Calcium: Building Block of the Body

This mineral, number 20 on the periodic table, (Ca) is essential to bone growth and development and is the most abundant mineral in the body. Although calcium also functions to contract muscles and dilate and contract blood vessels, its most prominent function is to maintain the structure of teeth and bones. Bones constantly undergo deformation and reformation, the balance of which changes according to how we age. For children, reformation occurs more frequently than deformation but in older folks, it is the other way around, which is why osteoporosis is more common for seniors than it is for middle aged adults.

From late childhood on, about 1000mg of calcium are recommended daily. Dairy products are especially high in calcium, as are sardines, broccoli, and kale. If you are lactose intolerant, however, it can be especially difficult to get your daily dose of calcium. Even if you aren’t it still might be beneficial to your diet to consume kosher supplements, which are rife with essential vitamins and minerals. Kosher supplements are a great way to get calcium and other vitamins which can help you feel and be healthier. So shop for Maxi Health vitamins and Bluebonnet vitamins on www.KosherVitamins.com!

Kids Kosher Supplements

For children, it’s especially important to have a well balanced diet to promote growth and well being. But for moms with finicky eaters, that can be difficult. That’s why taking kosher supplements can be so beneficial for young kids. They are sweet and tasty and have essential vitamins and minerals.

Calcium is important for strong bones, nerves and muscles. Zinc is good for the immune system, and vitamins like A, B, C, D and E are found in many fresh fruits and vegetables, which many kids snub. Vitamin C is essential for the immune system and brain functions and holds together our skin under the surface. B Vitamins (see below) are crucial for metabolizing carbohydrates, and the refined sugars and starches that kids are so fond of deplete B vitamins. Omega 3 fatty acids are also crucial to brain development, and are found in fatty ocean fishes, which many kids don’t choose to eat. Kosher fish oil is a good alternative.

So if your child has dietary problems, it’s a good idea to try kosher supplements. There are tasty flavors like fruit punch and cherry and they come in tablets and liquid form. www.KosherVitamins.com has tons of tasty kosher supplements that your child will love.

There are so many kinds of sugar. I've heard that none of them is very good for you, so what are they all for?

There are so many kinds of sugar. I've heard that none of them is very good for you, so what are they all for?

I’m not a nutritionist, but what you’ve heard is pretty much correct: sugar, for the most part, is sugar, though refined sugars are metabolized by the body more quickly than starch. (Therefore refined sugars tend to disrupt body chemistry more than starch does.)

While you might want to sometimes try satisfying your sweet tooth with fruit, when something sugary is the only thing that will do, here are a selection of sugar varieties for you to try:

Brown sugar—both light and dark—has a molasses-like flavor and aroma. Both types are typically used in baking in the same measurements as regular sugar. They’re also great for sprinkling on hot cereals.

Turbinado sugar, sometimes called raw sugar, is used predominantly in baking though it’s become popular in a lot of coffee shops as well. Its larger crystals are somewhat less processed than refined white sugar, but its effects on the blood sugar are the same.

Brown rice syrup is a mild, minimally refined sweetener. Substitute it one to one for sugar, but reduce the total amount of liquid in the recipe by 1/4 cup per cup of brown rice syrup used.

Honey is one of the least-refined sweeteners, but, like other sugars, it raises the blood sugar quickly and should be used in moderation. Always look for raw honey, which has its natural nutrients and enzymes intact. (Caution: Do not give honey to babies under 12 months of age because it may contain Clostridium botulinium spores that can cause botulism in an immature immune system; they are harmless after the first year of age.)

There is one natural sugar alternative that is gaining popularity: Kosher Stevia root, which is available in packets or liquid extract. Though very sweet, it isn’t a sugar, so it doesn’t affect blood sugar the way sugar does. It doesn’t taste exactly like sugar, but its fruity taste works well in teas and baked goods.

Chef Steve Petusevsky, a graduate and former instructor of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, is a nationally syndicated columnist whose writing appears in Natural Health, Fine Cooking, the Los Angeles Times, Food & Wine, and the Chicago Tribune.

Don't Worry, 'B' Happy!

If you’ve been feeling a little down in the dumps lately, it might be because of vitamins, or a lack thereof – specifically B Vitamins. These vitamins help to keep you happy and promote cellular growth and regeneration.

Here’s a quick list to refresh your memory if you’ve forgotten which B Vitamin is which:
• Vitamin B1 –thiamine
• Vitamin B2 –riboflavin
• Vitamin B3 –niacin
• Vitamin B7 –biotin
• Vitamin B9 –folic acid
These are some of the more common B Vitamins which if you don’t ingest either in food or kosher supplement form, can cause problems in the body. These vitamins improve the health of the skin, eyes, hair, liver, muscles and facilitate the breakdown of carbohydrates into energy.

These vitamins are found in a variety of foods such as bananas, meats, rice and countless vegetables. As long as you eat a balanced diet, you shouldn’t worry about getting your B vitamins, but if you feel like your diet has recently been poor and you can feel the difference, getting a kosher supplement might make up for it. So feel better by living healthier, and whether it’s through what you eat, or the vitamins you take, start being happier today!

Exotic Fruits and Berries Boast Big Antioxidants

Exotic Fruits and Berries.

Healthnotes Newswire (February 25, 2010)—From South America to Malaysia, from Hawaii to China, fruits, berries, and their juices are being hailed as the new superfoods. Boasting high amounts of antioxidants and other vital nutrients, these superfoods can play a supporting role in a healthy diet. They are widely available as antioxidant juices, supplements, or added ingredients in smoothies, recipes, and other premade products.

Rush of antioxidants

Antioxidants are the body’s armed forces, working to prevent free-radical damage to the body’s cells, which is associated with premature aging and disease.

• Pomegranate: Ruby-red pomegranate is an antioxidant superstar. The distinctive sweet-tart flavor of the seeds and juice adds flare to food and drink. Native to Iran and the northern Himalayas in India, the pomegranate today is grown in California and Arizona.

• Açaí: Another rich antioxidant source with a notable taste, açaí is a cross between dark chocolate and berries. Derived from Amazon palmberries, its rich purple pigment denotes a high antioxidant level. According to the manufacturers, açaí is also high in amino acids and fatty acids, which help to keep cell membranes supple. You’ll find açaí in smoothies, juices, teas, and powders.

Exotic fruits for vitality

A host of other fruits from around the world show promise for their health-promoting properties, though research is needed to confirm their benefits:

• Goji: The berries and juice of the goji fruit hold its nutritional treasures. From the Ningxia province of China, goji, a fruit of an evergreen shrub, was traditionally regarded as a longevity-promoting and strength-building tonic. Goji is high in antioxidants and amino acids, according to the manufacturers.

• Mangosteen: The juice of the native Malaysian mangosteen Garcinia mangostanas contains a class of antioxidants called xanthones, which hold promise for their disease-fighting properties.

• Noni: Noni, or the morinda tree, is found in the Polynesian Islands and Hawaii. The fruit and its juice are used traditionally as a laxative and topically for skin ailments. Today noni producers tout it for its ability to aid a wide variety of conditions from improving asthma to assisting in weight loss.

• Maqui: According to the manufacturers of the maqui products, this Chilean berry has the highest known antioxidant content of any fruit and has been traditionally used by Mapuche Indians for supporting stamina, increasing strength, and promoting healthy immune response.

Keep it real

When trying new products—especially those that make big promises—do your research and consult your healthcare practitioner so you can make informed choices. Remember that moderation and variation are the keys to health, and a wide variety of foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts and other protein sources, will work together to promote health and vigor.

Kathleen Finn is a writer and marketing consultant for The Natural Word. She specializes in natural health, food, and fitness material, and has worked on staff at Delicious! Magazine and written for Yoga Journal, Spa Magazine, Natural Foods Merchandiser, and Nutrition Science News. She holds a master's degree in Journalism from University of Colorado in Boulder.