Living To Be 100

On our journey for living to be 100, we must take into account the glycemic index (GI) of foods for us to choose foods wisely. The glycemic index refers to the rise of blood sugar after eating certain foods, particularily carbohydrates. Fats and proteins don’t cause a really significant rise in blood glucose levels. The glycemic index tells us how rapidly carbohydrates turn into glucose. Glucose has a GI value of 100, and the glucose in other foods is compared to it.                                                                                                                      

For example, a donut has a glycemic index of 76, whereas a serving of black-eyed peas has a value of 41. The Glycemic Index Guidelines are:

GI of 70 or more is considered high. Examples are pretzels and white bread.

GI of 56 to 69 is considered medium. Examples are brown rice and popcorn.

GI of less than 55 is considered low. Examples are orange juice and most fruit and vegetables.

Some researchers place even more emphasis on the glycemic load (GL) rather than the glycemic index. The glycemic load takes into account the amount of carbohydrates there are in a certain food while the glycemic index tells how quickly a carbohydrate turns into blood sugar. The higher the glycemic load value, the greater the blood sugar level and the resulting spike in insulin levels.

To arrive at the glycemic load, multiply the amount of carbohydrates in a serving of food by the glycemic index of that food and divide by 100. For example, an apple has a glycemic index of about 40 and has about 16 grams of carbohydrates. This gives a value of 640. Divide this by 100 and the glycemic load is 6. Below are glycemic load guidelines:

GL of 20 or more is considered high

GL of 11 to 19 is considered medium

GL of 10 or less is considered low

High blood glucose levels are associated with diseases such as diabetes, atherosclerosis and others. On our mission of living to be 100, we want to avoid foods that promote disease by causing insulin spikes from high glycemic-producing foods.

For more information on glycemic index and glycemic load, visit: http://www.ajcn.org or http://www.mendosa.com.

For a variety of healthy, low-glycemic meal replacement shakes and Nutrition Bars, visit http://www.margaretpriddy.usana.com and click on “Macro-Optimizers”.

Consult a physician before beginning any treatments or therapies. This article is for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as providing medical advice.

What should you eat to reach a goal of living to be 100? Coconuts should be at the top of your list right next to wheatgrass juice. Wheatgrass nutrition and coconut oil are keys to optimal health. However, in the past, coconut oil had gotten a bad rap since it’s a saturated fat. Most fats and oils we consume are long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) from animal and vegetable sources and are saturated fats. These fats and oils have a negative effect on the body’s cholesterol. LCFA increase our risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease.

But not all saturated fats are bad. Lauric acid is the main fatty acid in coconut. It’s a medium-chain saturated fat based on the number of carbon atoms it contains. Lauric acid does not have a negative effect on the body; in fact, it’s beneficial. It’s easily digestible and is converted to energy quickly. Coconut oil does not cause obesity because it’s readily used by the body and is not stored.

Here are 10 more coconut oil health benefits and why it’s high on the list for living to be 100. The coconut:

1. strengthens the immune system
2. is a staple in Thailand, which has a very low cancer rate
3. water contains about 400 cc water and contains vitamin C and several vitamins in the B group
4. is an antiviral and is used in the treatment of AIDS, SARS, influenza and other viruses
5. kills fungi, yeast and parasites
6. reduces inflammation
7. aids in healing dry, cracked skin when used topically
8. acts as an antioxidant and protects the body from free radicals and consequent premature aging
9. helps relieve symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome
10. is a high-quality protein containing all of the amino acids and also contains magnesium, potassium, sodium and sulfur

Use 2-3 tablespoons of coconut oil daily. Add to smoothies. Use on salads or to stir fry or saute vegetables. The best type of coconut oil is extra virgin, organic and unrefined. 

For more information on living to be 100 and on top vitamins and minerals, visit: http://margaretpriddy.usana.com

Consult a physician before beginning any treatments or therapies. This article is for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as providing medical advice.

What is wheatgrass?  It is the young wheat plant and is a raw, living food. The benefits of wheatgrass juice are many. Taken internally or used externally, it acts as an antiseptic. Wheatgrass is 70% chlorophyll, one of the plant foods highest in chlorophyll.

What is chlorophyll? Chlorophyll is the pigment that gives plants their green color. It is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is also regarded as a detoxifying and blood-building agent. It has been shown that chlorophyll provides some protection from carcinogens.

Chlorophyll has been called the blood of plant life because the molecular chlorophyll structure resembles the molecular structure of hemoglobin. While the atom in the middle of a human hemoglobin molecule is iron, the atom in the middle of the chlorophyll molecule is magnesium.

Chlorophyll from wheatgrass purifies the blood and liver. It also improves blood sugar levels. Wheatgrass juice is high in vitamins A, B, C and E and contains amino acids, essential fatty acids, antioxidants and enzymes. Wheatgrass juice, a super food, also contains minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium and others.

Chlorophyll is high in iron and iron attracts oxygen. Iron and oxygen partner together to burn waste and remove from the body toxins, poisons, mucous, putrefaction, bad odors and harmful bacteria.

Dr. Ann Wigmore, an educator, reported that wheatgrass therapy, combined with living foods, helped eliminate cancerous growths.

Wheatgrass juice aids in the metabolism of nutrients and increases the enzyme level in cells. Since it doesn’t take much energy to digest wheatgrass juice, it is considered an efficient source of energy.

How Much Wheatgrass Juice to Take

One- to two- ounces of freshly-squeezed wheatgrass juice should be taken on an empty stomach. Wait 30-45 minutes before eating or drinking anything else. Take daily for maintenance.

For a therapeutic dose, take between 4-8 ounces daily. If more than four ounces are to be consumed, it should be taken rectally as a colon implant. Wheatgrass juice has a strong tast and has a jolting effect.

Wheatgrass juice has a strong cleansing effect on the digestive tract and taking too much initially may act as a laxative and may also cause nausea. But increasing the amount taken over a period of time will build tolerance. Dosage can be raised an ounce per week or whatever amount is comfortable.

Benefits of Wheatgrass Juice

• is high in oxygen and helps to keep the brain and body tissue in a highly oxygenated environment

• helps stop the growth of unfriendly bacteria

• is a superior source of chlorophyll

• detoxifies the blood and colon walls

• is used in the treatment of anemia, constipation, bad breath

• can be used externally in the treatment of burns and wounds

• is used in cancer prevention

• neutralizes toxins in the body and helps purify the liver

• improves blood sugar levels

• is a super food that strengthens the immune system

• is an internal deodorant for the body

• pulls poisons from the gums; useful in treating pyorrhea

• can remove heavy metals from the body

For more information on health, nutrition and state-of-the art supplements, go to:

http://margaretpriddy.usana.com

This information is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat any condition. Always consult your physician before embarking on any course of treatment.