MonaVie (www.monavie.com)
“Amid these troubled economic times, many people are worried about their jobs,” says Thorpe. “MonaVie distributors, however, have no reason to worry about their MonaVie incomes, even as the troubled times bring turmoil to markets around the world. In fact, turbulence brings opportunity for distributors as more and more people are now looking to supplement or replace their incomes.”
MonaVie continues to set records of unprecedented growth, offering a direct selling opportunity to individuals around the world. According to Thorpe, MonaVie offers a safe harbor during these times of economic storm.
“MonaVie is different because we don’t need to borrow money to buy products or to pay distributors,”
Thursday, 13 November 2008
MonaVie producers continue to set records of unprecedented growth
Monday, 10 November 2008
Acai juice berry – good, but not unique?
Here are some frequently asked questions about Acai berry and products made of it. Ed Blonz, Ph.D., a nutrition scientist and the author, answers today's questions.
Q: I wanted to know if you have any knowledge of and insight into a juice product made from the acai berry plus other items. I've been hearing a lot about it lately, but I'd like to separate fact from hype, if possible. It sounds almost too good to be true. Can you enlighten me? -- S., San Diego, Calif.
A: The acai berry comes from the acai palm, a tree that is native to Central America and South America. The berry is the guardian for the seeds of the plant, and, like most berries, it grows in the sun. As a result, the berry requires nutrients for the seed, along with antioxidant compounds to protect against the destructive rays of the sun. The acai berry has all the appearances of a healthful food. But does it offer a unique benefit we couldn't get from red or black raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, cranberries, pomegranate or even a glass of orange juice?
The Sept. 24, 2008, issue of the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry contained an article that tested a product made from the acai berry. It reported that drinking the juice increased the antioxidant capacity and decreased lipid peroxidation, both beneficial effects.
While that sounds impressive, keep in mind that there are similar studies for other healthful foods. Each new fruit brings its novelty and its own brand of marketing. Enjoy them all, but keep things in perspective. Simply because a fruit is new doesn't make it more healthful than the ones we've been eating for years.
Q: I read an article you wrote about triglycerides. I had very high triglyceride readings after my heart attacks 22 years ago. No one could come up with an answer about how to lower them until a nurse practitioner came up with the answer. She suggested that I try taking TriCor. The effect was almost immediate. My numbers dropped from very high to very low. I know that you are a nutritionist and recommend proper diet, but the use of TriCor was almost a miracle, since no one for 20 years had any suggestions on how to lower my triglyceride numbers. -- S.P., San Diego, Calif.
A: TriCor is the brand name for a prescription medication based on the compound named fenofibrate. It is one of the medications that can be used to lower elevated blood triglyceride levels. I am pleased that you have experienced this success. I hope you have had a chance to read through the accompanying documentation about this drug. If not, I suggest you visit a Web site such as drugs.com, where you can find consumer information on this compound. Touch base with your health professionals if you have any questions.
Having a very high triglyceride level is not good, and the fact that you have already had a heart attack heightens the concern. It is great that you have a nurse practitioner who has helped.
I trust that you appreciate the fact that while the medication has lowered your triglyceride level, it has not lessened the importance of diet and lifestyle factors. Your nurse practitioner or physician has likely mentioned this. Continue to live that healthy life and there will be more of it to enjoy. I wish you well.
Monday, 3 November 2008
Acai and vodka together: better then ever?
The healthiest food on the planet, Acai berry (Açaí , pronounced ah-sigh-ee), has been finding its way into the martini glass for a little more than a year thanks to VeeV, the world's first açaí spirit.
Although the 60-proof spirit has maintained a rolling thunder approach to distribution, currently only available in California, Las Vegas, Chicago, New York and Miami - the "better way to drink" has already inspired the End of Vodka.
Why the end of Vodka? By definition, Vodka is a flavorless, odorless, colorless, tasteless spirit. Yet big liquor has benefited from clever packaging, elevated prices and a myriad of artificially flavored concoctions. The results have led robot-like "vodkabot" loyalties to a wide variety of vodka mixed drinks and brands.
"I was struck by lack of innovation in the alcohol space," stated co-founder of VeeV, Courtney Reum. "The end of vodka website may be tongue and cheek, but it effectively invites you to consider how people have conformed around the trends created by this industry. We are just entertained by the fact that people are spreading the word about it."
TheEndofVodka.com parodies the vodkabot archetypes, showcasing four stereotypical personas (we all know at least one) you may find at any given licensed premise. You can also find "Vodka History" and "Vodka Hangover Remedies" sure to make you laugh.
Users interact with the website in various ways, one of which includes using a built-in tool to upload and mount pictures of their friends' heads to any one of the vodkabot bodies. A personalized message is then emailed to their selected friends, sending them to a webpage showing an animated vodkabot, complete with your friend's head and audio of your typed message.
As the End of Vodka has gained momentum, additional supporting web properties have been developed, including MySpace pages for each vodkabot, and even an End of Vodka Facebook page.
Saturday, 1 November 2008
How to prepare Acai drinks at home: secret of Brazilian beauties
The east coast of Brazil may be all beaches and blond streaks, but the lush rain forest to the west provides a wealth of time-tested, beauty-enhancing remedies. Nuts and berries from Amazon palm trees contain essential fatty acids, which in beauty terms translates to hydrated skin and healthy, shiny hair. Oils from babassu and muru-muru nuts have already been sourced by a number of American cosmetics companies for their exceptional moisturizing capabilities.
But the most remarkable local secret for almost all beauty needs is the pulp of the royal purple açaí berry, which you may have seen on the menu at your local smoothie bar. According to famed dermatologist Dr. Nicholas Perricone, the açaí provides "a quality protein and healthy fat necessary to keep skin supple and wrinkle-free, as well as antioxidants that help combat premature aging." The hardest-working fruit in Brazil (it is also said to assist in weight loss) is consumed by the bowlful in the form of icy-sweet slushies available from the ubiquitous beachside juice carts. We asked the terrific Nirvana Spa, in Rio, for its favorite recipe (see below).
Dare to go bare
It's true that fitness is a serious deal here, but there's another reason for Brazilian women's unmistakable glow. Whether because of their liberal sexual culture or all that tanning, Brazilian women "are used to walking around with fewer clothes—they're more comfortable with their bodies," says fashion journalist Erika Palomino. "We are a very warm and sensual people, and that also makes a difference." So next time you find yourself wandering around in skimpy clothes…hey, just blame it on Rio.
How to Make It
It may be a wonder berry, but acai (açaí) alone doesn't exactly taste pleasant—which is why most street vendors blend its pulp with sugar syrup and water. The organic café at Rio's Nirvana Spa uses a brand of presweetened frozen pulp called Sambazon for its açaí bowl, making this dish as delicious—and easy to make—as it is good for you.
- 4 packs Sambazon frozen açaí
- 1/2 cup organic grape or apple juice
- 1/2 banana, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh red berries
- 1/2 cup granola
Blend frozen pulp and juice together until smooth. Pour into bowl and top with bananas, berries, and granola. For a smoothie, blend two packs of açaí with three spoons of frozen yogurt.
Wednesday, 1 October 2008
Pulse: The new heart-healthy acai (açai) beverage by MonaVie
MonaVie, maker of the premier blend of the Brazilian açai berry, announces today the launch of a new product in its line of functional beverages—MonaVie Pulse. A scientifically formulated açai infusion, new MonaVie Pulse was created to support the cardiovascular system and help maintain existing healthy cholesterol levels.
MonaVie Pulse will be available to consumers in the United States on Friday, September 26, 2008, through MonaVie’s network of independent distributors.
“MonaVie is pleased to introduce the first açai beverage to address the demand for foods delivering heart beneficial ingredients, as consumer concerns over heart related issues continue to increase,” says Vice President of Product Management, Jeff Graham. “What better timing than during National Cholesterol Education Month to introduce MonaVie Pulse and educate our distributor workforce on heart healthy habits which are a pivotal part of MonaVie’s health and wellness mission.”
As a companion to MonaVie Original and Active products, the new MonaVie Pulse formula is enriched with plant sterols, which studies suggest play a key factor in lowering cholesterol. The new functional beverage serves as a natural and convenient alternative to encapsulated nutritional supplements, delivering a powerful dose of antioxidants and phytonutrients that nutritionally support cardiovascular health. The heart-healthy formula contains a blend of plant sterols, resveratrol and omega 3 fatty acids.
“A daily serving of MonaVie Pulse gives you 0.8 grams per day of plant sterols, delivering the benefits you need to potentially impact the health of your heart,” says Graham.
According to the Food and Drug Administration, foods containing at least 0.4 grams per serving of plant sterols, eaten twice daily with meals for a daily total intake of at least 0.8 grams and as a part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.
The MonaVie formula is a blend of 19 fruits, including the antioxidant-rich açai berry as the foundation ingredient. Açai contains concentrated levels of anthocyanins—a family of antioxidants that assists in neutralizing the harmful effects free radicals can have on the body. Unsaturated fats found in the açai fruit at unusually high concentrations facilitate the fruit’s antioxidant compounds. On a gram-for-gram basis, MonaVie’s freeze-dried açai has a higher ORAC score—a measure of antioxidant power—than any other fruit or vegetable tested to date
Tuesday, 9 September 2008
Top 10 Super Foods to Keep You Healthy... and Happy
All foods, even battered Mars bars, have some nutritional value. But there are ten that are so beneficial to your health they are known as 'super foods'. Check them out here:
1. ...Apples! Surprised?
Over 7,500 varieties of apple are grown throughout the world. They are packed full of antioxidants, especially vitamin C for healthy skin and gums - one apple provides a quarter of your daily requirement of vitamin C.
Apples also contain a form of soluble fibre called pectin that can help to lower blood cholesterol levels and keep the digestive system healthy.
An apple is also a carbohydrate with a low glycaemic index (GI) type.
Low GI foods are digested slowly; once they are finally broken down in the intestine they are gradually absorbed into the bloodstreams as glucose, causing a gradual rise in blood sugar levels.
They may help with weight control, as well as improving diabetics' long-term control of blood sugar levels.
2. Acai Berries
Tiny acai berry that is extremely valuable. It is rich in nutrients that have play an important role in human health and development. These include:
- Antioxidants
- Heart-friendly Omega fats
- Amino Acids
- Proteins
- Xanthenes
- Anthocyanins
Acai berries are also a rich source of vitamins and minerals. These properties have led to the development of various acai products such as acai berry juice.
One of the most popular uses of the acai berry today is in the form of acai juice or white tea with acai. As with many health drinks, acai juice and tea have become a popular choice among both the trendy and the health conscious. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a refreshing glass of acai juice for its “hip” appeal, the health benefits far outweigh any “fashionable fad” aspects. The benefits can include cholesterol reduction, anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant benefits and many others.
3. Broccoli
Just two florets - raw or lightly cooked - count as a veggie portion.
Not only does broccoli contain antioxidants including vitamin C but it's a particularly good source of folate (naturally occurring folic acid).
Increasing your intake of folic acid is thought to be of major benefit in preventing heart disease.
Broccoli also contains an antioxidant called lutein that can delay the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This affects 10 per cent of people over 60 and is a major cause of impaired vision and blindness.
Finally, broccoli also contains a phytochemical called sulphoraphane that has specific anti-cancer properties.
4. Olive oil
Several large studies suggest that the monosaturated fat in olive oil is good for the heart. Olive oil lower bad cholesterol levels and increases the good levels.
Olive oil is also rich in antioxidants - it's probably one of the key protective aspects of the so-called Mediterranean diet.
Watch out for the calories - a little goes a long way. A tablespoon of oil contains 120 kilocalories, which is the same as a large slice of bread and butter.
5. Wholegrain Seeded Bread
Breads containing a lot of seeds and wholegrain have a low GI, which can protect against heart disease, reduce hunger pangs, and help with weight control.
They are also packed with fibre, which keeps the gut working efficiently; and seeded breads contain essential fatty acids.
Studies show that including four flices of soya and linseed bread a day can give a does of phytoestrogens, through to relieve "hot flushes" in menopausal women.
The downside is that bread contains a lot of salt. However, the good news is that bread manufacturers have started to use less salt in their pre-packaged bread.
6. Salmon
All fish is a source of good-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals, but oily fish such as salmon also contains omega 3 fats that reduce blood clotting and inflammation.
Studies show that eating oily fish dramatically recues the risk of having a heart attack, even in older adults.
Omega 3 fats also help to prevent depression, and protect against the onset of dementia. Yep, it's true, fish really is an all-round brain food.
7. Tea
The drink loved by all Britons has a range of useful properties. The caffeine content is helpful for stimulating alertness, mood and motivation.
Tea counts towards the recommended eight cups of fluid daily, which is the minimum to avoid dehydration.
Tea, whether black or green, is a rich source of the antioxidant called catechins. Studies suggest that catechins protect the artery walls against the damage that causes heart disease and prevents formation of sticky blood clots.
Some population studies suggest as little as one cuppa a day seems to offer some protection.
Check out our comparison of White Tea with Acai vs. Green Tea to find more interesting information on remarkable Acai Berry.
8. Yogurt
Yogurt is an easily absorbed source of calcium. It's also a useful milk subsitute for people who can't digest large amounts of the milk sugar, lactose.
Yogurt has long been credited with a range of therapeutic benefits, many of which involve the health of the large intestine and the relief of gastrointestinal upsets.
The bacteria Lactobacillus GG, added to some yogurt, are not digested, and reach the large intestine intact where they top up the other friendly bacteria living there.
The friendly bacteria fight harmful bacteria, including Clostridium difficile that can cause diarrhoea after a course of antibiotics.
9. Bananas
It's a myth that bananas are fattening. Bananas are slightly higher in energy than other fruits but the calories come mainly from carbohydrate; excellent for refueling before, during or after exercise.
All types of fruit and vegetables contain plant chemicals or phytochemicals known as antioxidants. These antioxidants protect cells in the body against damage from free radicals that can cause heart disease and cancer.
Bananas are also jam-packed with potassium that helps lower blood pressure, and vitamin B6 for healthy skin and hair.
10. Brazil nuts
All nuts are generally full of essential vitamins, minerals and fibre. Recent studies suggest that eating a small handful of nuts four times a week can help reduce heart disease and satisfy food cravings.
Brazil nuts are one of the few good sources of selenium that may help protect against cancer, depression and Alzheimer's disease.
Friday, 5 September 2008
White Tea with Acai vs. Green Tea
Studies have shown that White Tea with Acai berries has three times more antioxidants than green tea and that White Tea helps you lose weight even faster than green tea does. White Tea is harvested at a younger age than green tea is, thus holding in more nutrients and antioxidants than that of Green Tea. White Tea is also not fermented at all, unlike green tea. Fermentation causes a loss of beneficial antioxidants and nutrients. Overall, it has been said by many nutritional specialists and personal trainers that White Tea is the World's best, most effective, and safest all natural fat burner!
Green Tea has been known for it’s beneficial nutritional value and it’s been known to be packed full of protective antioxidants that help you live a longer, healthier, and happier lifestyle. But recently, a new product has emerged that is incredibly better than green tea. This product is called White Tea with Acai Berry.
Unlike green tea, White tea is harvested at a very young age to ensure that more anti-oxidants and healthy attributes are preserved. It burns calories and fat at a speed of as much as 8 times faster than green tea alone! This is a proven fact among the scientists at Stanford University have discovered. White Tea is said to be the world’s strongest, safest, and more natural fat burner out there. Don’t let anybody tell you differently. It is completely harm free and only contains benefits. It even has much less caffeine that green tea does!
Acai Berry is the world’s best superfood. What I mean by that is that it is packed FULL of more beneficial ingredients and healthy subjects than any other fruit in the entire world. Found deep in the amazon rainforest, and possibly the first real hope for the cure for cancer, it’s no wonder why people are up in arms about this amazing food.
White Tea with acai is both things. Well, obviously… But with the power of white tea you can lose weight and burn fat at an enormous rate, and with the power of acai berry, you can cleanse your body from harmful toxins and pollutants that can slow you down, make you unhealthy, make you eat bad, and overall just suck!
Why not try out White Tea with Acai today? Lucky thing is, it’s free to try! All you need to do is pay a very small shipping and handling charge and then the bottle of the supplement will arrive to your doorstep within only a few days. When was the last time that you did something for yourself? Click here to try out White Tea with Acai for FREE!!!
