or tea in the afternoon.

Filed under: Dessert, Food, Organic, Recipes, vegetarian by Healthman
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Ingredients:
6 oz red lentils
12 fl oz water
4 oz organic white cheddar cheese, grated
1 organic onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh organic parsley, chopped
½ tsp organic cayenne pepper
Dash of organic lemon juice
1 large organic egg
3 tbsp organic cream
Sea salt and organic black pepper
1 tsp organic butter

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 1 lb loaf tin with 1 tsp of organic butter.

In a large covered pot, cook the lentils in boiling water for about 10 – 15 minutes. Check the water level so the lentils don’t burn! If necessary, add a bit of boiling water. The mixture should resemble a heavy puree when it is done. Take the pot off the heat and stir in the organic cheese, organic onion, organic parsley, organic cayenne pepper and organic lemon juice. Add sea salt and organic pepper to taste.

In a small bowl, beat a large organic egg and mix in the organic cream. Pour the mixture over the lentil puree. Press the lentil puree into the prepared loaf tin and put it in the oven for about 45 – 50 minutes. The top of the lentil loaf should be golden brown. Let the lentil loaf cool down a bit before taking it out of the loaf tin.

Enjoy this healthy vegetarian meal with a nice tossed salad!

Filed under: Food, Main Dish, Organic, Recipes, vegetarian by Healthman
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