Digging Deeper into Shakeology, Part 5 - Adaptogenic Herbs and Botanicals

The more I research Shakeology and the more I learn about the amazing ingredients and health benefits, the more blown away I am! The ingredients selected to make these delicious meal replacement shakes, are pretty impressive! The health ingredients for the individual ingredients are long and cover the whole body!

Could you buy the ingredients at your local store? Possibly! Would it be costly? Quite likely! Could you eat all the ingredients in one seating? I would be so thoroughly impressed if you did! Another solution, of course, is to have ONE Shakeology for the low price of $4.30 or $3.23 if you are a coach! What? That is a steal!! Yes, it is! $4.30 (or $3.23) for 70 super-food ingredients in one scoop! $4.30 (or $3.23) for amazing health benefits! Mind blown!

Yet again, I do want to add my disclaimer that I am not a nutritionist or any type of health expert. I am, however, someone who is passionate about being as healthy as I possibly can be and sharing what I learn with others. (I'll be saying this every week just so there isn't any confusion).

I know know we can all scour the internet for information and for these upcoming posts, I will do just that for you. As with anything, you are welcome to do your own research as well. 

The last three weeks, I have shared information regarding the Premium Protein and Amino Acids, Antioxidants and Super-Fruits, and Phytonutrients and Super-Greens. This week, I'll share information about the Adaptogenic Herbs and Botanicals and their health benefits.

The week we are going to talk about the Adaptogenic Herbs  and Botanicals- Ashwagandha, Astragalus, Cordyceps, Maca, Maitake, Reishi, Schisandra, Chaga  and their health benefits.

Firstly, what does Adaptogenic mean? "Adaptogens are natural substances that work with a person’s body and help them adapt; most notably, to stress. Adaptogens are a natural ally in dealing with persistent stress and fatigue because they work with regulating important hormones." 

https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/what-are-adaptogens/

Ashwagandha
According to WebMD, "Ashwagandha is used for arthritis, anxiety, trouble sleeping (insomnia), tumors, tuberculosis, asthma, a skin condition marked by white patchiness (leukoderma), bronchitis, backache, fibromyalgia, menstrual problems, hiccups, and chronic liver disease.". WOW!!

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-953/ashwagandha

Dr. Axe lists 11 benefits for eating Ashwagandha in his article including helping with thyroid functions and relieving renal fatigue.

https://draxe.com/ashwagandha-benefits/

Astragalus
Expanding my resources to include Self-hacked, the below article includes 23 health benefits of Astragalus. The one that caught my one was improving male fertility. What health benefit most intrigues you regarding astragalus?

https://www.selfhacked.com/blog/astragalus/


The Global Healing Center has quite a long list of health benefits of astragalus to include breaking down arterial plaque. That seems pretty important to me!

https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/astragalus-root-health-immune-system-anti-aging-benefits/

Cordyceps
The Healthline article states the cordyceps may help increase exercise performance and may have anti-aging properties.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/cordyceps-benefits

Organic Facts states 9 interesting health benefits of cordyceps such as respiratory relief and detoxifying the body. 

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/other/cordyceps.html

Maca
Dr Axe states Maca can help with fertility issues with both men and women and enhances mood and memory.

https://draxe.com/top-5-maca-root-benefits-and-nutrition/

WebMd states "People take maca by mouth for "tired blood" (anemia); chronic fatigue syndrome(CFS); and enhancing energy, stamina, athletic performance, and memory. People also take maca by mouth for female hormone imbalance, menstrual problems, symptoms of menopause, improving fertility, and sexual dysfunction caused by antidepressants, weak bones (osteoporosis), depression, stomach cancer, leukemia, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, erectile dysfunction (ED), to arouse sexual desire, and to boost the immune system."

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-555/maca

Maitake
Maitake can be used to help with cold and flue viruses and immune function according to Healthline.

https://www.healthline.com/health/food-nutrition/maitake-mushroom

WebMD states "Maitake mushroom is used to treat cancer and also to relieve some of the side effects of chemical treatment (chemotherapy) for cancer. It is also used for HIV/AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), hepatitis, hay fever, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, weight loss or control, and infertility due to a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome." 

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-560/maitake-mushroom


Reishi

Dr Axe shares a long list of health benefits, the most interesting to me is the digestive health.

https://draxe.com/reishi-mushroom/

MindBodyGreen states reishi may help you live longer and may help you regenerate the liver.

https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/reishi-mushrooms-6-awesome-health-benefits

Schisandra

Back to Dr. Axe who writes Schisandra benefits adrenals and liver detox!

https://draxe.com/schisandra/

Back to Self-Hacked and his 11 health benefits including increase in energy and heart health.

https://www.selfhacked.com/blog/schisandra/

Chaga

Chaga has its own website as the "king of medicinal mushrooms" and boosts the immune system!

https://chagahq.com/

Global Healing Center writes chaga boosts the immune system in addition to supporting gastrointestinal health.

https://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/chaga-mushroom-the-immune-boosting-superfood/

Who is Ready to order?
Great! Comment below, check out my business page, or contact me via my Facebook Page! 
https://mysite.coach.teambeachbody.com/?coachId=1491596&locale=en_US
https://www.facebook.com/healthjourneywithliz/

Want to find out how to get your Shakeology at a 25% discount or even for FREE?
Contact me and I will tell you! how!

Do you have a bag and now need some help with how to make a delicious recipe?
Check out the video I posted on my Facebook page! Pinterest has amazing ideas as well!

Essential Oils 101: Blue Tansy

Want to learn more? my.doterra.com/thephelanphamily  and

https://www.facebook.com/Living-Well-with-Liz-368112693697193/

Blue Tansy Tanacetum annuum

Blue Tansy essential oil, which comes from the annual yellow-flowered Mediterranean plant, is high in chamazulene and sabinene. An important oil in the doTERRA Deep Blue blend, Blue Tansy is soothing to mind and body.

Description

Blue Tansy, also referred to as Moroccan Tansy, is an annual yellow-flowered Mediterranean plant found in northern Morocco. Chamazulene, a chemical component in Blue Tansy, provides the characteristic indigo color and is recognized for its skin soothing benefits. At the same time, the main chemical component Sabinene helps diminish the appearance of blemishes. Uplifting to the mood, Blue Tansy provides a sweet aroma to fill any room. It’s perfect for massaging into skin with fractionated coconut oil or lotion after a long day of work or intense exercise to aid the body in the natural recovery process.

Uses

• Diffuse to uplift mood and create a positive atmosphere.
• Add a drop to one or two ounces of your favorite moisturizer or cleanser and apply topically to help reduce the appearance of blemishes or soothe skin irritation.
• Include one or two drops in lotion for a restoring massage after a stressful day or extreme workout.

Directions for Use

Diffusion: Use one to two drops in the diffuser of your choice.
Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil to minimize any skin sensitivity or temporary staining.

Cautions

Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas. May stain surfaces, fabrics, and skin.

.

Girl Scout Law - Make the World a Better Place

Previously, I've discussed what I have done as a Girl Scout Leader to teach my Daisy's the Girl Scout Promise, and eight pieces of the Girl Scout Law: Honest and Fair, Friendly and Helpful, Considerate and Caring, Courageous and Strong, Responsible for what I say and Do, Respect Authority, and Use Resources Wisely.

This week, I will share what I have done for Make a World a Better Place petal. This petal is very similar, yet different, to the "Use Resources Wisely" petal. 

There are countless acts of kindness that your troop could do to earn Make the World a Better Place petal. Two my troop has done is make a bird feeder using a toilet roll, peanut butter, and bird seed and pick up trash in a local park. 

Another great act of kindness would be to make cards for kids in hospitals. http://www.cardsforhospitalizedkids.com/ We have done that and received a thank you note. 

Color a Smile is also a wonderful act of kindness. https://colorasmileorg.presencehost.net/   

We like to make a birthday in a bag for our local homeless shelter to celebrate Juliette Gordon Low's Birthday in October.  

Surprisingly the only book that I have found for this petal, and I don't really love it for this age group, is the The Great Kapok Tree. I would LOVE to hear what books you have used.




As with all the petals, can the girl can you an appropriate example of what does it mean to "Make the World a Better Place"? If yes, than she has earned the petal.

Digging Deeper into Shakeology, Part 4 - Phytonutrients and Super-Greens

Alright, alright, alright! Are you starting to see a pattern here? The last 3 Saturdays I have posted on the specific ingredients in BeachBody's Shakeology. I guess we can cut to the chase and acknowledge that the Shakeology is full of  nutrient dense foods that have incredible health benefits for your body when consumed on a daily basis! 

Could you buy all of the ingredients found in Shakeology at your local organic grocery store? Probably. I honestly haven't tried. Maybe you'd have to hit up a farmers market or two or three plus the local organic grocery store to obtain all the ingredients. Maybe you would have to travel to different parts of the globe to locate some of these ingredients. If it is possible to acquire all of the ingredients, what do you think the cost would be for all those ingredients? Do you think you could consume all the ingredients over the course of three meals plus a snack or two? Well for the low, low price of $5 (or less if you sign up as a coach, then the cost is even lower!), you can get one scoop of Shakeology that has ALL the ingredients! WOW! Just WOW! 

Yet again, I do want to add my disclaimer that I am not a nutritionist or any type of health expert. I am, however, someone who is passionate about being as healthy as I possibly can be and sharing what I learn with others. (I'll be saying this every week just so there isn't any confusion).

I know know we can all scour the internet for information and for these upcoming posts, I will do just that for you. As with anything, you are welcome to do your own research as well. 

The last two weeks, I have shared information regarding the Premium Protein and Amino Acids and Antioxidants and Super-Fruits. This week, I'll share information about the Phytonutrients and Super-Greens and the health benefits.

The week we are going to talk about the Phytonutrients and Super-Greens- Moringa, Matcha, Chloreela, Spinach, Kale and their health benefits.

First off, what the heck is a Phytonutrient? According to my handy dandy WebMD, Phytonutrient are natural chemicals from plants that help prevent disease! Awesome! 
https://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/phytonutrients-faq#1

Moringa:

This plant is pack full of nutrients which helps lower blood sugar and reduce inflammation!
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-benefits-of-moringa-oleifera#section3

Another Super-food ingredient that helps brain health! I LOVE IT!
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-22401/10-powerful-benefits-of-drinking-moringa-every-day.html

Matcha:

According to Time.com, Matcha is a type of green tea that have "Studies have linked green tea to a variety of health benefits, like helping to prevent heart disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer, and even encouraging weight loss."
http://time.com/5188377/matcha-tea-benefits/

Another health benefit? Brain health! Awesome!
http://www.naturallivingideas.com/matcha-green-tea/

Chloreela:

Back with Dr. Axe and health benefits from eating Chloreela, including detoxifying heavy metals (I sure did not know that was a concern) and detoxifies radiation and chemotherapy.
https://draxe.com/7-proven-chlorella-benefits-side-effects/

Also, I didn't know Chloreerla is a single-celled, green fresh-water algae. Who know? You probably did. But it's news to me!
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-chlorella#section7

Spinach:
Ooh, ooh! I know Spinach! I eat spinach! Who doesn't want to be strong like Popeye? Spinach helps with cancer and asthma prevention in addition to bone and hair health! Hollah!
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270609.php

I want to know 15 impressive benefits of spinach! Do you?
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/vegetable/health-benefits-of-spinach.html


Kale:
ooh! I can eat me some Kale! Aiding with digestion and bone health are pretty awesome!
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270435.php

Another plant that helps detoxify the body! Count me in!
https://www.authoritydiet.com/why-kale-good-you-health-benefits-nutrition-facts/


Who is Ready to order?
Great! Comment below, check out my business page, or contact me via my Facebook Page! 

https://mysite.coach.teambeachbody.com/?coachId=1491596&locale=en_US
https://www.facebook.com/healthjourneywithliz/


Want to find out how to get your Shakeology at a 25% discount or even for FREE?
Contact me and I will tell you!!

Do you have a bag and now need some help with how to make a delicious recipe?
Check out the video I posted on my Facebook page! Pinterest has amazing ideas as well!

Essential Oils 101: Black Pepper

Want to learn more? my.doterra.com/thephelanphamily and

https://www.facebook.com/Living-Well-with-Liz-368112693697193/

Black Pepper Piper nigrum

With noteworthy topical and internal benefits, Black Pepper essential oil can be used to add spice and sharpness when cooking, or to ward off seasonal and environmental threats.

Description

Black Pepper is best known as a common cooking spice that enhances the flavor of foods, but its internal and topical benefits are equally noteworthy. This essential oil is high in monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, known for their antioxidant activity* and ability to help ward off environmental and seasonal threats. Black Pepper promotes healthy circulation,* but should be used with caution when applied topically due to its strong warming sensation. It can also help with the digestion of foods, making it an ideal oil to cook with and enjoy both for its flavor and internal benefits.*

Uses

• Create a warming, soothing massage by combining one to two drops with doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil.
• Diffuse or inhale directly to soothe anxious feelings.
• Take one to two drops in veggie caps daily when seasonal threats are high.*
• Add to meats, soups, entrees, and salads to enhance food flavor and aid digestion.*

Directions for Use

Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
Internal use: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid.
Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil to minimize any skin sensitivity. 

Cautions

Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.

Girl Scout Law - Use Resources Wisely

Previously, I've discussed what I have done as a Girl Scout Leader to teach my Daisy's the Girl Scout Promise, and seven pieces of the Girl Scout Law: Honest and Fair, Friendly and Helpful, Considerate and Caring, Courageous and Strong, Responsible for what I say and Do, and Respect Authority. 

This week, I will share what I have done for Use Resources Wisely. I must say, this is not the easiest petal to earn so I would love to hear what has worked for you! This petal is very similar, yet different, to the "Make the World a Better Place" petal. 

Our first year as a Daisy troop, we decorated water bottles for the craft activity for this petal. For previous Daisy Day's, we went around and each girl gave an example of using resources wisely such as turning off the water when you brush your teeth or taking shorter showers. As always Pinterest is your friend when it comes to ideas for this petal and others. 

A great field trip would be to go to a recycling center. 

Uses Resources Wisely is a nice compliment to the Brownie Household Elf so if you have a multi-level troop, that might work. For the Household Elf we created some environmental friendly cleaning products. 

I haven't found too many books that work super well with the Use Resources Wisely petal. I have read "Here Comes the Garage Barge" several times and it is quite powerful for children and adults.

The Garbage Barge book actually could apply nicely to the No Straw November patch program! https://www.jroceanguardians.org/no-straw-november The troop purchased the girls reusable plastic straws and challenged them to not use any disposable straws! It is not an easy task!

Digging Deeper into Shakeology, Part 3 - Antioxidants and Super-Fruits

Two Saturday's, I posted about exploring more into Shakeology.  I wrote about how Shakeology is not just a protein or weight loss shake, but nutrient-dense food which is meant to be part of a lifestyle change. Last week, I shared my research on the Premium Protein and Amino Acids in Shakeology.   

Again, I do want to say, I am not a nutritionist or any type of health expert. I am, however, someone who is passionate about being as healthy as I possibly can be and sharing what I learn with others. (I'll be saying this every week just so there isn't any confusion).

Honestly, we can all scour the internet for information and for these upcoming posts, I will do just that for you. As with anything, you are welcome to do your own research as well. 

This week I want to explore the Antioxidants and Super-Fruits - Cacao the Whole Coffee Fruit, Camu-Camu, Acerola Cherry, Bilberry, Lycium Berry (Goji Berry), Green Tea, Luo Han Guo, Pomegranate, Rose Hips, Vitamins A, C, and E and how they benefit one's health. 

Cacao, the Whole Coffee Fruit:

This guy has amazing anti-oxidants, incredible source of iron, full of magnesium for healthy brain and heart, lots of calcium, and a natural mood elevator. 
https://begoodorganics.com/cacao-5-little-known-benefits-of-this-amazonian-superfood/

There are even more health benefits for the Cacaco fruit in the below article, such as thinning blood to prevent blood clots and increasing energy!
http://dailysuperfoodlove.com/2852/21-fantastic-benefits-of-cacao/

Camu-Camu:

According the Dr. Axe, the Camu-Camu boosts the immunity, improves liver health, helps mood, improves gum and heart health, and helps in slowing done the aging process.
https://draxe.com/camu-camu/


Improving cognitive health and improving vision are some of the health benefits of the Camu-Camu that can be found at the next article.
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/camu-camu.html


Acerola Cherry:

The acerola cherry can help with digestion, cardiovascular health, and boosting cognition among other health benefits. 
https://www.naturalfoodseries.com/11-benefits-acerola/

The Organic Facts website shares additional health benefits of the acerola cherry is improving metabolism and boosting immunity.
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/acerola.html

Bilberry:

Again, from the Organic Facts website, we learn that the bilberry can help with improving vision and help control diabetes, among other health benefits.
https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/bilberry.html

WebMD has a long and very interesting list about the health benefits of Bilberry. I found the information regarding the WW2 pilots fascinating. Take a peek!
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-202/bilberry

Lycium Berry (Goji Berry)

Oh, I know this fruit! The Lycium berry is what you get when you order Swedish meatballs at IKEA!

According to HealthLine, the Lycium berry is high in fiber and antioxidants.
https://www.healthline.com/health/goji-berry-facts

WebMD provides positive health benefits of the Lycium Berry but does provide possible risks as this fruit may interact poorly with specific drugs. As always, it is best to discuss with your primary care doctor before making any drastic changes to your diet.
https://www.webmd.com/diet/goji-berries-health-benefits-and-side-effects


Green Tea:

One of the few SuperFood ingredients I recognize!

Improving cognition and burning fat and increasing phyiscal performance are just a few of the many health benefits healthline shares for consuming Green Tea.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-green-tea#section3

WebMD also provides a plethora of information regarding health benefits of consuming Green Tea in your daily diet.
https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/health-benefits-of-green-tea#1


Luo Han Guo:

According to FoodFacts, Luo Han Guo is benefical for assisting with weight loss and cardiovascular health, among other health benefits.
https://foodfacts.mercola.com/luo-han-guo.html

Organic Facts includes allergy relief and diabetes control to their list of health benefits for Luo Han Guo, also known as Monk Fruit.
https://www.organicfacts.net/monk-fruit.html

Pomegranate:

I know this fruit! Alzheimer's prevention and arthritis relief are two of the many health benefits of eating pomegranate according to the Medical News Today website!
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318385.php 

Medical Daily adds in some new health benefits of eating pomegrante such as protecting against dental plaque and curbing hunger!
https://www.medicaldaily.com/pomegranate-health-benefits-fruit-helps-protect-against-plaque-hunger-and-certain-340020


Rose Hips:

WebMD, my go to website for all things medical, shares "Orally, rose hip is also used for stomach disorders including stomach spasms, stomach acid deficiency, preventing stomach irritation and ulcers, and as a "stomach tonic" for intestinal diseases. Rose hip is also used for diarrhea, constipation, gallstones, gallbladder ailments, lower urinary tract and kidney disorders, fluid retention (dropsy or edema), gout, back and leg pain (sciatica), diabetes, high cholesterol, weight loss, high blood pressure, chest ailments, fever, increasing immune function during exhaustion, increasing blood flow in the limbs, increasing urine flow and quenching thirst."  Wow! Where has this been all my life?

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-839/rose-hip

I like Dr. Axe, so here is his website article.
https://draxe.com/rose-hips/

Vitamin A:

Here's that Dr. Axe again with information about teh health benefits of Vitamin A, specifically regarding eye, skin, and bone health.
https://draxe.com/vitamin-a/

By now you probably have figured out I like WebMD as well. Here is their article regarding the health benefits of Vitamin A.
https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/supplement-guide-vitamin-a#1

Vitamin C:

Oh I know this one! Vitamin C helps boost your immunity! Check out WebMd's article for more informaiton!
https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-benefits-of-vitamin-c#1

Well, fancy this! I did not know Vitamin C helps with brain health. I will take all the brain health help I can get!
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-c-benefits


Vitamin E :
Last one. What have I gotten myself into, digging deeper into Shakeology? Here I am learning about new fruits I have never heard of and learning more about fruits and vitamins I have heard of. Remarkable! Always keep learning, I say.

Vitamin E helps with skin and here we go again, helps with cognitive health! Hot diggity dog!
https://www.naturalfoodseries.com/11-benefits-vitamin-e/

Back to my trusty Dr. Axe who says Vitamin E helps with cholesterol and muscle strength. Well, I'll be!
https://www.naturalfoodseries.com/11-benefits-vitamin-e/


Yet again, The bottom line is that the Antioxidants and Super-Fruits  found in Shakeology assist with providing better overall health to you. You could absolutely go to your local health-food store (it's unlikely the local grocery store would carry all these fruits) and buy each individual fruit. You could incorporate these fruits into your daily diet. Would it be expensive? Oh holy moly, yes! Would it take some time to consume each of these fruits? Uh...ya it would. I have a better idea for you! How about ONE scoop of Shakeology to include ALL of these ingredients PLUS more for $5 (or less if you sign up as a coach!)! Pinch me, it can't be real! But it is! 

Ready to order?
You guessed it! Comment below, check out my business page, or contact me via my Facebook Page! Easy Peasy!

https://mysite.coach.teambeachbody.com/?coachId=1491596&locale=en_US
https://www.facebook.com/healthjourneywithliz/


Want to find out how to get your Shakeology at a 25% discount or even for FREE?
Same as the above!

Need some help with how to make a delicious recipe?
Check out the video I posted on my Facebook page! Pinterest has amazing ideas as well!