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

JAZZ UP YOUR LIFE NOW 

http://www.jazzupyourlifenow.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/JazzUpYourLifeNow

FESTIVE PALATE COOKERY SCHOOL

http://festivepalate.com/ 

https://www.facebook.com/festive.palate

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.

·       

·        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. 

·       

           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.

·          

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.  

ALKALIZE YOUR BODY

So many people are challenged with acidic health challenges such as excessive stomach and skin acidity.  Yet, find relief for these health challenges can be very difficult.  Usually they are prescribed over the counter and prescription medications which can cause such side effects as bone loss and nausea. There are many reasons why a person’s body becomes over acidic such as poor digestion, ill functioning pancreas, eating too many acidic foods, drinking excess alcoholic beverages and smoking cigarettes, all of which helps to create an acidic environment in the body.

But there is also the trial and tribulations of everyday life, the stresses that one experiences each day are a definite contender for the making of an over active acidic stomach and skin. Also working long hours, not getting enough rest, being in an unhappy relationship, unable to meet financial commitments, and not having a support unit all add into the mix.

However there is always hope, we all hope to get out of a difficult situation, we hope to find the support we need, to find happiness, comfort and live in our best life, but we must change the way we think. It is said that when you shift your thinking, your circumstances shift. So, of all the things one can do, first and foremost one must shift ones thinking, from where you are to where you would like to be, and then allow the Universe to support you in making the change you want. There is one thing I know for sure it is that the healing and shifting all begins with you.

An alkalized body helps to ward off illnesses such as

•         Cancers
•         Heart burn
•         Weight gain
•         Obesity
•         Diabetes
•         Kidney disease
•         Immune deficiency
•        Weakened or Bone Loss
•       Slow Digestion
•       The inability to have regular elimination without aids such as laxatives or enemas.

Alkaline foods help to restore a healthy digestion and neutralize the acids in your body.  In a book titled A New Health Era - Dr. William Howard Hay wrote, “Now we depart from health in just the proportion to which we have allowed our alkalies to be dissipated by introduction of acid-forming food in too great amount…”  

Alkalization starts with a positive attitude; seeing the good in you and others, thinking positive thoughts and doing positive deeds.

Eating fresh seasonal fruits and enjoying delicious salads, drinking fermented beverages such as rejuvelac, a drink made from sprouted wheat berries. And removing or reducing acidic foods such as animal flesh and processed sugars from your diet. 

Visit http://www.jazzupyourlifenow.com/health---wellness-info.html for Alkalizing and Acidic Food Chart.

So, how does one shift from where you are, struggling with an acidic stomach to where you would like to be with an alkalized healthy body environment?

1)    Increase your intake of alkaline foods such as watermelon, lemons, asparagus, spinach and broccoli, green beans okra and sweet potato.

2)    Begin to shift your thinking from negative to mostly positive - so that instead of seeing the glass half empty, you will be able to see the glass half full. 

3)    Increase your raw/living food consumption – as the weather becomes warm increase to 90% raw and fermented foods.

4)    Reduce your acidic foods intake. Eliminate sugars, pinto beans, bottled fruit juices, artificial sweeteners, chocolate, peanuts, pastries, beef and pork.

5)    Drink herbal teas in place of coffee. Such as green and kukicha twig tea which alkalizes your body and increases your health and wellness.

6)    Use alkalizing spices in your food preparation – such as mustard seeds, ginger, cinnamon and chili pepper.

7)    Enjoy a probiotic beverage such as kambucha and rejuvelac after lunch and dinner or in between.

8)    Add meditation and prayers to your daily spiritual schedule.  

N.B.: Please consult your health and wellness practitioner before starting any new program.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Jazz Fenton is a Health and Wellness Coach a graduate of the Institute Integrative Nutrition. She is also a Living /Raw Vegan Chef and teaches as Festive Palate Cookery School and Jazz Up Your Life Now.

http://www.jazzupyourlifenow.com/home.html                                            http://festivepalate.com/

TYPE 2 DIABETES AVOIDING ITS’ CAUSES & USING HEALING SUPPORT SYSTEMS

INTRO

Each of us probably know someone who is struggling with Type 2 diabetes. So often we wish or pray there is something we can do to support them but end up being at a loss to help them. How do we help those we love incorporate healthy practices that will support or even alleviate this very dangerous health challenge that is generated from Type 2 diabetes?

WHAT IS TYPE 2 DIABETES?

Diabetes develops when the body is unable to make or use insulin to convert the sugar to energy. Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder that develops due to the lack of insulin absorption into the body. The disease develops when the pancreas is not functioning fully. Rather than being removed from the bloods, sugar (glucose) accumulates in the bloodstream blocking the absorption of insulin. It is known as a silent killer because there are generally are not any predetermined indications that one actually has the dis-ease. The dis-ease is prevalent in some ethnic groups and older adults. Type 1 diabetes may affect all people, whereas Type 2 diabetes is higher in ethnic groups such as Asians, Native Americans, Hispanic and Latinos, African Americans and other people of color.

WHAT IS TYPE1 DIABETES

Type1 diabetes differs from Type 2 diabetes. In Type 1 diabetes the body does not make any insulin. It is considered as an autoimmune disease, which may develop through environmental or genetic factors. Type 2 diabetics cannot use the insulin that the body produces. Type 2 diabetes is generally caused by lifestyle factors such as family history, excess weight gain, genetically influenced or living a sedentary lifestyle.

CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS

See the list below to determine whether you are diabetic. Always check with your health practitioner for diagnosis if you have two or more of these symptoms.  

Here are a few symptoms: 

1)    A cut that heals very slowly

2)    Lack of energy or feeling tired

3)    Frequent thirst

4)    Blurry vision

5)    Frequent urination

6)    Constant heaving and/or nausea

7)     Feeling weak and tired

8)    Itchy, dry skin

9)    Losing weight

TYPE 2 DIABETES–PREVENTION AND TREATMENT USING HEALING SUPPORT SYSTEMS

THE DANGERS OF DIABETES

Diabetes is dangerous because there are no warning signs that indicate your blood sugar is high, or that the levels actually stays consistently high over the required glycemic levels. The American Diabetes Association suggests following this guide line – A1C: 7% or eAG: 154 mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter); levels before eating 70 – 130 mg/dl known as (preprandial plasma glucose); approximately 1-2 hours after eating meals readings should be less than 180 mg/dl (Postprandial plasma glucose).

PREVENTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF TYPE 2 DIABETES

WEIGHT LOSS

Losing excess weight and fat may support lowering your blood sugar levels, reducing high blood pressure, increasing your energy, preventing the development of other health threatening complications.  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention published an article encouraging weight loss for those struggling with Type 2 Diabetes. The article titled Prevent Diabetes: “Research studies have found that moderate weight loss and exercise can prevent or delay type 2 diabetes among adults at high-risk of diabetes.” The article continued to report “a study of 3,234 people at high risk for diabetes showed that people can delay and possibly prevent the disease by losing a small amount of  weight (5 to 7 percent of total body weight) through 30 minutes of physical activity 5 days a week and healthier eating.”

EXERCISE: Type 2 diabetes can be prevented by monitoring food intake, taking daily exercises and drinking adequate amounts of water daily.   Exercising will support weight, boost metabolism, control blood sugar, increase and enhance overall fitness levels.     

GETTING ENOUGH REST: Enjoying a good night’s sleep will support your immune system, control appetite, increase weight loss and boost concentration. 

CONCLUSION

Consistently high blood sugar or diabetes may lead to complications such as: high blood pressure, blindness, heart attacks, kidney disease, stroke and or amputation of the limbs. Children who are in an unhealthy environment or have family members who are diabetics are likely to develop this disease during puberty.

Getting checked and early detection by your health care practitioner could prevent many complications such as blindness.

If you are overweight or displaying any of the symptoms listed above, become proactive and learn the dos and don’ts of your health and wellness. Making a lifestyle change could change the outcome of becoming permanently afflicted with this disease.  

A regular Program exercise and diet is instrumental in preventing and managing Type 2 diabetes. Including a healthy diet of greens, vegetables, fish and chicken protein along with whole grain such as brown rice, quinoa, breads such as Ezekiel Sprouted Live breads, see complete list at http://festivepalate.com/welcome-to-festive-palate/healthy-food-choices-for-diabetes/  that will make for an extended, healthy life.

SUPPORT RESOURCES:

American Diabetes Association  http://www.diabetes.org/

http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/checking-your-blood-glucose.html

MAYO CLINIC  

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-and-exercise/art-20045697

Jazz Fenton is a Health and Wellness Coach at http://www.jazzupyourlifenow.com/     - e-mail: jazz@jazzupyourlifenow.com