Garcinia Plus

By Dr. Marc Bubbs ND, CISSN, CSCS Over the years, you have probably been told to “eat your greens.” While it is definitely a cornerstone of good health, ancestral super greens like Spirulina and Chlorella take your health to the next level. Are you always on the go and need to fit as many nutrients in a smoothie as you can? That’s why Superfoods such as Spirulina Powder and Chlorella Powder are at the top of your superfoods list. Have you ever wondered why the superfood trend is so popular? Superfoods are densely packed with nutrients that would otherwise take you multiple salads to fit into one meal. What is Spirulina (Blue-Green Algae)? Spirulina is a single-celled spiral-shaped blue-green algae (BGA) that grows in fresh and salt water. In technical terms, BGA like spirulina are cyanobacteria, capable of turning sunlight into energy via photosynthesis and have been used in traditional cultures for centuries – most notably the Aztecs in the 16th century – it rose to prominence in the 1970s when NASA believed it could be grown in space as food for astronauts. Benefits of Spirulina Spirulina’s primary benefits are it is incredibly nutrient-dense; it contains 4g of protein (with all essential amino acids) per tablespoon. It has an ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats, and is a robust source of vitamins B1, B2, and B3 required for energy production. It contains minerals like iron, copper, magnesium and potassium. Pound for pound, it may be one of the most nutritious superfoods on the planet! Other major benefits of spirulina include its antioxidant power and blood sugar support. Today, two-thirds of the population are classified as overweight or obese, which means they’re blood sugars are chronically high. A single teaspoon serving per day has been shown to reduce blood sugar levels in people with diabetes1. Weight gain and high blood sugars also tend to lead to systemic inflammation. These little “fires” in the body are produced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the blue-green colour of Spirulina, rich in the antioxidant phycocyanin, protects the body from oxidative damage2. Benefits of Spirulina for Weight Loss If you’re struggling with weight gain or poor heart health, you likely have higher triglyceride and “bad” LDL cholesterol levels, which research shows can be improved by 16% and 10%, respectively, with only a 1 gram daily dose serving.3 Not all LDL cholesterol is bad. However, if it becomes oxidized, it wreaks havoc on the body. A simple daily dose of 1-2 grams of Spirulina Powder can protect your arteries from this oxidation and damage4. Benefits of Spirulina for Allergies One of my favourite uses for Spirulina is for allergic rhinitis. A countless number of clients come in with symptoms of chronic congestion, sneezing, itching or post-nasal drip and a two-gram dose of Spirulina has been shown to be clinically effective compared to a placebo5. Lastly, while spirulina does contain vitamin B12, the type found in blue, green algae is known as pseudovitamin B12, and the evidence unclear if it's biologically available in humans6. How to Buy Spirulina Look for Spirulina that is 100% organic and Non-GMO, this way common harmful substances like Chilean nitrates are not used in the processing. Look for Spirulina that has been tested for heavy metals, aflatoxins, and microcystins which are harmful to the body because they can be present in different products that are grown in water. Finally look for Spirulina that is grown in covered pools and from fresh underground water to ensure no cross contamination from the ocean and or radiation. What is Chlorella (Green Algae)? Chlorella is another super green “superfood” to add to your superfoods list. It is a micro-algae; however, it differs from Spirulina in a few areas. It grows only in fresh water and is a green algae which is richer in chlorophyll than spirulina (blue-green algae). It also has a round shape, not spherical, and contains a unique growth complex factor that enables it to reproduce at incredibly rapid rates – every 20 to 24 hours – thus providing potential benefits for nerve related conditions. Benefits of Chlorella Chlorella is also incredibly nutrient-dense, but it must be consumed via supplementation due to its hard cell wall that cannot be broken down by the human digestive tract. Like Spirulina, Chlorella is a complete protein source containing all essential amino acids, provides a significant source of iron and vitamin C, as well as 100mg of omega-3 fats per teaspoon7,8,9. Chlorella is also a robust antioxidant, containing several potent free radical scavengers such as chlorophyll, vitamin C, beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein. As I mentioned above, if you struggle with weight gain or are actively trying to improve your health, you’ll benefit from increased antioxidant support. Chlorella, like Spirulina, also helps lower blood sugars. Have you ever wondered what to do to help your liver function better? Chlorella is particularly useful if you’re struggling with fatty liver from too many processed food or alcohol10. Chlorella also has a unique ability to enhance your immune system function, boosting your body’s “first line of defense” against infection by increasing natural killer cell activity and protecting you from catching nasty colds and flu11. It also contains carotenoids like lutein and zeaxanthin, crucial for that protecting your eyes and reducing your risk of macular degeneration, important in senior populations12. How to Buy Chlorella Look for products that are 100% certified organic, natural powders, filtered with spring water and containing no added fillers, chemical solvents, heavy metals, artificial colors or flavours. Chlorella products must also have “broken cell walls” to be bioavailable and usable by the body. If you’re looking to upgrade your health and improve your energy, the super green superfoods Spirulina and Chlorella are essential to put on your superfoods list. Add these ancient superfoods to your nutritional arsenal and feel the difference today! Dr. Marc Bubbs ND, CISSN, CSCS Dr. Marc Bubbs is a board certified Naturopathic Doctor, Sports Nutrition Lead for the Canadian Men's Basketball Team, and author of The Paleo Project. DrBubbs.com @DrBubbs @DrBubbs Related Posts: Zesty Spirulina Smoothie Green-Powered Spirulina Hummus Related Products: Chlorella Powder Spirulina Powder Chlorella tablets References https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19299804 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23754631 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19702862 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4320919/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18343939 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19702862 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032114002342 https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/ http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-0080.2011.01569.x/full https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27475283 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22849818 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27146695

by Dr. Cheryl Cooper, ND Here we are, 6 months into the New Year, and everyone’s resolutions are long forgotten but those pesky pounds from the year before are probably still lingering around. Next to becoming more fit and healthy, losing weight is the most common New Year’s resolution in North America. Most people will start the New Year with a weight loss program that includes significant reduction in calories or food restriction accompanied by an intensive exercise program. And while some succeeded for the short or long term, most gave up after a couple of weeks after not seeing a significant and consistent change. Statistics from the National Weight Control Registry show that only 20% of individuals that are consciously trying to lose weight are successful in losing weight in the long term. This is defined as losing 10% of the initial body weight for over a year. A cyclical epidemic Now that June is here and bikini season is already upon us, let’s get real. The weight loss industry is a billion dollar industry and has failed at enabling people to lose weight permanently for decades. The biggest question that begs to be asked here is: Why? Since the 70s, obesity has become a significant issue in Canada with the incidence increasing from 9.7% in 1972 to 25.3% in 2011. What are the main factors contributing to this increase? The simple answer is an increasingly sedentary lifestyle accompanied by the proliferation of processed foods and an increased consumption of carbohydrates and sugar in our diet. Adding to the complexity of the obesity epidemic is more stress, less sleep, systemic toxicity, thyroid imbalances, adrenal fatigue, hormone issues, anemia, nutrient deficiencies, depression and/or mood disorders which are all factors that may contribute to an individuals ability to succeed in their weight loss efforts. The reality of realistic goals Hundreds of fad diets and a myriad of quick-fix weight-loss scams promise to provide the miracle weight loss solution for thousands of people out there that are literally dying to lose weight. I hate to be the purveyor of bad news, but there is no miracle! The secret to long-term weight loss is setting sensible goals, having realistic expectations, making better lifestyle and diet choices, sticking to the plan, and doing this with balance and moderation. Just like with the tortoise and the hare, slow and steady wins the race! Setting realistic goals and addressing the more complex health factors are why it’s important to work with a qualified and knowledgeable health professional when starting a weight loss program. This will make all the difference in your ability to succeed in losing weight in the long-term and keeping it off. In addition, there are some other strategies that can support your weight loss efforts. Research has demonstrated that certain supplements have been shown to support weight loss by balancing blood sugar, increasing metabolism, reducing appetite, balancing pH levels and providing more energy. Here are some of the most valuable supplements that research has shown to be beneficial for weight loss: Chromium Chromium has been shown to support blood sugar balance by enhancing the body’s use of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that is critical to the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and protein in the body. Garcinia cambogia Garcinia cambogia contains hydrocytic acid, which has been shown to block the enzyme citrate lyase. This enzyme acts in the body to convert carbohydrates and sugar into stored fat, thus, by blocking it, the energy from these nutrients stays in the system longer and are more readily usable for energy. Another benefit of Garcinia is that it raises the level of the brain chemical serotonin, which reduces the appetite and improves moods. Spirulina This supergreen supplement is high in easily digestible protein and loaded with nutrients which makes it an excellent energizing supplement. When combined with regular exercise. The protein (70%) contributes to increased lean muscle mass, which burns more increases your basal metabolic rate. Conjugated Linoleic Acid aka CLA This naturally occurring fatty acid is obtained from our diet, but the processing of food has decreased the amount in food. Research shows that CLA helps to reduce the overall fat mass of the body by making the fat more readily available to burn as a fuel and, thus, increasing the speed of fat burning. Green Tea Extract High in antioxidants and a potent source of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), green tea stimulates the metabolism and assists in weight loss. Other benefits include: lowers cholesterol, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, cardio-protective. Of course, I would be completely amiss not to mention that all of these supplements are more effective when they are combined with healthy life-style changes, including a sustainable balanced diet and moderate exercise. Adding in the supplements can assist in getting you on track to being healthier this year. So, go forth into the New Year everyday life with the intention to be healthier, fitter and leaner, and remember it’s about balance and making permanent changes to your diet and lifestyle and getting the help you need to succeed. Have a Happy and Healthy New Year!! Dr.Cheryl Dr. Cheryl Cooper B.Sc., ND Dr. Cheryl Cooper is a Naturopathic Doctor and the owner and CEO of Vitallife Integrative Medicine based in Ottawa. She has 20 years of experience in the health and wellness industry, specializing in hormone balancing, women’s health, detoxification, stress management and sleep issues. Dr. Cooper uses a holistic approach to helping patients, involving educating and empowering patients to take control of their health. Recently moved to her hometown of Canmore, Alberta, she now practices out of Inner Balance Spa in Calgary. Vitallife Integrative Medicine @doc_cheryl