Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Getting ready for a HUGE day?


Have you got a big day coming up, where you are going to be on the go all day long?


Need lots of energy to get you through?

Here's a smoothie that not only tastes delicious, but will give you all the energy you need and more!

In the blender add:
  • 2 cups fresh coconut water
  • 1.5 tablespoons Tonic SUPERFOODS Cacao Powder
  • 1 Teaspoon Tonic SUPERFOODS Maca Powder
  • 1 Tablespoon Tonic SUPERFOODS Goji Berries
  • Sweetner to taste (we suggest yacon syrup, agave or raw honey)
  • 2 Tablespoons raw cashews
  • 1 small pinch of Celtic Sea Salt
Blend & Enjoy!

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Why we're crazy about CHIA SEEDS?



Firstly, Chia seeds are so versatile and have been used for thousands of years for many different things! Chia was one of the main ingredients used by both the Mayans and the Aztecs, not only as a form of sustinance, but also as a component for making face and body paint. They would drink chia mixed with water, consume it as a grain, grind it to make flour, press it for oil and use it in medicines.
Our anicent ancestors were definately onto a good thing! Chia is dense in omega-3, high in dietary fibre, anitoxidants, protein and amino acids, as well as vitamins & minerals. So what does this all mean?


Dietary Fibre
Consuming someting high in dietary fibre is going to add bulk to your diet, make you feel full for longer and reduce your apetite.

Dietary fibre comes to us in two forms, soluble and insoluble in water - Chia seeds are both.

Soluble fibre will attract water and turn to gel during digestion, trapping carbohydrates, thus slowing the absorption of glucose. This in turn will assist in regulating blodd sugar levels, lower total and LDL cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. Insoluble fibre is what keeps you regular and can assist in alleviating constipation.


Omega-3
Omega-3 comes from the family of unsaturated fatty acids and the health benefits of consuming them has been documented for many years. Benefits of consuming omega-3 are lowered cholesterol & better artery function, which in turn will reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, cancer prevention; due to increased immune function, prevention of rheumatoid arthritis; due to the anti-inflammatory activity of omega-3 and lastly increased brain health. Omega-3 is said to aid in memory retention, as well as to assist with mood disorders, behavioural problems and depression.


Antioxidants
Antioxidants assist the body to maintain healthy cells. Oxidation occurs in the body due to the effects of free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that the body produces when it is exposed to radiation, tobacco, alcohol or when the body breaks down food. By consuming foods high in antioxidants, like chia, the oxidation process in the body is slowed down, which can reduce the risk of cancer and early ageing.


Vitamins & Minerals
Chia is also high in Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phospherous and Potassium. These vitamins and mineralsare key to keeping your teeth and bones strong, your heart and lungs healthy and your blood pressure down.


So, how should you consume chia?
Chia is great in drinks; throw some chia into your favourite smoothie, juice or water. You can sprinkle chia over salad or cereal and it's popular to use when baking bread or muffins.

Start enjoying the benefits of chia seed!

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Feeling Blue?

Need some inspiration for a smoothie idea?
This is something I just made, it tasted too good to keep to myself - so here it is for you to enjoy!




In The Blender add:
Method:
  • Blend
  • Enjoy!
Blueberries are quite literally a powerhouse for antioxidants. They are packed with anthocyanidins which is a phytonutrient that helps to neutralize the free radical damage to tissue and collagen cells, whilst helping collagen fibers to cross-link with enzymes, forming a more stable collagen matrix.
By strengthening the collagen matrix you lessen the chance of suffering from glaucoma, varicose veins, heart disease, cataracts and cancer.

I'll bet the only blue you feel now is blue for blueberry smoothie!

The buzz about bee pollen!

It seems everyone is a buzz about bee pollen at the moment - in fact it's one of Tonic's biggest sellers! www.tonicsuperfoods.com.au
So lets see why everyone is turning to this nutrient dense superfood treat.

Firstly, bee pollen is a complete protein containing 17 amino acids. Protein substance in the body makes up the muscle, tendons, glands, nails and hair. Growth, repair and maintenece of these aspects of the body is dependent on amino acids.

Secondly, bee pollen is a rich source of B vitamins which work to support and increase the rate of ones metabolism, helps to maintain healthy skin & muscle tone, enhances the immune system. Which as a result will mean increased energy.

It doesn't stop there, bee pollen is also a rich source of enzymes, vitamins and minerals!

With this information, how could you not be curious to try bee pollen - Did we mention it tastes great too?

So, how should you take bee pollen?
Start with 1 teaspoon a day to ensure there is no allergic reaction, then work your way up to between 1-3 teaspoons daily. It tastes great in smoothies, protein shakes, sprinkled over oats or in a salad.

Monday, March 8, 2010

SUPERFOODS, why so super?

So, you have heard the term SUPERFOOD being thrown around, but you aren't quite sure what it is and what it means?

You aren't alone! SUPERFOOD is a term that was originally used by the Japanese back in the early 1980's to describe food that was dense in nutrients. Things like spirullina and wheat grass were known as the original superfoods. As time has gone on common foods like broccoli have been added to the superfood umbrella.







So what really denotes a superfood?

As "SUPERFOOD" is not a scientific term, it can be used broadly to describe any food that is dense with nutrients that the body needs to nourish bones, muscles, major organs, the immune system & even your hair and nails. So what is in them that makes them so good? SUPERFOODS are packed with protein; in fact they exceed protein requirements! They also exceed vitamin and mineral requirements. By eating SUPERFOODS you are fuelling your body with proteins, Vitamins, Minerals, Antioxidants, Enzymes, Coenzymes, Good fats & oils, Essential amino acids, Glyconutrients, Polysaccharides & Essential fatty acids. By consuming SUPERFOODS the health benefits are endless. They can be used to help detoxify the body, achieve your ideal weight & to provide you with much needed energy & stamina!



As SUPERFOODS are consumed in their raw & organic state the elements of nutrition that they provide has not been broken down & the body is easily able to utilize everything that these foods have to offer.


By incorporating SUPERFOODS to your daily diet you will be able to increase endurance, speed and strength, train harder, focus longer, alleviate stress, look good and feel great!