Monday, October 31, 2011

The pumpkin seed


Its that time of year again. I love Wikipedia.
Here are some fun facts about pumpkin seeds.
Pepita (from Mexican Spanish: pepita de calabaza, "little seed of squash") is a Spanish culinary term for the pumpkin seed, the edible seed of a pumpkin or other cultivar of squash (genus Cucurbita). The seeds are typically rather flat and asymmetrically oval, and light green in color inside a white hull. The word can refer either to the hulled kernel or unhulled whole seed, and most commonly refers to the roasted end product. The pressed oil of the roasted seeds of a specific pumpkin variety is also used in Central and Eastern European cuisine (see Pumpkin seed oil).
Pepitas are a popular ingredient in Mexican cuisine and are also roasted and served as a snack. Marinated and roasted, they are an autumn seasonal favorite in the rural United States, as well as a commercially produced and distributed packaged snack, like sunflower seeds, available year-round. Pepitas are known by their Spanish name (usually shortened), and typically salted and sometimes spiced after roasting (and today also available as a packaged product), in Mexico and other Latin American countries, in the American Southwest, and in speciality and Mexican food stores. In the Americas, they have been eaten since at least the time of the Aztecs and probably much earlier, since squash was one of the three earliest plant domesticates in the Western Hemisphere, along with maize (corn) and common beans (collectively the Native American agricultural "Three Sisters", originating in Mexico).
The seeds are also good sources of protein, as well as iron, zinc, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, and potassium. In regards to iron, 25 grams of pepitas (about a US quarter-cup) can provide over 20 percent of the recommended daily iron intake).

Whole seeds or kernels
According to the USDA, one gram of roasted pepita contain 5.69 mg L-tryptophan and one gram of pepita protein contains 17.2 mg of L-tryptophan. One cup of milk contains 183 mg. This high tryptophan content makes pepita of interest to researchers studying the treatment of anxiety disorders. Some eat the seeds as preventative measure against onset of anxiety attacks, clinical depression and other mood disorders.
Some studies[which?] have also found pumpkin seeds to prevent arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and to regulate cholesterol levels in the body.

[edit] The oil

The oil of pumpkin seeds, a culinary speciality in (and important export commodity of) Central European cuisine as a salad oil and a cooking oil, is also used to treat irritable bowel syndrome and various other ailments, both in folk medicine and in modern medical practice and research.
Long an Eastern European folk remedy for the prostate problems of men, the oil has in fact been shown to improve symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Components in pumpkin seed oil appear to interrupt the triggering of prostate cell multiplication by testosterone and DHT. It is questionable whether eating the seeds whole in snack quantities, rather than taking therapeutic doses of the concentrated oil, would provide any prostate benefit.
In German folk medicine, the oil is also used to quell parasitic infestations such as tapeworms.
In Vietnam, consumption of relatively large numbers of seeds was seen to increase the evacuation rate of thread worms from the gastrointestinal tract.

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Today's spotlight on Shakeology ingredient


GINGKO POWDER(LEAF) – Used to enhance a clear mind and improve the power of concentration, has been used to treat Alzheimer’s Disease, depression, impotence, memory, cognitive abilities, circulation problems and more!

Monday, October 24, 2011

Today's spotlight on Shakeology ingredient


ROSE HIPS – Rose Hips are useful in the treatment of influenza-like infections, diarrhea, and various urinary tract disorders, shown to be useful in the treatment of patients suffering from knee or hip osteoarthritis.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Today's spotlight on Shakeology ingredient


REISHI MUSHROOM – Reishi is used as a tonic to help increase energy, improve digestion and sleep, strengthen resistance to disease, and regulate the immune system. It is widely used to improve the cardiovascular system, lower HDL (the ‘bad’ cholesterol), and reduce excess fatty acids. Also, Reishi has been shown to prevent and treat hardening of the arteries, angina, and shortness of breath associated with coronary heart disease. Japanese doctors routinely prescribe Reishi for memory loss, insomnia, hyperlipidemia, chronic bronchitis, and a whole range of degenerative diseases of the elderly, including disorders associated with senility. There is some evidence to suggest that Reishi can help treat altitude sickness and chronic hepatitis B. It has also been used in chemotherapy and HIV support treatments.

BodyPump is coming to your home

So JUST announced the awesome fitness class that is offered at TONS of gyms all over the place, BodyPump by Les Mills will be coming to YOUR home as a workout program! Les Mills is teaming up with the AMAZING company Beachbody and they are creating this format in a at home workout program so the days you are unable to hit up the gym you don't have to miss your favorite class.
Les Mills BodyPump class



[/caption] A lot of people refer to this class as PUMP, it's one of the fastest ways to get in shape and students that take this class fall in love and even get addicted to this! The workout  challenges all of your major muscle groups by using the best weight-room exercises such as squats, presses, lifts and curls and the KEY to this is something called  "THE REP EFFECT" (a breakthrough in fitness training focusing on high repetition movements with low weight loads.) So for those of you who have done ChaLEAN Extreme by Chalene Johnson ... this is like the opposite yet VERY affective concept.

Check out below what a normal class is like with Les Mills BodyPump format!

BODYPUMP Calorie Information

Friday, October 14, 2011

Today's spotlight on Shakeology ingredient


MAITAKE MUSHROOM – Maitake regulates blood sugar levels, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, reduces inflammation, and blood clots, may help boost immunity, fend off infections and fight cancer

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Today's spotlight on Shakeology ingredient


BLUEBERRY – Blueberries are a good source of vitamins and dietary fiber, blueberries are believed to help reduce eyestrain and improve night vision. Blueberries are also high in the phytochemical resveratol, which has been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Today's spotlight on Shakeology ingrediant


GRAPE SEED EXTRACT — Grape seed extract is known as the secret anti-aging ingredient, this ingredient improves the elasticity of the skin, promotes healthy arteries and is beneficial for the eyes too!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Today's spotlight on Shakeology ingrediant


BILBERRY – Bilberry is a deep blue fruit, bilberry is high in antioxidant-rich flavanoid compounds called anthocyanidins, which have been shown to play a supporting role in maintaining good cardiovascular health and a strong immune system. Bilberries are also linked to eye health, in particular the possibility of slowing or reversing the effects of macular degeneration. Helpful for supporting healthy blood sugar levels, bilberry is also used for its beneficial effects in improving blood circulation, maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, and relief for nausea and indigestion. Bilberries are also known to be helpful for joint health, kidney and urinary tract health, menstrual cramps and diarrhea.

Monday, October 10, 2011

Today's spotlight on Shakeology ingrediant


ACEROLA CHERRY — Acerola Cherry has one of the highest concentrations per gram of natural vitamin C in any fruit. Rich in vitamin A, magnesium, niacin, potassium, thiamine, iron and calcium. Traditional healers used the leaves to fight dysentery and diarrhea and liver issues, while the fruit was used for the treatment of colds and infections.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Today's spotlight on Shakeology ingrediant

WheyProteinPowder.jpg image by Shaolinsteve
WHEY PROTEIN – Whey protein provides the body with the perfect amino acid profile for muscle building, strength and recovery. Also works as an antioxidant to boost the body’s immune system. Scientific studies have shown that regular supplementation with whey protein promotes a strong immune system.

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Today's spotlight on Shakeology ingrediant


SPROUTED QUINOA — Quinoa was once called “the gold of the Incas” for increasing the stamina of Incan warriors. The protein this seed supplies has all nine essential amino acids. These proteins are required by the body as building blocks for muscle. Quinoa is a good source of dietary fiber (to help ease elimination), magnesium (to rid your body of dangerous disease causing substances), phosphorous, folate and iron.

Friday, October 7, 2011

Today's spotlight on Shakeology ingrediant


SACHA INCHI — Sacha Inchi has the highest concentration of omega 3 of any food on the planet and promotes a balance between omega 3 and 6 so your metabolism can work perfectly. Naturally rich in protein, good fats and fiber, Sacha Inchi acts as a strong natural appetite control and creates benefits you can feel right away!

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Today's spotlight on Shakeology ingrediant


GOJI BERRY — Goji berries contain 18 amino acids and are one of the richest sources of cartenoids of all known foods. Not only does goji berry improve eyesight, fertility and circulation but it supports your immune system and promotes a long life!

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Today's spotlight on Shakeology ingrediant


CAMU-CAMU – Camu-camu is a powerful antioxidant contains more vitamin C than any other plant in the world (30 to 60 times more than an orange)! The phytochemicals in camu camu are highly effective in curbing the effects of the herpes virus; in fact, on a list of plants with anti-herpetic compounds, camu camu takes the highest honors as most potent. It is effective against depression, and has even been used to wean users off dangerous anti-depressive medications (under medical supervision, of course.) Alternative medical practitioners have also been using it to combat attention deficit disorder. Provides immune system support, helps maintain good eyesight, reduces inflammation, supports collagen, tendons, and ligaments, helps fend off viral infection, improves respiratory health, helps maintain clarity of mind during stress.