This is nuts! The benefits of nuts, herbs, and vitamins.

     There are lots of nuts, herbs, and vitamins that have so many benefits in them, but how exactly can they benefit you?

     Flax seeds are full of fiber, lignans, and omega-3s. A lignan is a phytoestrogen that is found in the hull of the flax seeds. The fiber helps regulate the bowels, but with all the fiber in these seeds it would be best to start off slow and then build up, otherwise you may experience bloating. The omega-3s in this seed contain essential fatty acids, which plays an important role in the anti-inflammatory system of our body. Flaxseed contains the highest concentration of lignans in plant foods. The lignans may reduce the risk of breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. It may also help prevent Type 2 diabetes and can help normalize the menstrual cycle when taken on a daily basis.

     Wheatgrass has many health and therapeutic values. It can enhance your skins beauty and slow down its aging process through a natural detoxification and cleansing. Wheatgrass has a lot of powerful antioxidants. A few of those benefits include the purifying of toxins, strengthening the body's immune system, promotes healthy gums, reduces varicose veins and improves memory. It also may promote a youthful healthy glow.

     Sacha Inchi is a nut that is a superfood. It is full of vitamin E, omega-3s, fiber and protein. It is easily broken down in the body and is easy to digest. Benefits of this super nut include easing of joint stiffness, boosting brain function, maintaining healthy glucose levels, relieving inflammation throughout the body, improving vision and eye health. Also, it can help with weight loss by increasing serotonin which keeps your appetite in check.  The omega-3s in the nut can reduce inflammation in the brain which will improve your mood and mental health.

    Quinoa (keen-wah) is often called a grain, but it is actually a seed that is rich in antioxidants and is also gluten free. It is filled with protein and contains all nine amino acids. It contains riboflavin (B2) which helps stimulate your metabolism and also reduces migraines by improving energy metabolism within the brain and muscle cells. It contains a good dose of fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, and lysine which is essential for tissue growth and repair.

     Grape seed extract is made from ground up seeds of red wine grapes. It is beneficial for a number of cardiovascular conditions. It may reduce swelling caused by injury and can help with eye disease related to diabetes. Vitamin E is an antioxidant in grape seed, also bioflavonoids which help strengthen and protect cell membranes from damage caused by free radicals. The grape seed extract aids in regenerating damaged blood vessels and clearing harmful bacteria. Other benefits include prevention of tooth decay, aiding in poor circulation, and prevents formation of plaque in arteries. It helps to relieve constipation, prevents osteoporosis and improves mental alertness. (Check out the latest studies on how it can help you:  Grape See Extract Study

     Maca is a root that grows in the Andes Mountains in Peru. If you take too much of this it can throw your hormones out of whack. But the right amount can reap a lot of benefits. Maca is filled with B12 and protein. It provides zinc, iron, amino acids, magnesium, phosphorous and calcium. It has been found to be helpful to give the body energy, help clear up skin, alleviate fatigue, reduce stress, help with regulating a hormonal balance in the body, helps relieve menstrual symptoms, and many more awesome benefits.

     Hydrilla is an aquatic plant. It is the most concentrated source of calcium and vitamin B-12. It is full of minerals and is a complete protein. Also along with vitamin A and other B vitamins, it carries a fairly high amount of iron. Benefits include healthy skin, stronger bones, supporting the immune system and weight loss, and is a source of natural energy. As a result of B12, it may help with fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, and depression.

     Methylsulfonylmethane otherwise known as MSM, is a sulfur compound found in fruits and vegetables. It has been used in many cases as medicine and is very helpful in a lot of ways. It is used to help many chronic pains, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, joint inflammation, tendonitis and muscle cramps. It can improve skin health and keep it in good condition. It improves joint flexibility and produces flexible skin and muscle tissue, and helps lead to a more speedy recovery.

     If you're thinking about adding these to your diet, don't look too far, they can all be found in one thing, Shakeology. Shakeology carries all these benefits and so many more with the vitamins and herbs it's made with. Some of the vitamins that can also be found in Shakeology are Biotin, Magnesium, Vitamins A, C, D, E, K1, and Iron, just to name a few.

    If you would like to learn more about the ingredients in Shakeology, and the benefits from them head on over to Shakeology Info click on 'The Science' and scroll down to the 5 nutrient groups for more information about nuts, herbs and vitamins that they use. Just click and read away!

-Erin Elizabeth

Eat more to weigh less!!

A guest post by Erin:

     If you are trying to lose weight and become stronger, it would seem logical to cut calories and train harder, right? Well, as it turns out, that might end up causing you to gain more weight rather than losing it. Working your muscles too frequently for an extended period of time, as well as skipping days of rest, even skipping meals, may end up doing more harm then you may think.
     Pairing a low calorie diet and overworking at the gym can lead to a disaster. Diets make up around 60 percent of your results in the gym. The other 40 percent can be split between workouts and resting.
    When dropping too many calories from your diet you begin to put your body into starvation mode. When denying your body the proper amount of calories it needs, your body will end up losing strength and muscle and begin storing the fat that you are trying to get rid of. By restricting the calorie intake it will only show a quick result with serious health problems and malnutrition. It will not help you in the long run. Skipping meals slows down your metabolism and will increase your hunger.
     Any type of intense exercise regimen will require more energy and fuel (calories). When you feed your body more frequently, it will slow down the storage of fat because more fuel is readily available to burn it off. This doesn't mean eating whatever you want whenever you want. Make sure you are consuming what your body needs to function with proper portions and keeping a healthy exercise flow. It is extremely important to keep your body properly fueled before a workout. If you are not eating enough beforehand, you don't have enough calories to fuel your body. Your metabolism begins to slow down and your body takes energy from your muscles instead of the fat. Since fat's main usage is to give you energy and help maintain your body temperature, your body will end up saving any fat. As it is trying to protect you.
     Pushing your body into starvation mode slows the body's functions to conserve energy. Your heart begins to beat irregular. The heart muscles can become weak and thin and the chambers of the heart begin to decrease in size. As a result of this a heart attack may occur.
     Also, digesting may become difficult when not eating enough calories. It will begin to slow down and try to conserve energy. Its function is to break down the food so that the body can use the nutrients from the food. The stomach begins to empty itself at a slower pace and the lining of the intestinal track may shrink. A person may experience diarrhea due to the fact that the pancreas begins to produce digestive enzymes slower then before. Having diarrhea only worsens the problem because it dehydrates and depletes the body of essential vitamins and nutrients.
     You could also begin experiencing Anemia. Anemia occurs when the body does not have enough red blood cells. The red blood cells provide oxygen to body tissue. Some of Anemia's signs and symptoms may include feeling fatigued, dizzy, weak, having pale skin, irritability, shortness of breath, cognitive problems, and having headaches. These symptoms may occur because the heart has to work harder to pump more oxygen throughout the body.
     Try to avoid putting your body into harms way. Take a slower and steady route and make sure you are eating a healthy and nutritious diet along with your workouts. It will keep you healthy and stronger down the road. Anything under 1200 calories a day is considered dangerous. Every person is different, so it might be wise to visit a nutritionist to figure out exactly how many calories is right for you.
     Remember to eat a nutritious breakfast. It fuels your body, keeps you motivated and provides a foundation for your metabolism for the rest of the day. Also try eating smaller meals throughout the day instead of 3 huge meals a day. And most importantly, make sure your body stays hydrated!

Erin Elizabeth

Fuel your breakfast!!  I drink shakeology everyday, find out more here:  Shakeology
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