What makes vitamin C an essential nutrient?

First, as with many vitamins, the body can’t produce its own vitamin C. Secondly, the body can’t store a significant amount of vitamin C. Though very little is stored, the highest concentrations are in the white blood cells, eyes, adrenal glands, pituitary gland, and brain. Any vitamin C that isn’t quickly used by our body gets excreted in our urine since it is a water-soluble vitamin. Remember these two factors for later.

How does vitamin C benefit you?

1. It is a powerful antioxidant that can help neutralize harmful free radicals. Some of vitamin C’s antioxidant properties have been linked to reduced cancer risk. For example, vitamin C has been linked to limiting the formation of carcinogens in the body. Also, studies have found an inverse association between dietary vitamin C intake and cancers of the lung, breast, colon or rectum, stomach, oral cavity, larynx or pharynx, and esophagus. (1)
2. Vitamin C is needed to make the powerful fiber collagen. Collagen is a fibrous protein in connective tissue that is used throughout various systems in the body: skin, nervous, immune, bone, cartilage, blood, and others. Without enough vitamin C, your body will struggle to make and regenerate these critical cells and tissues. (1)
3. As we learned earlier, vitamin C is found at higher concentrations in white blood cells, which play a critical role in our immune system. Additionally, vitamin C may help reduce the severity of allergic reactions. (3)
4. Vitamin C improves the absorption of non-heme iron, the type of iron found in plant foods such as leafy greens. (4) Having vitamin C at the same time as non-heme iron can help boost your body’s iron absorption.
5. Finally, vitamin C helps make several hormones and chemical messengers used in the brain and nerves (5) and plays an important role in a number of metabolic functions, including activation of the B vitamin folic acid. (3)

How much vitamin C do you need?

The key is consistent daily intake. We learned earlier that our bodies can’t make or store vitamin C very well, which means we need to get this nutrient daily. And how much vitamin C is enough?

Meeting the RDA does not require supplements, study results indicate that supplementation with 1,250 mg/day ascorbic acid produces about two times higher vitamin C concentrations than those seen with consumption of 200–300 mg/day ascorbic acid from vitamin C-rich foods. (1) This means that our bodies can absorb and use a lot more of this health-protecting nutrient than the RDA amount lists.    Check out more on Shaklee’s sustained Vita C & Shaklee’s Chewable Vita C

The post Why You Need Vitamin C appeared first on Pam's Lifestyle.

Berry Pineapple Mocktail

• 1 packet Triple Defense Boost
• 8 oz. Sparkling water
• 2 oz. Pineapple juice
• A squeeze of lime
• Ice

Cranberry Lime Feeling Fine

• 1 packet Triple Defense Boost
• 6 oz. Cranberry lime sparkling water
• 2 oz. Cranberry juice
• A squeeze of lime
• Ice to taste

Triple Daiquiri

• 1 packet Triple Defense Boost
• 1/2 cup Strawberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 cup Mango (fresh or frozen)
• 1/4 cup Banana (fresh or frozen)
• 8 oz. Coconut water

NOTE: If using fresh fruit, blend with ice. 

Triple Berry Mint Mocktail

“This is by far my favorite Mocktail! It is a perfect pick-me-up drink that is packed with as much flavor as it is nutrition! It’s definitely a must-have in my opinion!” – Elisabeth Johnson

• 1 packet Triple Defense Boost
• 1 packet Elderberry Energizing Tea
• 8 oz. Water (flat or sparkling)
• Garnish: Mint leaves, Raspberries (fresh or frozen)
• Ice to taste

NOTE: Can be simply stirred or blended. 

Peachy Berry Immune Mocktail

“My favorite way to enjoy Triple Boost is with the new Energizing Tea in Summer Peach, ice, and fresh fruit on top! PERFECT for warm weather and my busy mom life!”

• 1 packet Triple Defense Boost
• 1 packet Peach Energizing Tea
• 8 oz. Water (flat or sparkling)
• Ice to taste

NOTE: Top with fresh fruit of choice. Can be simply stirred or blended.

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Fortunately, Shaklee has a clinically tested and proven to work: +Immunity Triple Defense Boost, energizing tea with elderberry and a chewable Vitamin C supplement.

Elderberry a rising star in the nutrient world. It is a superfruit rich in nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, and has been shown to support healthy immune functions.

+Immunity Triple Defense Boost. It comes as a tasty berry-flavored powder in a convenient stick that that you can add to a glass of water any time of day. It’s packed with vitamin C, vitamin D and zinc along with a patent-pending proprietary botanical blend of elderberry, reishi mushroom, and ginseng.

What’s amazing is that studies show that it boosts natural cell activity and increases the proliferation of other critical immune cells in the body.   I am so impressed that Shaklee worked for seven years to perfect this complex product and it has seven patents pending on it!

And you will be pleased to know about an upgrade to most popular Shaklee teas. I just love the new elderberry flavor of the Shaklee 180® tea.  As always when in the need of a pick-me-up, you can turn to the antioxidant-rich blend of green, white, and red teas that provides a safe and natural boost. Now, it is paired with the immune-supporting elderberry.

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It’s not too late to send some healthy gifts to your family!  This year has taught us the importance of good health and living well. So what gift is better than one that lets others know that you care about their health? Our gift guide has something for everyone on your list. And from now till December 6, mix and match any three (or more!) products from the Good Health Gift Guide and receive 15% off.†

For Wellness Warriors: These gifts are perfect for helping your loved ones stay healthy and on the move.

• Vivix® to Slow Aging at the Cellular Level®*
• Advanced Joint Health Complex* for joint comfort in as few as five days*‡
• OsteoMatrix® to help build strong bones*

For Busy Moms: We have gifts to help keep moms on their feet, plus a secret solution to sneak veggies into anything the kids eat.

• Organic Greens Booster with one cup of vegetables in every scoop
• Sustained Release VitalMag® to support nerve and muscle function*
• Vita-D3® to support overall health, bone health, and immunit*

For Beauty Lovers: Gifts for the ones in your life who appreciate healthy skin and flawless looks.

• YOUTH® Moisture Activating Serum to increase skin hydration with one use
• YOUTH® Lash Revitalizing Mascara, our 2-in-1 conditioner and mascara
• YOUTH® Moisture Lock Day Cream to rehydrate, vitalize, and refresh skin

For Kids: Powerful solutions to help kids get the essential nutrition they need.

• Citriboost®, a multivitamin in powder form
• Shakleekids Mighty Smart® Choice to deliver natural, ultra-pure DHA
• Chewable Vita-C® for cellular antioxidant and immune support*

For Immunity Champs: Help your loved ones support and protect their immune health.

• Triple Defense Boost, a powerful immune-support drink*
• Zinc Complex to support your immune system and more*
• Get Clean® Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer to keep hands clean and soft

For Fitness Fans: Give them gifts that’ll help them stay energized and active.

• Performance^®Low-Calorie Electrolyte Drink for pure hydration that’s better than water^∞
• Performance® Advanced Physique® Whey Protein to help repair and build muscles faster*
• Performance Energy Chews for a burst of energy and focus* 

Don’t forget to choose any 3 or more products from our Gift Guide and order before 12/6 to get 15% off AND receive your order in time for the holidays!

^‡Boswellia extract in Advanced Joint Health Complex* has been shown in a clinical study to improve joint comfort in as few as five days.

^∞Clinical test used 2 sticks in 8 oz. of water.

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I don’t know about you but I am always looking for different ways to keep my  immune system strong  especially when winter comes.  And this year it is a top priority. But one of the simplest ways of supporting your immune system I have discovered  is making sure that you’re getting the powerhouse nutrients to support it. There are some key nutrients your immune system needs and I wanted to share with you most important in order.

• Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function by maintaining your body’s natural antioxidant defense against cell damage. C also has a key role in maintaining tooth, gum, bone, muscle, and blood vessel health.
• Vitamin D is known as the “sunshine vitamin” because it can be made in your skin through sun exposure. D plays a vital role in your immunity, heart health, calcium absorption, and bone strength.
• Zinc is an essential mineral that helps the immune system fight off invading bacteria and viruses. It also works as a trigger for over 200 different enzymes that are present in virtually every cell of your body and are vital to supporting your immune function, energy production, healthy metabolism, and more.
• In addition to the nutrients above, vitamins B6, B12, and E, folic acid, and selenium help support your immune health at the cellular level. 

Where can you get these nutrients? 

• In your diet. The easiest way to make sure your diet has these nutrients is to eat a lot of colorful vegetables and fruits. Dark leafy greens like spinach, kale, mustard greens, and collard greens are great sources of vitamins B, C, and E and folic acid. Citrus fruits, strawberries, papaya, bell peppers, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts are high in vitamin C. And while you do get vitamin D from sun exposure, it isn’t nearly enough. Vitamin D can also be found in fish, eggs, dairy, or fortified foods. Zinc is mainly found in red meat or poultry, and selenium can be found in whole grain and dairy products.
• It’s nearly impossible to get enough of these essential nutrients from diet alone, so nutritional supplements are a great addition if you want to support your immune system. The good news is that supplements don’t always need to be pills! Triple Defense Boost is a drink mix that supercharges your immunity with a combination of three immune-fueling blends including vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc.* Another great option is Chewable Vita-C®, a tasty lemon cream-flavored chewable tablet with 250 mg of vitamin C.

Make sure you’re getting these powerhouse nutrients in your diet and supplementation. They’ll do wonders in helping you keep your immune system in tip-top shape.*

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I love learning about all the cool superfoods in our newest product Tripple Defense Boost   So here is a bit from Sarah about Reishi mushrooms, also known as lingzhi mushrooms, which are are considered one of the top superfoods in nature!

What is the History of Reishi Mushrooms?

Ganoderma lucidum has been used for over 2,000 years in many Asian countries for promoting health and longevity. Interestingly, images of these mushrooms began appearing in art around 1,400 AD, and they are associated with Taoism. (1) In China, G. lucidum is called lingzhi, whereas in Japan the name for the Ganodermataceae family is reishi or mannentake. The Latin root lucidus means “shiny” or “brilliant.” If you get a chance to see one in person, you will notice that its name accurately describes the glossy appearance of the mushroom.

Where are they found?

The reishi mushroom can be found in warm and wooded regions. It grows on hardwood in locations like Asia, the South Pacific, southern Europe, and the southeastern United States. A slightly different species, Ganoderma tsugae or the hemlock reishi mushroom, can be found in the northeastern United States. For gardeners, there are “grow your own” reishi mushroom kits available that might interest you.

What makes it a superfood?

This superfood mushroom has a high concentration of unique bioactive molecules, such as terpenoids, steroids, phenols, nucleotides, glycoproteins, and polysaccharides, that pack a healthy punch. The category of molecules I want to call out in particular is the polysaccharides. These are powerful molecules that have been researched to show a broad range of healing and longevity-supporting bioactivities. These bioactivities include an anti-inflammatory impact, balancing blood sugar, antiulcer effects, anti-tumor growth, and supporting your immune system. (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

This mushroom’s proteins contain all the essential amino acids and are especially rich in lysine and leucine. Both are proteins that support critical systems in your body, including the energy production that enables your metabolism.

The low total fat content and high proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids is a win for your heart health. Additionally, polyunsaturated fatty acids have been shown to provide an anti-inflammatory benefit. (8, 9)

How to add them to your nutrition plan?

A variety of commercial G. lucidum products are available in various forms, such as powders, dietary supplements, and tea. A great choice is Triple Defense Boost, which contains reishi mushroom extract. Also, you can purchase the mushrooms whole. These won’t pack as many concentrated nutrients but are great for culinary adventuring.

Thanks for reading and exploring the exciting world of superfoods!

Sarah is the Shaklee Pure Performance Team dietitian/nutritionist. She is also a two-time competitor for the USA in the Summer Games, participating in the 10-meter Air Rifle event in 2012 and 2016. Her experience as an elite athlete and her status as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and Licensed Nutritionist (LN) make her perfectly suited to consult with Shaklee athletes on their nutritional needs. Sarah graduated from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas with a BS in Nutrition in 2013 and then earned an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Healthcare Management. She specializes in weight loss, improved sport performance, diabetes prevention, heart health, healthy aging, smoking cessation, and performance goals. Her hobbies include church ministries, mountaineering, physical fitness, and gardening. Keep up with her on her website or on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

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There’s a new buzzword in health headlines, elderberry. Has anyone else read about this hot-off-the-press nutrient?  This amazing berry comes from the Sambucus tree, which is a flowering plant belonging to the Adoxaceae family. Let’s see what Sarah, Shaklee’s Pure Performance team dietician has to say about Elderberry!

The benefits and uses of elderberry

• Elderberry is a powerhouse of nutrients and rich in phytonutrients. It is a great source of phenolic acids and flavonols, key antioxidants that help the body reduce damage from oxidative stress. Another key nutrient in elderberry is anthocyanin. Anthocyanins have been suggested to show anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic activity as well as cardiovascular disease prevention, obesity control, and diabetes alleviation properties. (1)
• Black elder, otherwise known as Sambucus nigra, has been researched to test the potency of its antiviral properties. Though a lot is still to be learned about this potent nutrient, one aspect that is exciting is its antiviral and antibacterial potential. There have been studies showing its value in reducing the symptoms of influenza and fighting off illness. (2, 3, 4)
• Elderberry may be good for heart health. Studies have shown that flavonoids, which are found in elderberry juice, may reduce our cholesterol and our cardiovascular risk. Additionally, a diet high in flavonoids like anthocyanins has been found to reduce the risk of heart disease. (5)
• It’s a good source of vitamin C. 100 grams of elderberries can contain up to 35 mg of vitamin C, accounting for up to 60% of the recommended daily intake. That’s about 20% more vitamin C than found in an orange and twice that in a lemon.

The precautions of elderberry

• Another thing that makes this plant so interesting is that the exact nutrition of elderberries depends on the variety and ripeness of the berries along with environmental and climatic conditions. The fruit contains substances called cyanogenic glycosides, which can release cyanide under certain circumstances. (6) But don’t be too alarmed because many other edible foods contain these substances as well, such as cassava, flaxseed, bamboo shoots, and the seeds of stone fruits.
• Since the majority of research has only been performed on commercially produced products, we need to learn more about the safety or efficacy of homemade remedies. This means that though this nutrient has its benefits, we need to leave it to the experts to extract the key nutrients from this fruit.

Overall, elderberry is a nutrient that has a great many benefits and uses. Though we still have more to learn about this powerful fruit, we should be confident to add its nutrients into our daily regimen.

Sarah is the Shaklee Pure Performance Team dietitian/nutritionist. She is also a two-time competitor for the USA in the Summer Games, participating in the 10-meter Air Rifle event in 2012 and 2016. Her experience as an elite athlete and her status as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and Licensed Nutritionist (LN) make her perfectly suited to consult with Shaklee athletes on their nutritional needs. Sarah graduated from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas with a BS in Nutrition in 2013 and then earned an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Healthcare Management. She specializes in weight loss, improved sport performance, diabetes prevention, heart health, healthy aging, smoking cessation, and performance goals. Her hobbies include church ministries, mountaineering, physical fitness, and gardening. Keep up with her on her website or on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

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I always love what Sarah Elijah Scherer, Olympic Athletic coach has to say about nutrition!

Our gut health is connected to our mental health as well as health in so many other areas. More and more research has been conducted to reveal the integral role our gut plays for our whole-person health. Some are even beginning to term the gut’s microorganism system as its own organ, called the “microbiota organ” (1). This speaks to the essential role our gut’s microbiota play in all areas of our health. Though all of the connections haven’t been researched fully, it is known that being in a “dysbiotic” state, meaning that our microbiota aren’t balanced and in harmony, leads to unbalanced health and mental wellness (2) consequences. The good news is that we can do a gut reset and make the right choices for a healthy gut.

So how can we make those right choices for our gut and give it a reset? 

• Prioritize your plants. A key part of resetting your gut is to boost your fiber. This fiber will fuel your microbiota with prebiotics. Eat lower-sugar fruits and vegetables throughout the day. If you crave something sweet, try some berries with a splash of grass-fed dairy milk, unsweetened soy, or almond milk.

• Cut out the meats. Studies consistently show that reducing red meats and fats helps restore our body’s microbiota to balance (5). After your reset, as much as you can, limit your sources of meat coming from animals that were treated with antibiotics and hormones. A healthier and happier animal will provide us with healthier protein, and choosing more plant proteins is better too.

• Gently move your body. Movement stimulates our gut’s motility to help maintain healthy digestion. Movements like yoga or walking are great to start. Choose exercises that are gentle and restorative.

• Hydrate with electrolytes. Both water and electrolytes are necessary for optimal digestion and motility. Keep things fresh by adding electrolytes such as Performance® Low-Calorie Electrolyte Drink and fresh citrus fruit, mint, or cucumbers to your water. Try to drink enough water to never feel thirsty and to use the restroom regularly. Limit your alcohol and caffeine.
• Add in healthy probiotics. Sources of probiotics are fermented foods, yogurt with live cultures, and probiotic support such as Optiflora® DI.* Combine with Optiflora® Prebiotic Complex for an extra boost to fuel your microbiota.*

Thank you for the time you have taken to better understand your gut health! It makes my dietitian’s heart happy to know that you are improving your gut health and restoring your body’s balance.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Sarah is the Shaklee Pure Performance Team dietitian/nutritionist. She is also a two-time competitor for the USA in the Summer Games, participating in the 10-meter Air Rifle event in 2012 and 2016. Her experience as an elite athlete and her status as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and Licensed Nutritionist (LN) make her perfectly suited to consult with Pure Performance Team athletes on their nutritional needs. Sarah graduated from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas with a BS in Nutrition in 2013 and then earned an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Healthcare Management. She specializes in weight loss, improved sport performance, diabetes prevention, heart health, healthy aging, smoking cessation, and performance goals. Her hobbies include church ministries, mountaineering, physical fitness, and gardening. Keep up with her on her website or on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

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I don’t know about you but since Shaklee launched it’s new Turmeric Boost product I am learning more and more everyday about one of the most popular and powerful roots on the market.  As with many roots, in order to get enough turmeric to deliver benefits, it’s best to get turmeric from a supplement with turmeric extract because extracts typically contain a concentrated amount of the active compound that delivers turmeric’s powerful benefits.

What is turmeric? 

Turmeric is a golden-colored spice that’s part of the ginger family. It has been used for centuries in cooking and for medicinal purposes. In cooking, recipes often call for the powdered form of turmeric, which you can find in the spice aisle, or turmeric root, which looks very similar to ginger root. Turmeric spice is made by grinding the dried turmeric root; you’ve probably used it to make curries, added it to rice, or maybe you’ve even tried to make golden milk. Turmeric is also available in supplemental form; some supplements contain turmeric root, while others contain turmeric extract.

Next, what are curcuminoids? What is curcumin? What is the source of turmeric’s benefits? 

Turmeric’s powerful antioxidant properties come from a compound found in the turmeric root called curcumin. Curcumin is one of many active compounds found in turmeric. This family of active compounds is called the curcuminoids. But curcumin is the primary curcuminoid in turmeric and the source of turmeric’s benefits.

What do turmeric supplements contain and how do the ground spice and root differ from supplemental turmeric?

Many turmeric supplements on the market contain turmeric root. Others, however, like Shaklee’s  Turmeric Boost contain turmeric extract. Why is this important? Extracts are made by extracting curcumin from the turmeric root. Extracts are standardized to contain concentrated amounts of curcumin, which is what you want because it’s the source of turmeric’s benefits. Each capsule of Turmeric Boost contains 500 mg of turmeric extract standardized to contain 95% curcuminoids, so 95% of the 500 mg of turmeric extract in Turmeric Boost is curcuminoids. In contrast, there is only a very small amount of curcumin in turmeric root; an average turmeric root contains less than 5% curcumin. And the turmeric spice you find at the grocery store is made by grinding the turmeric root, so it is also very low in curcumin, usually less than 3%. As a result, you would have to use a lot of the ground spice or root to get the health benefits of turmeric. To get all the amazing benefits of turmeric, reaching for a turmeric supplement with turmeric extract that’s standardized to a high percentage of curcuminoids is the most efficient way to incorporate turmeric into your diet.

Finally, why does Turmeric Boost contain black pepper?

Because curcumin isn’t absorbed very well, 5 mg of black pepper extract was added to Turmeric Boost. Why? Black pepper enhances absorption and increases bioavailability, which means it helps the body to absorb the curcumin in Turmeric Boost and reach the necessary circulation to deliver its benefits.*

Bottom line:

In order to get all the benefits of turmeric, it’s best to take a supplement so you get a higher concentration of curcuminoids than you can get from simply adding a teaspoon of ground or chopped turmeric to whatever you’re cooking.

Parts of this post The Benefits of Turmeric appeared first on Shaklee Corporation.

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According to the CDC, one of the best ways to protect against COVID-19 and other illnesses is to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Do you have a song you sing while you wash? The chorus to Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” is always fun!

The CDC says that if soap and water are not available, we should use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. They advise that we cover all surfaces of our hands and rub them together until they feel dry.

With Texas reopening, my family and I are cautiously venturing out. But staying safe remains our top priority, especially with a 6 month old grandbaby. We need to wash our hands, of course, but we also need hand sanitizer when we are out in public.

Typical hand sanitizers dry out my skin, and with the amount that I’m washing my hands and using sanitizer, my hands are taking a beating! That’s why I love Shaklee’s new formulated Get Clean® Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer with plant-based moisturizers. I can trust it will protect me from viruses while also keeping my skin soft and protected.

Shaklee always does their research.

The Get Clean® Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer has been proven to kill 99.99% of germs and bacteria including: E. Coli, Salmonella, Staph, Candida, A. Niger. It has not been tested on the COVID-19 virus directly, but it will help protect your health by reducing other bacteria and fungus that are commonly found in public places.

It exceeds CDC recommendations.

Get Clean® Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer exceeds the CDC’s recommendations for percent alcohol content in hand sanitizer. It has not been directly approved by the CDC but aligns with or exceeds all agency recommendations for alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Please see here for more information on the benefits of both handwashing and alcohol-based hand sanitizers.

The good news is that this product is IN STOCK! I have heard from friends and family around the U.S. who still can’t find hand sanitizer in local stores. I just talked yesterday with a Shaklee family member in Michigan who told me that there is still no hand sanitizer on the shelf in any of the stores near him. He was thrilled to hear about how quickly Shaklee created this product. Shaklee always comes through.

If you have any questions about using safe green cleaning products or sharing them with others, I’m always here to help.

The post A “Moisturizing” Hand Sanitizer (Finally!) appeared first on Pam's Lifestyle.