|
A Great Way to Meet the New
Dietary Guidelines
Go Green, Go Fruity with Organic Berry Green
by Jodey Brown – Healthy Living Article
 New
Dietary Guidelines
Brace yourself! The food pyramid we have grown to
know and love is becoming a bit greener and fruitier these days. Just
this January, the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans were issued.
The guidelines are updated every five years, and this is the most
stringent set of guidelines yet.
The Guidelines are produced jointly by the
Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of
Agriculture. Secretary of Health and Human Services Tommy G. Thompson
describes the dietary guidelines as being “a solid combination of
research science, and more importantly, common sense.”
Many of the changes really do reflect simple common
sense. For example, the new guidelines suggest that we should limit
our calorie intake from added sugars, and that to maintain a healthy
bodyweight we should balance our intake of calories with calories
expended.
One change that may surprise some is that the
suggested intake of fruits and vegetables almost doubles in the new
guidelines. Of course, we all know we should eat more fruits and
veggies, but that was because so many of us were consistently
deficient under the old dietary guidelines. If we want to keep up with
the new guidelines, we are going to have to work even harder to get
all of our fruits and veggies in every day.
Realistically, this may pose a problem for even the
healthiest eaters. Considering the busy lives most Americans lead
these days, it can be downright difficult to find time to shop for and
eat all our fruits and veggies, much less eat the right ones that will
give us the most nutritional benefit. Some things to consider if you
want to get the most nutrients out of your fruits and veggies include
choosing organic over non-organic, and getting the freshest produce
available.
Green drinks can be a great option for busy people
looking to add more greens to their diets.
Berry Green is an exceptional green drink because it meets all
of the standards you would look for in fresh produce. It is made from
the freshest, organically grown fruits and veggies, and it provides
great nutrition on the go.
Choosing the Right Foods
When choosing any food, organic is best. To put it
bluntly, if you are not buying organic, you don’t know what you’re
getting. Non-organic foods are often genetically modified and can
contain a variety of toxins, including pesticides, herbicides,
fungicides, antibiotics, and hormones, just to name a few.
Additionally, organic farming techniques are better
for the environment, and produce fruits and veggies with more
nutrients. Organic farmers use sustainable farming practices, which
means that farmland will have a longer life, and that the soil is not
demineralized so quickly, meaning there will be more nutrients in the
food you eat.
Freshness is also key to getting the most out of
your fruits and vegetables. Studies have shown that the amount of some
sensitive nutrients present in "fresh" produce can drop by 10 to 50
percent during the 7 to 14 days it often takes to transport produce
from the field to the grocery store. This does not even take into
account the week that produce often sits in our refrigerators once we
have purchased it. By the time we eat much of our “fresh” produce, we
are only getting a fraction of the nutrients that we expect to
receive. Yet, who has time to go to the farmer’s market three or four
times week just to get produce? And that’s assuming you are lucky
enough to have a local farmers market.
So, what are we to do if we want to embrace these
new, as the Los Angeles Times calls them, “Greener, Fruitier” dietary
guidelines, and be sure that we are getting the most benefit from the
fruits and veggies we eat?
Why not try one of the many green drinks on the
market today? As with fresh fruits and veggies, there are several
factors to look at to make sure you are getting optimal nutrition, but
for the most part, these drinks can be a fantastic source of nutrition
and a great way to get your veggies in. But what about the fruits?
That is another issue to consider if you are looking to add a green
drink to your diet.
Fortunately,
New Chapter may have the answer to all of your veggie and
fruit deficiency woes.
Berry Green by New Chapter, is the only green drink on the
market containing fruit, is a great-tasting, nutrient-dense,
whole-foods green drink that contains 20 organic vegetables, fruits,
grains and herbs. Berry Green stands out from the rest of the greens
available today for several reasons.
 Beyond
Organic Certification
Berry Green is the only green product on the market that is
100 percent certified organic. This is hugely important, because
organic certification is the first thing that health-conscious
individuals want to look for when choosing the best fruits and
veggies. We want to get nutrients, not pesticides, from our food.
You can feel confident about what you are getting
when you buy anything from New Chapter. At New Chapter, there is a
strong belief that our bodies understand and seek organic nourishment,
and that organic whole foods deliver the ideal form of essential
micronutrients that allow us to thrive. All of the ingredients in
Berry Green are certified organic by Quality Assurance
International (QAI). But New Chapter takes their organics beyond
certification.
Luna Nueva, New Chapter’s 74-acre organic farm and
ginger estate situated at the edge of the Children’s Rain Forest in
Costa Rica, is a wonderful illustration of New Chapter’s commitment to
organic farming, and to the environment. Described as New Chapter’s
version of Paradise, Luna Nueva follows the principles of biodynamic
farming and permaculture design.
Biodynamic farming was developed by Austrian
philosopher Rudolf Steiner in 1924 and is the oldest non-chemical
agricultural movement. Biodynamic farmers recognize the basic life
forces at work in nature and actively seek to work with them. Based on
the belief that "the whole is greater than the parts," biodynamic
farming considers all the influences on a farm, including the
environment, the animals, the equipment and even the planets.
At Luna Nueva, oxen and goats clear fields for
planting, as opposed to pollutant-ridden tractors; anteaters are used
to protect the ginger instead of pesticides. Establishing a biodynamic
farm with permaculture design was not easy, but was essential to New
Chapter’s philosophy and quality of products. Permaculture design has
been described as a "way of seeing that then determines a way of
doing."
"There is no forcing, no dictating,” says Australian
permaculture guru Bill Morrison. “It's a way of gardening or designing
and living sustainably by cooperating with nature.”
Luna Nueva’s farm manager Steven Farrell began
organic farming 25 years ago in California. His love of organic
farming sent him to Costa Rica where he started harvesting macadamia
nuts. Soon after, he began growing ginger and became New Chapter’s
supplier. Farrell’s farming methods have earned New Chapter the
distinction of being named a world model for sustainable rain forest
agriculture.
“When Steven harvests, say, ginger or turmeric, he
won’t grow it again on the same place for three years in order to let
the soil regenerate itself,” Brian Hall, New Chapter’s Midwest
regional sales manager, explains. “Many farmers will use the same soil
over and over again without letting it rejuvenate, so they lose a lot
of the natural vitality. This farming method is one of the ways Luna
Nueva protects the natural environment,” he says. And, just as
importantly, it ensures that New Chapter products are rich in all the
nutrients the earth has to offer.
Freeze-Dried: As Fresh As It Gets
Clearly,
Berry Green starts off using superior ingredients, with
superior nutrition. So how do these fresh fruits, vegetables, grains
and herbs translate into an easy-to-use drink mix without losing
nutritional integrity?
The fruits and vegetables in Berry Green are
freeze-dried, which is widely recognized as the best way to preserve
the flavor and nutritional value of foods. New Chapter’s freeze-drying
methods are known to be the best in the world.
“What we do, with blueberries for instance,” Brian
Hall from New Chapter explains, “is lay them out on a tray frozen,
then put them into a room where the water is removed. When they come
out they still have all the original nutrients. Freeze-drying
ensures that the quality of the foods is not compromised.”
Taryn Forrelli, a naturopathic physician who heads
up the technical support in New Chapter's practitioner division, notes
that “juicing can damage and threaten the integrity of the food.
Freeze-drying preserves the nutritional value and fiber content of the
food. People with gastrointestinal conditions have reported
dramatic differences after using Berry Green. It's a probiotic
supplement, so it offers all the benefits of probiotics as well.
Most green drinks aren’t cultured."
 Culturing
Foods Enhances the Bioavailability
Probiotic foods are foods that have been cultured
with friendly bacteria. Culturing foods enhances the bioavailability,
making them easier to digest. The culturing process also creates
life-enhancing nutrients. The organic fruits and greens in Berry Green
have been cultured by 10 friendly bacteria.
New Chapter believes that the best nourishment for
the body comes from food that is properly grown, selected and
delivered—not through mega-doses of synthetic chemical vitamins and
supplements—and that through cultured or probiotic foods, people can
get a natural form of vitamins in levels that are intelligently
aligned with the body’s real needs. This philosophy, known as
Delivering the Wisdom of Nature, is one of the oldest principles in
the world and is the foundation of New Chapter.
"Our purpose is to create the finest products that
are truly natural, made of 100 percent real food and herbs,” reads New
Chapter’s mission statement. “We have never made products with
chemical isolates or solvents, and we won't. We culture all our
vitamins and minerals and we always will. They are not synthetic—they
are food. We are committed to supporting and protecting the
environment, and our Costa Rican farm is a world model for organic
sustainable farming in the rain forest."
So, Berry Green starts with certified organic
ingredients of the highest nutritional quality, cultures them with
friendly bacteria making them more bioavailable, then freeze-dries
them to maintain this high level of nutritional integrity. Does it
get any better than this? Why, yes, it does.
The Foods We Need
Berry Green is different from other green drinks. Most green
drinks offer a high concentration of wheatgrass or barley, up to 6
ounces of grasses per 8-ounce serving. Each serving of Berry Green
offers 100 percent organic certified fruits, vegetables, grains and
herbs. It is a great addition to help you get a variety of greens in
your diet.
Berry Green contains fruits along with the
vegetables found in other green drinks. Fruits are hugely important
for optimal health. Blueberries are an especially well-known
antioxidant “superfood” that has consistently been noted to slow signs
of aging. Berry Green may just be the long-sought-after fountain of
youth. The United States Department of Agriculture reports that
nutrient-dense produce, such as spinach, kale and blueberries, the
first three ingredients in Berry Green; help slow the signs of mental
and physical aging.
In fact, each of the 20 ingredients in Berry
Green offers important health benefits.
Parsley is used in the prevention and
treatment of urinary tract infections, to control indigestion and gas,
and as a digestive aid.
Cranberries contain proanthocyanidins (PACs)
which can prevent the adhesion of certain bacteria associated with
urinary tract infections to the urinary tract wall, and may also
inhibit the bacteria associated with gum disease and stomach ulcers.
Green and red cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts,
and the aforementioned super-antioxidant kale, are of the family
Brassica, a family of vegetables known to help prevent cancer. These
vegetables produce sulforaphane, which triggers the liver to produce
enzymes that detoxify cancer-causing chemicals. A study published in
the Journal of Nutrition, September 2004, reports that sulforaphane
helps stop the proliferation of breast cancer cells, even in the later
stages of their growth.
Okra is a great source of magnesium, which is
a key player in proper calcium absorption.
Papaya is rich in nutrients that promote
cardiovascular health and provide protection against colon cancer.
Additionally, papaya contains the digestive enzyme, papain, which is
used to treat sports injuries, other causes of trauma, and allergies.
Rose hips are a highly recognized source of
vitamin C, and they also contain vitamins E and K, and the B vitamins
riboflavin and folate.
Pomegranate contains powerful antioxidant
compounds, including polyphenolics and anthocyanidins. Pomegranate is
especially high in ellagic acid, which supports healthy cellular
function.
Concord grapes are one of nature’s richest
sources of proanthocyanidins, as shown in a recent USDA study.
The fiber in oats helps maintain healthy
blood glucose levels, and helps to lower cholesterol.
Brown rice is a superior source of manganese
(just one cup provides 88 percent of the RDA), which helps produce
energy from protein and carbohydrates, and is involved in the
synthesis of fatty acids, which are important for a healthy nervous
system.
Turmeric is a key balancing and detoxifying
herb that has been used for thousands of years.
Ginger is said to warm the internal organs,
ease depression, and cure ailments from colds to nausea. Ginger also
enhances the effectiveness of other nutrients and herbs.
Cinnamon is noted to have anticancer,
anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antioxidant properties.
And finally, chicory helps to cleanse the
blood and improve liver health.
So you can see, Berry Green is full of all the good
stuff your body needs.
A New Flavor Sensation
For fans of green drinks, the unique combination of
fruits and vegetables in
Berry Green offers a new taste sensation.
Bernadette Meehan, a 45-year-old naturopath from
Seal Beach, is certainly sold on Berry Green. She has been using it
loyally since last summer, shortly after it was first introduced to
the natural foods market.
“I’m really picky,” she told us with a laugh. “I am
always on the lookout for the latest health products, so when I was
discovered Berry Green I was really pleased. I have tried a lot of
green drinks and this is definitely my favorite. I like the taste and
I always feel energized after drinking it. I also like that they
ferment their organic ingredients.”
When we tried Berry Green here at Healthy Living,
it provoked a variety of responses. One green drink enthusiast enjoyed
the unique flavor that the mix of fruits and veggies in Berry Green
provides. Another staffer commented, “It has a tart quality that I
like. And I feel good knowing I’m giving my body something it really
needs.” One more specific description was, “It reminds me of the first
time I tried yerba mate.”
There are a variety of ways that Berry Green can be
enjoyed. The recommended use as stated on the package is to mix one
tablespoon of the powder with 8 ounces of water or your favorite
juice. Here at Healthy Living, we each preferred a different
method. One person felt that it was best in a concentrated form, taken
as a quick shot of super nutrition. Myself, I enjoyed it more diluted
in a tall glass of cold water, like a refreshing glass of iced tea.
You may want to experiment to find your favorite way to enjoy this
nutritious drink.
Note from Christine: I like Berry Green with
water and a little apple juice added for sweetness or mixed in a
smoothie with water and a ripe, organic banana is great too. For those
who prefer their greens in a vegetarian capsule form, try
New Chapter’s Berry Green Caps.
Resources
For more product information about Berry Green by
New Chapter, click on the following web links:
Berry Green Powder
Berry Green Caps
New Chapter donates a portion of the net proceeds
from Berry Green to the Organic Center for Education and Promotion,
whose mission is to generate credible information and communicate the
universal benefits of organic farming and products. For more
information about the Organic Center visit
www.organiccenter.org.
Go online to
http://www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines to find out more about the
2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
The statements contained in this article have not
been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information
contained here is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent
any disease. Suggestions and ideas presented in this document are for
information only and should not be interpreted as medical advice,
meant for diagnosing illness, or for prescriptive purposes. Readers
are encouraged to consult their health care provider before beginning
any cleanse, diet, detoxification program, or any supplement regimen.
The information in this document is not to be used to replace the
services or instructions of a physician or qualified health care
practitioner. |
