Recently I was in a small market and I wanted some strawberry jam or preserves, real strawberry jam – I love it!  I found one that looked good.  It stated all natural strawberry preserves on the front label – it had a nice looking natural look to it and seemed a fair cost.  I put it into the cart and started to walk away when I noticed another brand that was organic.  I stopped and thought – read the label, dummy!

The brand that stated “all natural” was not really.  It did have some strawberries in it, but it was also high in fructose corn syrup and three different preservatives. Not very natural!  I then read the organic strawberry bottle and lo and behold it was 100% nothing added certified organic strawberry jam!

The contents look pretty much the same, but clearly they were not.  The organic jam may have cost more – but it was what I really wanted – real strawberry jam.

The other day we ran across a video that emphasizes the point even further.  “Blueberries found in blueberry bagels, cereals, breads and muffins are REAL blueberries right? Wrong! Award-winning investigative journalist Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, exposes the deceptive chemical ingredients and dishonest marketing of “blueberry” products from big-name food and cereal companies. The blueberries, it turns out, are made from artificial colors, hydrogenated oils and liquid sugars.”

This video really illustrates the point:

As you all know from our newsletters and website we try to push this message.  It really is important to know what you are buying.  Buying organic is very important.  This is why!

There are many companies marketing products that don’t contain what they appear to, based on the front label.  Much of the Goji, Mangosteen, Acai, Noni, Pomegranate, Maqui, Sea Buckthorn Oil,, Tamanu Oil, and Oregano Oil for sale are so much less than the pure product you should expect.  Many are significantly diluted versions of their former selves, containing only trace amounts of the ingredients listed on the label. Plus, a whole lot of other ingredients you don’t want.

It’s not just off-brands marketed on the web – it’s big name brands and retailers that are providing misleading information regularly.  We are not big fans of the Walmart’s, Monsanto’s and GNC’s of the world.  We like and do support small business that are the backbone of this nation.

This is why buying organic products is really worth the effort and the cost.  In order to be organic they have to be independently inspected, and additive free!  Its a way of really ensuring you are getting what you intend to get!

So read the label, buy organic when you can, buy natural when you can and live healthy!

Thanks,

CAOH

An organic update from CAOH

One of the earmarks of a high quality supplement company is demonstrated by their Organic Certification.  In order to receive this certification, you go through a rigorous inspection process to ensure that the products you are offering meet all the guidelines. 

CAOH goes through this inspection process every year!  (We just did again!)  We want to make sure you know that we are making every effort to keep our quality and value ahead of the curve.

Whenever possible, buy organic!

Important: Why is it important that products be certified organic?  First of all, it guarantees that you are getting a product that is free of additives, chemicals and preservatives.  Secondly, because buying certified organic ensures that you are actually getting the real item.  Buying certified organic ensures that you are buying the real thing at its best!

Here is a list of our organic products:

Liquid Power Multi-V™

Liquid Power Multi-V™ is Perfect For the Entire Family!

Literally thousands of happy loyal users!

• Over 340 distinct ingredients!
• 100% Vegetarian
• Hypoallergenic (No soy, wheat, egg, shellfish, corn, or milk)
• Glucose Free
• Low Glycemic Index of 25

A vegetarian multi vitamin-nutrient complex with a proprietary blend of 10 Sea Vegetables, Whole Chlorella and Phytoplankton!

Contains a "Synergy Blend™" of super fruits, vegetables, antioxidants, and phytonutrients!  The most unique and complete liquid multi-nutrient supplement available!  There is literally nothing else like it on the market.  You must compare the ingredients to other brands – nothing is more potent or comprehensive.

"Liquid Power Multi-V™ is an amazing tasting, one of a kind, 100% natural and certified vegetarian, whole-food antioxidant supplement. Liquid Power Multi-V™ possesses the most complete combination of vitamins, nutrients, minerals, fruits, berries, sea vegetables, green foods, phyto-nutrients, enzymes, amino acids, fatty acids and herbs.

The most bio-available liquid nutrition comes from a whole food sources – Liquid Power Multi-V™. This is because whole food sources contain a complete make-up of carbohydrates, proteins, phyto-nutrients, enzymes, and thousands of other complex complementary compounds, which create a “synergy”, that isolates and synthetic nutrients don’t have. Compare and you will see; Liquid Power Multi-V™ has no equal, and it's perfect for the entire family!"

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc.

Vitamin B 'puts off Alzheimer's'

By: Jane Hughes Health correspondent, BBC News – September 8, 2010

A new study suggests high doses of B vitamins may halve the rate of brain shrinkage in older people experiencing some of the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease.  Brain shrinkage is one of the symptoms of mild cognitive impairment, which often leads to dementia.  

Researchers say this could be the first step towards finding a way to delay the onset of Alzheimer’s.  Experts said the findings were important but more research was needed.

The study, published in the journal Public Library of Science One, looked at 168 elderly people experiencing levels of mental decline known as mild cognitive impairment.  This condition, marked by mild memory lapses and language problems, is beyond what can be explained by normal ageing and can be a precursor to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Half of the volunteers were given a daily tablet containing levels of the B vitamins folate, B6 and B12 well above the recommended daily amount. The other half were given a placebo.

After two years, the rate at which their brains had shrunk was measured.  The average brain shrinks at a rate of 0.5% a year after the age of 60. The brains of those with mild cognitive impairment shrink twice as fast. Alzheimer’s patients have brain shrinkage of 2.5% a year.

The team, from the Oxford Project to investigate Memory and Ageing (Optima), found that on average, in those taking vitamin supplements, brain shrinkage slowed by 30%.

In some cases it slowed by more than 50%, making their brain atrophy no worse than that of people without cognitive impairment.

‘Protecting’ the brain

Certain B vitamins – folic acid, vitamin B6 and B12 – control levels of a substance known as homocysteine in the blood. High levels of homocysteine are associated with faster brain shrinkage and Alzheimer’s disease.

The study authors believe it was the B vitamins’ effect on levels of homocysteine that helped slow the rate of brain shrinkage.  The studies author, Professor David Smith, said the results were more significant than he had expected.  "It’s a bigger effect than anyone could have predicted," he said, "and it’s telling us something biological.  "These vitamins are doing something to the brain structure – they’re protecting it, and that’s very important because we need to protect the brain to prevent Alzheimer’s." He said more research was now needed to see whether high doses of B vitamins actually prevented the development of Alzheimer’s in people with mild cognitive impairment.  The Alzheimer’s Research Trust, which co-funded the study, also called for further investigation.  "These are very important results, with B vitamins now showing a prospect of protecting some people from Alzheimer’s in old age," said chief executive Rebecca Wood.  "The strong findings must inspire an expanded trial to follow people expected to develop Alzheimer’s."

B vitamins are found naturally in many foods, including meat, fish, eggs and green vegetables.  Experts are warning people not to start taking very high levels of vitamin supplements without medical advice.

Chris Kennard, chair of the Medical Research Council’s Neurosciences and Mental Health Board, said: "We must be cautious when recommending supplements like vitamin B as there are separate health risks if taken in too high doses.   "Further research is required before we can recommend the supplement as a treatment for neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s."

The UK’s Food Standards Agency says taking more than 200 milligrams a day of vitamin B6 can lead to a loss of feeling in the arms and legs, but these symptoms are reversible once someone stops taking the supplements.  It adds that taking 2mg or less of vitamin B12 supplements a day is unlikely to cause harm, but that there is not enough evidence to know what the effects of taking more than that would be.  Taking too much folic acid – over 1mg a day – can mask signs of vitamin B12 deficiency. An early symptom of B12 deficiency is anemia, but taking large amounts of folic acid treats the anemia without treating the B12 deficiency.

Two of our most popular products offer complex B vitamins:

Liquid Complete B Advanced Formula™

Liquid Power Multi-V™ is Perfect For the Entire Family!

Organic Acai Berry Products from CAOH®

100% Organic and Kosher!

Why USDA Certified Organic?

Important: Why is it important that our Acai be certified organic?  First of all, it guarantees that you are getting a product that is free of additives, chemicals and preservatives.  Secondly, because buying certified organic Acai ensures that you are actually getting real Acai.  We have been selling Acai for about 6 years, and since the recent media focus on Acai it has increased in popularity.  It has also increased the number of Acai products on the market and many of them are not pure Acai or may not even contain Acai.  Buying certified organic Acai ensures that you are buying the real thing at its best!

Acai Max® – Absolute Acai® – Absolute Acai Capsules™ – Absolute Acai Concentrate™

Organic Acai Berry Products from CAOH®

100% Organic and Kosher!

Why USDA Certified Organic?

Important: Why is it important that our Acai be certified organic?  First of all, it guarantees that you are getting a product that is free of additives, chemicals and preservatives.  Secondly, because buying certified organic Acai ensures that you are actually getting real Acai.  We have been selling Acai for about 6 years, and since the recent media focus on Acai it has increased in popularity.  It has also increased the number of Acai products on the market and many of them are not pure Acai or may not even contain Acai.  Buying certified organic Acai ensures that you are buying the real thing at its best!

Acai Max® – Absolute Acai® – Absolute Acai Capsules™ – Absolute Acai Concentrate™

Goji Overview and The Tibetan-Himalayan Myth!

Goji berry product overview from California Academy of Health® CAOH® – discussing organic Goji Juice (Goji Fusion® and Absolute Goji®), Goji Berries and Goji Berry Powder. Also discussed is the Tibetan Goji and Himalayan Goji myth!

California Academy of Health proudly offers four extremely high quality açai products, our Goji Fusion™ juice and Absolute Goji Juice™, Absolute Goji Powder™ and our sun dried Goji Berries. All of these products are 100% certified organic and ethically harvested. In fact they are independently verified organic. We even have goji juice in our Mangosteen Elixir™ and our Liquid Power Multi-V™.

California Academy of Health, Inc.
800-643-7188
www.caoh.com
www.caoh.org/gojiproducts.html

Organic Seabuckthorn Oil

Sea Buckthorn oil is packed with wonderful bioactive compounds and nutrients.  This 2 oz bottle of Seabuckthorn oil is more nutrient packed than all the so-called Sea Buckthorn juices or powders.   Buying Sea Buckthorn in this form ensures that it is the most nutrient dense Sea Buckthorn available.  It is so naturally concentrated that 1 bottle equals over 3 – 32 oz bottles of Sea Buckthorn juice blends.

Do the math – that is real savings!  You can use it on your skin, hair nails and even add it to your juices, smoothies or protein mixes.

2 oz Bottle (60 ml)

Certified Organic

100% pure from whole berry!

No added ingredients or carrier oils!

Get your our Seabuckthorn oil here!

Liquid Power Multi-V™

Liquid Power Multi-V™ is Perfect For the Entire Family!

Literally thousands of happy loyal users!

• Over 340 distinct ingredients!
• 100% Vegetarian
• Hypoallergenic (No soy, wheat, egg, shellfish, corn, or milk)
• Glucose Free
• Low Glycemic Index of 25

A vegetarian multi vitamin-nutrient complex with a proprietary blend of 10 Sea Vegetables, Whole Chlorella and Phytoplankton!

Contains a "Synergy Blend™" of super fruits, vegetables, antioxidants, and phytonutrients!  The most unique and complete liquid multi-nutrient supplement available!  There is literally nothing else like it on the market.  You must compare the ingredients to other brands – nothing is more potent or comprehensive.

"Liquid Power Multi-V™ is an amazing tasting, one of a kind, 100% natural and certified vegetarian, whole-food antioxidant supplement. Liquid Power Multi-V™ possesses the most complete combination of vitamins, nutrients, minerals, fruits, berries, sea vegetables, green foods, phyto-nutrients, enzymes, amino acids, fatty acids and herbs.

The most bio-available liquid nutrition comes from a whole food sources – Liquid Power Multi-V™. This is because whole food sources contain a complete make-up of carbohydrates, proteins, phyto-nutrients, enzymes, and thousands of other complex complementary compounds, which create a “synergy”, that isolates and synthetic nutrients don’t have. Compare and you will see; Liquid Power Multi-V™ has no equal, and it's perfect for the entire family!"

Marcus Ettinger DC, BSc.

Get Liquid Power Multi-V

Integrative Vision Care And Nutrition
Author: Marc Grossman, O.D., L.Ac.

Edited by: CAOH

Click here for definition of Integrative Medicine.

Mind/Body medicine is based on the fact that our health and well-being depends on all the individual parts working together effectively. So it should come as no surprise that healthy eyesight is also dependent upon our total well-being, which is affected by our genetic makeup, the food we eat, our work environment and exposure to airborne toxins, as well as our general belief systems about ourselves and the world we live in.

Each of us is unique, and we literally take the world in through our senses, primarily through our vision. Many believe the way we take in the world is, to some degree, a reflection of who we are and which symptoms we might manifest. The integrative approach evaluates the person's lifestyle, habits, diet, exercise routine, and stress management, along with the family history, in determining a therapeutic approach. It attempts to bring in the patient as an active partner in the program to improve or maintain eye health. Specific habits have been identified in studies to be very damaging to eye health, including smoking, excessive alcohol, coffee, excess sugar and refined foods, and hydrogenated oils (like margarines).

Nutrition and nutritional supplementation could play a key role in helping to prevent vision loss and keeping our bodies strong. More and more peer review studies are identifying specific nutrients that are lacking in patients with eye conditions such as the following:

GLAUCOMA:

Vitamin C – in parts of Europe and Asia, vitamin C is considered part of routine treatment for glaucoma. It lowers eye pressure through a combination of decreasing fluid production and improving the outflow of aqueous humor. It also improves collagen metabolism which may be one of the underlying reasons for the development of glaucoma. Nutritional sources include citrus fruits, red peppers and tomatoes.

Recommended Dosage: 3000 mg per day

Omega 3 fatty acids – these may help reduce the chronic inflammatory processes that is found in many patients with glaucoma. Fish and unrefined fish oils are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. Studies have shown that Eskimos, who have a high intake of Omega 3, have a very low incidence of open-angle glaucoma. Some studies on animals further indicate that fish oil can reduce fluid pressure within the eyes. The best sources are the flesh of cold water fish (example; salmon, mackerel, cod) as well as black currant seed oil, and flax seed oil. Consider eating fish three times a week.

Recommended Dosage: 1500 mg per day

Ginkgo biloba – may increase the circulation of blood to the eyes. It has been shown in some cases to help lower intraocular pressure in the eyes. There is no natural food source. It is directly derived from the ginkgo tree.

Recommended Dosage: 120 mg per day – Note: if using blood thinner reduce by 40 mg

Magnesium – is a mineral that relaxes smooth muscles, which regulates the outflow of aqueous humor from the inner eye. Natural sources include most nuts, seeds, vegetables, seafood and soy products.

Recommended Dosage: 500 mg per day  Magnesium should be taken with calcium in a 2:1 ratio (calcium to magnesium).

MACULAR DEGENERATION:

Lutein/zeaxanthin – these two carotenoids have been shown to be low in people with macular degeneration. Increasing intake of Lutein/zeaxanthin either by foods or by supplements has been found to prevent and even improve macular degeneration in many cases. Natural sources are green leafy vegetables including spinach, kale and collard greens.

Recommended Dosage: 6 mg per day, optimally in a sublingual (under the tongue) form. It should be taken with a little fat, such as vitamin E to increase absorption.

Bilberry – strengthens the structural integrity of blood vessels throughout the body and promotes healthy circulation, particularly to the small capillaries that deliver oxygen and nutrients to the eyes. Bilberry also helps prevent free radical damage to the delicate structures within the eye. Natural sources are blueberries and huckleberries.

Recommended Dosage: 240 mg per day

Taurine – this amino acid is important for the regeneration of worn out tissues of the retina. Taurine helps protect the eyes from ultraviolet radiation. Natural sources include eggs, meats and fish.

Recommended Dosage: 1000 mg per day

Zinc – the macular can degenerate when zinc is deficient. It is found naturally in meats, oysters, and whole grains.

Recommended Dosage: 30 mg per day

CATARACTS:

Vitamin C – the normal healthy lens of the eye contains a higher level of vitamin C that any other organ of the body except the adrenal glands. Studies have shown a decreased level of vitamin C in the aqueous humor as well as in the overall body when cataracts are forming. Vitamin C has also been shown to control sugar imbalances that often play a role in cataract formation. Natural sources include citrus fruits, red peppers and tomatoes.

Recommended Dosage: 3000 mg per day

Glutathione – could be very effective in preventing cataract formation, and is crucial in possibly altering free radical damage. Some studies have shown that many lenses with cataracts contain approximately 1/5th the amount of glutathione as compared to normal lenses. Glutathione is produced by the body and is composed of three amino acids: cysteine, glycine and glutamic acid. All the following nutrients could help increase glutathione levels: N-Acetyl Cysteine, Alpha Lipoic Acid, vitamin C, selenium, vitamin E, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, zinc, and other nutrients. Natural sources include eggs, broccoli, avocados, garlic, onions and cauliflower.

Recommended Dosage: 500 mg of N-Acetyl Cysteine, 100-200 mg of Alpha Lipoic Acid, 1500 mg of vitamin C, 200 mcg of selenium, 400 I.U.’s of vitamin E, 50 mg of vitamin B2 and B6, 30 mg of zinc.

However, nothing replaces a positive, healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, daily meditations or walks in nature and a healthy diet. The rapid pace of our lives often interferes with us taking the time to really take care of ourselves. Caring for ourselves helps to keep our bodies healthy, and maximizes the mind/body's inherent healing potential.

Marc Grossman, O.D., L.Ac., optometrist and licensed acupuncturist, has been helping people preserve their vision in his private practice for over 20 years. He is the co-author of Natural Eye Care – An Encyclopedia (Keats, 1999) and Greater Vision – A Guide to Physical, Emotional and Spiritual Clarity in Everyday Life (McGraw Hill Publishers, 2001). Dr. Grossman is currently the Eastern Region Director of the Optometric Extension Foundation program, and lectures internationally on natural eye care, nutrition and Chinese medicine.