Back-to-School Brain BoostsAugust 08, 2011
Filed under: - greenacres @ 10:05 AM
Sometimes I ask myself what I can do to help my poor brain when I misplace those car keys or forget an appointment. Good thing there are so many ways that children and adults of all ages can work to improve brain function and support sustained brain health. Some of the best ways are through diet, exercise, and nutritional supplements. We at GreenAcres have compiled a short list of 8 of the best brain boosters to help us all think sharper, stay focused, and improve memory:
1. Water! Water! Water! Dehydration raises stress hormone levels, causing serious brain damage. Drink at least ten glasses of water a day. Plenty of water is beneficial for your whole body, from your skin (your largest organ) to the tiniest of cells, it is the building block that keeps everything functioning normally. You wouldn’t believe how many buckets of ice for our water we go through in the office!
2. Fish--especially wild caught varieties: DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid found in fish, is the main component of brain synapses. A lack of omega-3 has been shown to diminish intellectual performance. If you don't eat fish, omega-3 is also found in walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and flax seeds. Check out the Children’s Yummi Bears with DHA. They’re on sale this month for just $23.99 per 90-gummy bottle; and the kids just eat them like candy!
3. Antioxidant-Rich Fruits and Vegetables: The best antioxidant-packed fruits are blueberries, blackberries, cranberries, strawberries, avocados, and raspberries…and who can’t get excited about that?! The highest antioxidant veggies include: brussels sprouts, broccoli, beets, and red bell peppers. Get the highest antioxidant punch by enjoying them as a raw snack by themselves or in a smoothie.
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4. Complex Carbohydrates: For energy, your brain needs fuel, and the best choice is glucose. Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, starchy vegetables and fruits digest slowly, providing a steady supply to the brain over longer periods of time.
5. Green Tea: Ingredients in green tea (and to a lesser extent, black tea) slow the build-up of plaque in the brain from amyloid deposits. Drinking tea is associated with mental alertness; it’s mile caffeine kick can be just what you need to beat that afternoon energy dip.
6. Eggs: Eggs are rich in choline, a fat-like B vitamin, which has been shown to enhance memory. Choline is also a key component of acetylcholine. A neurotrasmitter that carries messages from and to nerves, acetylcholine is the body's primary chemical means of sending messages between nerves and muscles. Check out the “Veggie Feta Quiche” in the Breakfast category of the Recipes pages.
7. Chocolate & Nuts: Nuts and seeds are good sources of the antioxidant vitamin E, which is associated with less cognitive decline as you age. Dark chocolate also has other powerful antioxidant properties. And it contains natural stimulants like caffeine, which can enhance focus and concentration. Enjoy up to an ounce a day of nuts and dark chocolate to provide all the benefits you need without excess calories, fat, or sugar.
8. Supplements: There are so many options available to assist brain function in one way or another. Fish Oils, CoQ10, and Gingko Biloba (just to name a few!) have all been associated with increased health and function in the brain and the nervous system. Always ask your doctor before beginning a supplement regimen. And of course, ask our friendly GreenAcres staff when it comes time to pick out the product that will be right for you or your child.
The Amazing, Incredible, Fantastic…Almond Butter!August 08, 2011
Filed under: Natural Living, Organic - greenacres @ 1:11 PM
Okay, so maybe that’s a bit extreme, but with all that almond butter has to offer, it’s a wonder we don’t break into song about it more often.
The proteins found in almond butter, especially when eaten in combination with foods with a complementary amino acid profile (primarily legumes such as beans or lentils), can properly balance your amino acid intake. This is essential for vegetarians who aren’t receiving complete proteins from meat or dairy products, or for others with special dietary restrictions.
Almond Butter is also an excellent source of Vitamin E and magnesium and a good source of fiber. It also contains protein, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Almond Butter is a highly nutritious replacement for peanut butter. Comparatively few people have severe allergies to almonds as opposed to peanuts, so it’s a natural for kids’ lunches or an office pick-me-up. Come try our freshly ground almond butter, or one of the many brands and varieties available in the store. Try it on apple slices, on an “AB&J” or in a morning smoothie; it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family!
Third Thursday “Dog” Days of SummerAugust 08, 2011
Filed under: Classes & Events, Farmers Market - greenacres @ 8:45 AM
NEW REDUCED DAIRY PRICES!!August 08, 2011
Filed under: Natural Living, Organic, Savings - greenacres @ 1:00 PM
Hey folks! In these tight times, we’re all cutting back. Fuel prices have increased drastically, which means that food prices are only set to rise. But we at GreenAcres envision a better future for the health-conscious than higher prices in an already value-high industry. We want the best for you and your family. And that means not just stocking great products that promote your healthy lifestyle, but providing affordable options for every budget.
That’s why we’ve decided to reduce all the prices in our dairy and refrigerated section! All of your favorite high quality antibiotic and hormone free meats, cage free eggs, organic cheese, milk, and yogurt, will all cost less for you and your family—some as much as 25% less!! Now that’s a savings to get excited about! Drop by the store today and check out the new deals!
