21 FOODS THAT CLEANSES THE LIVER and INCREASES LIVER ENZYMES

Increasing your Enzymes intake is beneficial to cleanse a toxic liver. The liver becomes toxic by simple daily experiences, such as the stress of a bad or personal relationship, through toxic work and home environments, not getting along with co-workers, or a boss who is being difficult, work load that is too heavy to complete on a given timetable. Basically, the liver becomes toxic through relationships that do not serve you or bring joy into your life. 

Other ways the liver can become toxic is by eating foods that are filled with toxins, foods such as meat, fruits, vegetables, that are grown with performance enhancement drugs, artificial growth hormones and sprayed with pesticides are toxic. Consuming these foods will pollute your liver and prevent it from efficiently performing its function, which is to remove pollutants from your body.

The liver must be stimulated with foods that are beneficial, and will allow it to   perform optimally and to insure a stimulated healthy body environment.

To support a healthy liver and body environment, take a look at this list of twenty one foods that will nourish and cleanse your liver naturally on a daily basis, by removing toxins from the liver. A healthy liver functions optimally when environmental toxins and fats are detoxified or eliminated from your body.

 You can strengthen your liver by eating foods that are rich in enzymes. Foods that are fermented, fresh, sprouted and alive will stimulate the liver to cleanse away the toxins that are absorbed through daily living.

Supporting the liver function can be as simple as removing heavy fatty foods, fried foods, margarines, shortening and oils such as rape seed oil (canola), pharmaceuticals and other toxic items from your immediate food environment and choices.

Your liver function can be improved by eating your supper at least three hours prior to bed time. Allowing your digestive system the time it needs to process and absorb the nutrients from your meal; this in turn will give your liver optimal time and opportunity to cleanse away the toxins your body has absorbed throughout the day.

You can start supporting your liver function by adding these foods into your meal plans:

1.     Wheat grass helps in cleansing the liver.

2.     Garlic, Onions high in sulfur to enhance enzyme movement to increase liver cleansing.

3.      Raw vinegar cleanses the liver.

4.     Flax seeds support the filtration of excess hormones.

5.     Carrots cleanse and nourish the liver.

6.     Beets cleanse and nourish the liver.

7.     Dandelion helps to cleanse the liver.

8.     Turmeric supports strengthening the liver.

9.     Lecithin supports metabolizing fats and lowers cholesterol.

    Foods high in vitamin C such as acerola cherries, cantaloupe, kiwi, mango, papaya and pineapple as well as cranberries, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and watermelon including citrus fruits as grapefruit, tangelos, tangerines and oranges. 

1.      Apple cleanses the gastrointestinal tract of harmful toxins.

1.      Broccoli and Cauliflower cruciferous vegetables that increases the enzyme production                in the liver the release of glucosinolate into the body system.

1.    Fermented Foods - Kimchee, Sauerkraut, Rejuvelac

1.      Lemons & Limes are high in vitamin C. Vitamin C supports the body’s function in the                  removal of damaging toxins.

1.     Walnuts are high in amino acid arginine and support the detoxification of the liver. 

1.      Green Leafy Vegetables - Kale, Cabbage, Mustard Greens, and Spinach are extremely              high in chlorophylls which remove toxins from the body environment.

1.    Green Tea high in catechins an antioxidant which enhances the liver’s tasks of cleansing                and also supports the digestion.

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    Raw Nuts and Seeds soaking will increase enzymes, add fatty acids and protein. 

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2Gluten free grains such as quinoa, millet and buckwheat will support a reduction of gluten          intake, therefore lowering gluten levels in the body.

2Avocado packed with omega 6 this fruit is a super food powerhouse that supports the body’s              production of glutathione which cleanses the liver of destructive, poisonous toxin. 

  Olive oil first pressed olive oil, flaxseed and hemp seed oils used moderately will support the

           increased lipid base that will remove harmful toxins. 

THROW OUT THE SALT

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE is at epidemic portions all over the world. One of the main reasons is the excess salt being absorbed through processed foods, frozen foods, canned foods, sodas.

The quality of life that many HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE sufferers are living is simply unforgivable. Life was given to us to live, to enjoy, to excel in. Today take a stand for yourself to Lower Your Blood Pressure with herbs and spices. Try Rosemary on vegetables, poultry or fish. High in anti-inflammatory properties, enhances the flavors and also releases beautiful essences. Other beneficial fresh herbs and spices high in anti inflammatory properties: Ginger, Turmeric, Angelica, Black Pepper, Cinnamon, Basil, Cardamon, Chives, Cilantro, Cloves, Garlic and Parsley.

When preparing meals use fresh herbs, instead of salt which also provides lots of flavor and the ever beneficial anti-inflammatory properties and benefits.
Here's to your health.
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TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR CHOLESTEROL

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR CHOLESTEROL LEVELS

1.    High-density lipoprotein, or HDL: is good cholesterol that is responsible for keeping your arteries clear of harmful plaque which builds up and creates blockages.

2. Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL: LDL cholesterol is responsible for plaque buildup; which narrows and reduces the flexibility of your arteries. This narrowing of the arteries to the heart or brain may lead to clots; which could result in a heart attack or stroke. 
   
       

LDL Cholesterol levels increases when an accumulated amount of fried foods and high fat is consumed as in egg yolks, fatty red meats, bacon, skin and dark meat of poultry, seafood as in lobster, shrimp, oysters etc., cheeses, creams, butter just to mention a few. Another contributing factor to increasing your LDL is lack of exercises.

HDL Cholesterol increases with a consistent intake of foods such as beans, whole grains, red wine, fresh fruits and vegetables just to mention a few.  

If a high (High-Density Lipoprotein) LDL is a health challenge for you here are a few recommendations that will support your path to healthier cholesterol levels:

(a)  Eliminate refined processed grains and sugars in your diet especially high fructose syrups.

(b)  Increase raw and living foods, fermented raw foods consumption into your daily meals.

(c)  DO NOT USE HEATED VEGETABLE OILS, ESPECIALLY CANOLA AND CORN OILS.

(d)  ADD OMEGA 3 FATTY ACIDS TO YOUR MEALS: as in Flax Seeds, Walnuts, Cauliflower, Winter squash and Brussels sprouts to name just a few.

(e)  Increase foods that are high in EPA and DHA such as sea vegetables and fermented raw/living foods such as raw kraut, kimchi, rejuvelac, Miso and Kombucha. Fermented foods will increase your enzymes intake which will promote a healthier digestive system daily; fermented foods will also boost your immune system and add beneficial bacteria.

(f)   Use extra virgin olive oil (do not heat), use raw organic coconut oil (which should be used when cooking or baking foods)

(g)  Pay attention to your oral hygiene as poor oral hygiene could be an indicator of increased risk of heart problems. 

(h)  Increase sun light intake, through walking, gardening, exercising, swimming in the sun. in taking sun light will increase vitamin D intake.

(i)    Eat foods high in vitamin E to increase your antioxidant levels such as Sunflower Seeds, Almonds, Hazelnuts, Spinach, Kale, Swiss chard, Tomatoes, Mango, Kiwi, Avocado and Broccoli.

(j)    Avoid excessive drinking of alcoholic beverages and smoking.

(k)  Daily exercising will support healthy cholesterol levels while strengthening your heart and muscles. 

My recommendation is that you begin shifting your diet by including the recommended foods and wellness protocols. You will certainly begin to reap the rewards in a very short space of time. Try it today and begin reaping the rewards through a continuous increase of HDL cholesterol foods and eliminating LDL cholesterol foods to support your healing and to experience increased wellness. 

Jazz Fenton 

Holistic Health Practitioner

Raw Food Chef

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BENEFIT OF LIVING/RAW FOODS

·        The secret to a raw food lifestyle is to incorporate all the elements of life into your day, which is the reason Jazz Up Your Life Now’s tag line is: “Feeding Your Body, Mind and Spirit…”, one must enjoy all aspects of life. For your life to be truly successful you must happily balance each day in work, play and pray/meditation. 

·        Learning the keys to living a successful raw food lifestyle, with soaking, sprouting, fermenting, juicing, dehydrating, blending, organizing, planning, and preparing delicious soups, stews, casseroles, patties, cookies, energy bars, will ensure that adequate nutrients are consumed with each meal.

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·        What is living food?  In Genesis 1: 11-12 & 29-30. Then God said, “Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds.” And it was so.  The land produced vegetation: plants bearing seed according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed in it according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good”. Then God said, 29 “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.  30 And to all the beasts of the earth and all the birds in the sky and all the creatures that move along the ground-everything that has the breath of life in it-I give every green plant for food.”

·        Since that time we have been eating fruits, vegetables, nuts, beans, seeds and drinking fresh naturally mineralized spring water streaming from the mountains.

·        Today, we have created standards and laws for what is now termed organic productions. The way I think of live food is, it is picked fresh from the garden, complete with enzymes, minerals, vitamins, water and nutrients; but so much of our foods today are shipped from long distances, that it is necessary for us to re-hydrate grains, seeds, nuts, beans to reactivate the enzymes.

·        There are many aspects to producing live foods for consumption, such as growing them as purely as possible, free of pesticides, fungicides, unnatural fertilizers, herbicides and definitely not scientifically manipulated. Organic foods are grown the old fashioned way, soil is tilled, seeds are planted, crops are rotated, natural bugs and some of our feathered friends are used to control pests, natural fertilizer such as compost is used and tilling the soil removes weeds.

·        Raw foods ensure you that the enzymes are intact, and makes body hydration easier to maintain, especially during the summer months.  

·        For example, digestive enzymes cause food that you eat to be broken down much faster than would occur without them.

·         Food enzymes come from raw fruits, vegetables, and animal flesh such as fish and meat, hence the benefits of sushi and steak tartare. The main function of enzymes is to break down the food in your stomach so that the body can digest its valued nutrients. 

·        Enzymes are necessary for the body’s health and wellness. Researchers have learnt the importance of enzymes through the deteriorated bodies of people who are struggling from depleted enzymes, shown in their urine and tissues or in the blood where tests measure low enzyme levels.

·        Optimal wellness is dependent on the level of enzymes sustained in the body on a daily basis. Your body will not function optimally without enzymes. Enzymes are needed for such important functions as proper digestion for the foods eaten and liquids consumed; as well as a few things we take for granted like swallowing and the ever important breathing in of oxygen. Enzymes are used up in the body to support the functions that keeps one healthy. The enzymes function is to keep our bodies healthy by being the work horse in carrying, eliminating, dispensing, delivering, constructing and synthesizing the foods that we eat and the water that we drink, all in an effort to insure our bodies are receiving the necessary enzymes for daily use and in turn eliminating chemicals and other harmful matters.

·         With enough enzymes you can actually escape the challenges of the common cold and flu and you can even defeat exhaustion by maintaining a healthy enzyme level. There are a few reasons why enzymes become depleted. Some common reasons are the foods we consume like fast foods, excess processed sugars, consumption of excess oils and fats some of which should not be consumed by humans. Good fats that supports your health and wellness are extra virgin olive oil, flax seed oil, kemp seed oil and raw coconut oil, just to name a few. All of these oils maintain their enzymes through the slow extraction process, where pressing or the seeds slowly prevents overheating and therefore retains their valuable enzymes.

·         As we become older our bodies will produce less and less enzymes; and as well our body will lose enzymes through worrying, stressing, breathing in polluted air which breaks down and damages good cells. However, thank goodness for fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts which will support replenishing any lost enzymes. 

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           With the reactivation of enzymes in dried foods through soaking, as well as sprouting, and fermenting Jazz Up Your Life Now/Festive Palate teaches Raw Living Food Preparation to give support on how to replenish your depleted enzymes, through proper food preparation. In creating scrumptious, delectable dishes participants are given tools to help impact their Raw Food journey.

·         Jazz Up Your Life Now/Festive Palate next two workshops begin on August 4 with Watermelon Feasting and August 6 with Living/Raw Food fourteen day program. 

·       These 7 days and 14 days respectively will be a journey in utilizing watermelon in juicing, salads, entrees, desserts where as the 14 day raw food program will be utilizing seeds, nuts, vegetables, grains soaked, sprouted and fermented to increase better digestion, and for the body to receive all the benefits of raw food nourishing.

    

    http://www.jazzupyourlifenow.com/courses---workshops.html

SUMMER WATER LIBATION DAILY HYDRATION

SUMMER WATER LIBATION DAILY HYDRATION

The weekend celebration of America's independence July 4, 2014 is upon us. Temperatures are up to over 80 degrees, hey its summertime let the festivities begin. 

Water hydration will decide how well you move through not just the day's celebrations but also throughout the summer. 

Why is hydration important? 

During the warmer weather our body uses up more of the fluids it generally retains through perspiration. The body should maintain at least 60% average water capacity at all times to function optimally. Even though the body releases its fluids through perspiration through the year, in warmer weather the body does release more fluids through the various activities such as walking, and other outdoor activities like tennis, jogging, baseball. Also with indoor activities we see the effects of higher temperatures with the increased effects of sweating through the loss of valuable electrolytes.

Water packed with electrolytes is necessary to maintain the balance of cells, muscles and organs to allow your body to work efficiently. Water consist of sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium; all electrolytes that supports the body functions preventing health challenges such as muscle cramps and fatigue as well as retaining the high level of optimal body performances.

Drinking water and maintaining a high internal water level during the warmer months; will make a difference in how well one manages a high wellness consistency. Some of the tremendous benefits of hydrating is the increase of potassium levels important in preventing muscle cramps. But it is also important in the maintenance of sodium since it is in absorption of sodium that will prevent muscle cramps. Drinking pure water will also ensure your supply of calcium which is necessary to regulate muscle contractions and the heart rhythm. Calcium supports the metabolism of vital nutrients and other body functions including that of the heart and skeletal.  

Another mineral that water will supply is magnesium which relaxes the muscles and supports the metabolism of glucose and also supports the metabolism of calcium. It is not enough to take magnesium only, in order to receive the maximum benefits of magnesium it must be teamed with calcium. Calcium is most important for muscle flexibility and maintenance.

Along with good old H2O, one of the ways to increase the amount of minerals you absorb and retain is by drinking all natural organic coconut water. In countries such as Thailand and other tropical climates like the Caribbean coconuts are picked fresh daily; but most of the United States coconut water is bought in containers or bottles and although a few of them are simply 100% coconut water the truth is most are not. I can go on and on about all of the various coconut waters that are on the supermarket and health food shelves; however, the important thing to remember when purchasing coconut water is to always read your labels. The list on the containers should read coconut water. Any other added products, are an indication for you to leave that container on the store shelf. True coconut water is already equipped with all the minerals and only minerals, which are necessary to support your maintenance of a vibrant healthy body. Remember you are on a mission to maintain your hydration and maintain a wellness body environment.

Here’s to your wellness.   

MANGO a Delicious Summer Fruit

Mangoes grow in the tropical climates of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, India and South America.

Mangos come in all different sizes and tastes; some are as small as an apricot or smaller others are as large as the size of a husked coconut.  Some are sweet and some are sour.  Some has yellow skins, red skins, green skins and even orange skins; but the one thing they are all share is an orangey, yellow flesh.

These tropical powerhouse fruits are sweet, juicy and filled with more than 20 vitamins and minerals. Mangoes are high in vitamin C and vitamin A. They are a good source of vitamin B6 and folate as well as vitamins E and K.

This super fruit is also high in fiber, and has Omega -3 and Omega -6 fatty acids and is a good source of minerals such as Potassium, and copper. Another benefit of the mango is that it is extremely low in sodium, saturated fats and cholesterol.

 However, mangoes are high in sugar about 30 grams of carbohydrates (that sweet taste) which will metabolize into approximately 7–9 teaspoons of sugar. So, anyone who struggles with diabetes should be mindful when consuming mangoes, not to over eat as the sugar content is high and could increase the glucose levels in the blood stream, creating an insulin absorption deficiency or resistance. 

There are many benefits to enjoying mangoes, the combination of vitamin A with the antioxidants Beta carotene and Zeaxanthin which supports one’s sight and slows down natural degeneration. The vitamin A also helps to build healthy bones, skin and hair, and the fiber in mangoes also aids in the lowering the risk of colon cancer and aids in digestion.   The Beta-Carotene also lowers the development of asthma. There are many other health benefits to enjoy when eating a mango since beta-carotene lowers the development of asthma and vitamin A reduces the risk prostate and colon cancers as reported by the Harvard School of Public Health’s Department of Nutrition. Mangoes have proven to be one of the best colon cleansers because of the high fiber and water present in each fruit. 

In a Texas AgriLife Research of mangoes on various cancers the results were so impressive that the researches are planning clinical trials to find even more benefits for people who are high risk cancer individuals.

Another study commissioned by the Mango Board indicated that mango consumption along with a high fat diet supports reduced body fat. Reducing body fat increases loss of inches on the body, supporting a smaller body size. The study also showed other effects of mango in the encouraging effects from Leptin a hormone that is formed in fat cells; this shows the amount of fat in the body. The study continued to show that eating mangoes reduces the body fat; losing body fat may leave one to feel and look healthier. These results may be even responsible for boosting the self-confidence of others who are on a mission to lose weight.

Be sure to choose firm but pliable ripe mangoes when grocery shopping. When buying mangoes, choose some that are almost ripe and others that will ripen in a few days so that you will always enjoy the firm juicy flesh as the week goes on; maintaining the high levels of nutrients in each bite.  Always wash mangoes before eating.  

Eat your mangoes fresh and raw and purchase organic, so that you are able to enjoy the extra roughage the skin provides as well as the sweet, juicy orange flesh.  Consuming the skin of the mango provides extra roughage as well as the slight bitter of the skin helps to balance the sweetness of the flesh.  

HEALTH BENEFITS OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

HEALTH BENEFITS OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES 

This summer season is the perfect time to add more fruits and vegetables to your daily diet. Why would you want to eat more fruits and vegetables? In a review of the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health Survey for England, it was reported that “Fruits and Vegetable consumption was associated with decreased all-cause mortality. “ Article published March 31, 2014 by Dr. Oyinlola Oyebode, Health and Social Surveys Research Group, Department of Epidemiology & Public Health, UCL (University College London).   

 http://jech.bmj.com/content/early/2014/03/03/jech-2013-203500.short?g=w_jech_ahead_tab

The easiest and most effective way to receive nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables is through raw/living foods.  The Website,”ChooseMyPlate.gov “recommends eat half your plate in fruits and vegetables, and some nutritionist estimate that 7-10 fruits  should be consumed daily. However the USDA http://www.choosemyplate.gov/ has made it easy to calculate with its recommended chart, suitably for your age, weight and gender, which will give you the most accurate amounts necessary to receive the vital nutrients needed to maintain a daily wellness health regimen.

Adding Raw/Living Foods to your daily meal plan will certainly increase your fruit and vegetable intake and improve your enzyme consumption as well as energize and cleanse your body.

·         The benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables

·         Ensuring that the enzymes are intact, and make hydration easier to maintain, especially during the summer months.   

·         Raw fruits and vegetables help to control weight gain.

·         These dynamic fresh vegetables and fruits support heart health and help to fight virus causing diseases.

·         Raw fruits and vegetables ensure your absorption of vitamin C which is generally destroyed when heated.

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This summer Jazz Up Your Life Now http://www.jazzupyourlifenow.com/home.html is featuring

Festive Palate Living/Raw Foods workshops to support you in learning the benefits and preparations, that will have you enjoy a lighter, more cooling summer and beyond. Visit http://www.jazzupyourlifenow.com/courses---workshops.html  to register.