What are antioxidants and why do we need them?
We see the term "antioxidants" commonly used in the media and even labeled on many products however it is very important we first understand what they are and why our bodies need them. Antioxidants are powerful nutrients used to protect our bodies from dangerous and harmful toxins. Oxidants, commonly referred to as "free radicals," are the harmful elements that attack our bodies in a negative way. Oxidation occurs when free radicals (highly reactive, high-energy particles) ricochet wildly throughout the body and damage cells. Free radicals can be produced within the body by natural biological processes or introduced from outside via tobacco smoke, toxins, pollutants and sub-optimal eating habits. Free radicals are believed to accelerate the progression of cancer, cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue, and age-related diseases. Antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables help to neutralize free radicals in our bodies.
How can we optimize our intake of Antioxidants?
Today’s
fast-food society and nutrient deficient soils makes it difficult, if
not impossible, to obtain the quality and concentrations of daily
nutrients necessary to positively impact our health.
Berry Radical
is a revolutionary organic, superfood, designed to assist the body in
attaining vibrant health, wellbeing and longevity. The ingredients in
Berry Radical have been proven to assist the body in neutralising free
radical damage. Make a super-nutritious beverage by blending Berry
Radical with hot water and milk of choice. Sweeten to taste. Add to
your favourite smoothie recipe to supercharge it!
Why Do Plants Contain Antioxidants?
Photosynthesis is the process whereby plants convert light energy from the sun into stored physical energy. Photosynthesis
exposes plants to a massive number of free radicals. Plants produce antioxidants to protect themselves from damage by
these free radicals. Antioxidant plant pigments, primarily carotenoids and polyphenols that are responsible for the bright
colours of many orange, red, blue and purple fruits, berries and algae, provide most of this protection. Research has shown
that human ingestion of these plant-based antioxidants result in similar protection. Research also shows that antioxidants
work synergistically (where the combined effect is greater than the sum of the individual effects) and are far more effective
when a spectrum of antioxidants are ingested, rather that individual isolated compounds.
Advantage of this powered Supplement vs A Juice Form.
By utilising raw, freeze-dried powders we have concentrated all the nutrition from the fruits and berries into a much more
potent, nutrient
dense form. Which is why 1 box of berry radical is equivalent to 12
bottles of mangosteen juice 17 bottles of goji juice and 41 bottles of
noni juice, in terms of antioxidant capacity. Our organic fruit and
berry powders are highly concentrated foods, with all the nutrients and
enzymes in the fresh fruit. Only water has been removed. Gram
for
gram, powders are far more potent and concentrated than waterdown
juices. Many fruits are more than 90 percent water, which mean you get
at least 10 times the nutrients in a freeze-dried fruit than the fresh
fruit or a rehydrated juice. Powders do not require the preservatives
that juices do. The freeze drying process does not kill the enzymes. It
puts them in a state of suspended animation. They are brought back to
life by adding the Berry Radical to liquid.
How Much Caffeine Does Berry Radical Contain?
Interesting research on caffeine in the field of homeopathy indicates caffeine’s stimulating effect when cooked, but not when eaten raw. One experiment conducted with a decoction of roasted ground cacao beans in boiling water produced an excitement of the nervous system similar to that caused by black coffee and an excited state of circulation, demonstrated by an accelerated pulse. Notably, when the same decoction was made with raw, unroasted cacao beans neither effect was noticeable. A cup of tea contains an average of 40mg of caffeine, compared to 85mg as found in a cup of freshly brewed coffee. A cup of hot chocolate usually contains about 4 or 5 milligrams of caffeine, which is about 1/20 that of a cup of regular coffee. A serving of Berry Radical contains about 6mg of caffeine, about as much as in a hot chocolate, but considering the coffee berry and cacao in Berry Radical are both raw, there will be no stimulant effect.
Food vs Supplements
If you’re supplementing with single dose antioxidants, or a combination of a few isolated antioxidant nutrients, you may not
be getting the benefits you hoped for.
Whilst
isolated nutrients may have powerful antioxidant benefits in vitro
(test tube) they rarely have significant benefits in vivo
(humans). Whereas foods high in antioxidants have proven benefits in both humans and in vitro. It is known that a diet rich
in fruits and vegetables can help prevent cancers, coronary heart disease and strokes. Synthetic antioxidants appear to be
so
ineffective that they may actually increase cancer risk. In fact, every
large clinical trial that has used isolated antioxidant
nutrients has failed to show benefit for cancer and cardiovascular disease. 61,62,63,64
Most isolated antioxidant nutrients are chemically, and structurally, different to those found in foods; and do not have the
desired effect in the human body. Research has found that whole tomato powder but not lycopene, a carotenoid found in
tomatoes, inhibited prostate carcinogenesis in rats, which demonstrates the superior functionality and efficacy of whole-food
nutrition compared with high dose, isolated nutrient, supplementation. 65
What Are ORAC Units And How Many Do We Need?
ORAC, short for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, is a standardised measurement of the total antioxidant power of a
substance. Antioxidant power is the ability to neutralize oxygen free radicals. The more free radicals a substance can absorb,
the higher it’s ORAC score. Nutritionists recommend that we consume around 5000 ORAC units per day to significantly
impact antioxidant activity in the body and reduce free radical damage. One serving (half a cup) of fruits or vegetables
provides approximately 500 ORAC units. If you’re not eating at least 10 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, you’re not
getting the recommended amount of ORAC units to mop-up the damage caused by free radicals in your body every day. The
ORAC (total) score of 1 gram of Berry Radical is 1448. So, one 5g sachet of Berry Radical contains over 7000 ORAC units!
One 150g of Berry Radical box contains over 217,000 ORAC units.
Berry Radical's Ingredients are as follows:
Berry Radical contains 10 of the World's most potent, antioxidant, superfoods.
I personally enjoy Berry Radical mixed in warm milk and smoothies. It's absolutely yummy in these forms.
Here are recipes for you to try!
Cuppa-Radical
Serves 1
1 x sachet Berry Radical
1 x teaspoon organic raw sugar
hot water
organic milk/cream of choice
BAR Shake -- Banana Radical
Serves 2
2 x sachets Berry Radical
1 x tablespoon organic honey
1 x organic banana
250 ml organic milk of choice
Mix together in a blender (preferably rinse out the left-over
alcohol from last night’s daiquiris first!)
Bananas have sugar in the form of fructose. They also contain
potassium, which is one of the nutrients you lose the most
of when you drink. Bananas are also a natural antacid which
can help out with nausea. They are high in magnesium (as
is the cacao in Berry Radical) which can help relax those
pounding blood vessels causing that hangover headache.
Chai Radical
Serves 2
2 x sachets of Berry Radical
1 x small can of coconut cream (270ml)
Pinch of each to taste (allspice, black pepper, cardamon,
cinnamon, cloves, coriander, ginger, nutmeg, star anise,
fennel)
1 x bay leaf
1 x vanilla bean
1 x tablespoon honey
270ml water (fill empty coconut milk can with water)
Gently simmer spices, coconut milk and water over low heat
for 10 minutes to infuse flavours.
When ready to serve, add Berry Radical and stir well.
Pour through tea-strainer into big mugs.
Narelle’s Radical Raw Smoothie
Narelle, Director of Product Development for Miessence shares with us her scrumptious smoothie recipe -- her secret for a super-charged way to start her day. She states, it's her organic, raw, green, smoothie. It’s a delicious, nourishing, meal that keeps her going until lunchtime.
1 x baby green coconut (juice and flesh)
½ cup of fruit of the season (paw paw, mango, peaches,
pears, berries)
1 x banana
1 x handful of goji berries
1 x tsp bee pollen granules
1 x tsp maca root powder
2 x tsp In-Liven
1 x sachet Berry Radical
1 x tbs spirulina (or chlorella)
1 x tbs barley grass (or wheat grass)
2 x tbs crushed linseed (or chia seed)
1 x big handfull of spinach (or other leafy green)
1 x tbs flax oil (or evening primrose or hemp, or good EFA
blend)
2 x tbs undenatured whey protein
Blend in a powerful blender (like a vitamix or ice-tank) until
smooth, creamy and green!
Additional hint: to crush the linseeds or chia seeds, purchase
an inexpensive coffee grinder from your local supermarket.
Want to preserve your youth even more?
Then simply start applying sunscreen before venturing out into the sun. SPF will protect you ONLY from the sun's harmful rays and not all damaging free radicals.
Rust proofing our bodies is now being
simplified with this powerful Berry Radical Antioxidant Superfood. We
all can now experience the ultimate longevity.
Miessence Skin Essentials -- A 3 step guide to beautiful healthy skin.
You will need:
• A soft cleansing cloth
• Plenty of warm water
• Cleanser (balancing, rejuvenating, purifying or soothing)
Gently press the face with a warm (never hot), soft cleansing cloth to open pores
and soften the surface of the skin cells. Apply three pumps of cleanser to the palm of your hand and massage
gently into the face and neck. Remove gently with water and cotton pads. If wearing make-up, a second cleanse
is necessary. (First one to remove makeup, the second to cleanse the skin). (167 applications per bottle @ 3
pumps per application).
Step 2: Skin Conditioner
Skin conditioning is a vital step in the miessence skin care regime. Conditioning has a two fold purpose; firstly to feed the skin
with nutrients in the water soluble botanicals, organic herbs and essential oils, and secondly, to provide a hydration base for the moisturiser to lock in. Miessence skin conditioners contain organic herbal extracts and essential oils to suit your skin type.
You will need:
• Skin Conditioner (balancing, rejuvenating, purifying or soothing)
On clean moist skin, massage 1 pump of conditioner gently onto face, throat and décolleté. Leave for a few
seconds to absorb into skin before moisturising. (125 applications @ 1 pump per application).
Step 3: Moisturize
This step creates a protective barrier against free radicals and moisture loss (one of the main causes of wrinkles). The special
ingredients in our unique organic base have demonstrated significant and lasting effects on skin hydration and smoothness, and have shown to actively restore and strengthen damaged skin. miessence moisturizers contain organic cold pressed unrefined seed oils and butters to soften the skin and increase elasticity. Our unique anti-wrinkle olive extract protects from free radical damage and aids in the formation of healthy new skin cells, while neutralising the effect of environmental pollutants and toxins. Organic herbals extracts and essential oils are incorporated for each individual skin type.
You will need:
• Moisturizer (balancing, rejuvenating, purifying or soothing)
Apply 1 pump of your moisturizer to the palm of your hand and warm to skin temperature. Pat and press gently onto your face, throat and décolleté. (84 applications @ 1 pump per application).
Stay beautiful!
What's the buzz regarding this little spray? I will tell you this much, Miessence has created this wonderful body spray which contains only beneficial certified organic ingredients. This is your chance to say goodbye to toxic body sprays that contain an array of chemical nasties and pamper yourself with this organic formula today. Your skin sure will benefit from these skin loving ingredients: Aloe Vera, Citronella, Tea Tree, Neem and Bitter Orange Oils.
Being without Bushflower especially during the warmer months is like forgetting to apply your sunscreen or going out in the rain without your umbrella. Of course you can do this but with consequences, right?
I am super excited about the launch of this product and can't wait to own my first bottle. To order yours, please visit this page.
Miessence sure has simplified the "Going Green" process by flourishing us with their Mother Nature oriented products!
As always, please do not hesitate to leave me a comment or email with any questions you may have.
Be beautiful without the toxins!
Are you feeling a little challenged greening your beauty routine? If you are, Miessence is at your rescue with their range of Organic Cosmetics -- free of all known toxic ingredients. Ranging from Mineral Foundation Powders, Concealers, Liquid Foundations, Bronzers, Lip Balm, Mascara and lead-free lip cremes -- they have got us covered. These are products that bare the seal of Organic assurance, giving us customers the peace of mind required to still look beautiful without poisoning ourselves.
Product Information as follows:
Liquid Foundations
Concealers
Greening your beauty regimen has never been easier with the Miessence beauty range. I assure you, once you've tried this range you will never go back to using commercial beauty products.
I always like to maintain a fair stock of henna so how could I have not taken advantage of their most recent sale as mentioned in this post? Their shampoo bars had also piqued my interest from the time they were launched and naturally this was the perfect timing to place an order. Here's what I got as pictured below; 100 grams of Rajasthani Henna plus the Argan Oil Shampoo Bar.
Their shampoo bars are handcrafted with 100% natural ingredients. And geared towards specific hair profiles such as their Sweet Honey for fine hair, Moroccon Clay for Normal to dry hair, Cocoveda specifically for dry hair, Soapnut for all hair types and Argan Oil for sensitive skin and hair.
Benefits of these bars:
Argan Oil Bar Ingredients are Saponified Olive, Sunflower & Castor oils, beeswax, chickweed infused in oil and argan oil as superfat.
I have also tested this bar on my face with no adverse reactions and personally loved the results -- smooth non-irritated skin. So yes, it does hold up to it's claims as geared towards sensitive skin and hair. I've used it twice on my hair since receiving my order and I am pleased to announce that it functions very well -- leaving my hair and scalp well cleansed without any irritations. I've used it just like regular shampoo followed by the Miessence Shine Herbal Hair Conditioner. There is also no weird scent to this bar -- smells very botanical and rather refreshing.
For more information regarding these bars, please visit the Hennasooq's online store.
Lemons have always been a favorite of mine and used extensively in many of my homemade beauty recipes. It's always an uplifting and refreshing feeling to indulge in. Have you ever noticed when you cut into a lemon or try to remove the rind, there is that noticeable fine mist and aroma that fills the air? That's actually the Essential Oils dispelling itself.
If you're going to choose Lemon Essential Oil, it's always best to opt for Certified Organic because oils that are extracted using the "cold processed" method will always retain all their benefits without the use of pesticides, fungicides, synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, genetically modified organisms or ionizing radiation. It's very important that we pay keen attention at the oils we buy. Always look for the Organic seal of assurance!
Scientific tests in the US and Japan have proven beyond doubt that lemon increases concentration and helps prevent errors made by office workers. With concentration improved by lemon aromas relaxing brain waves, people under test conditions have repeatedly delivered higher-standard work with up to 50% fewer errors.Lavender, jasmine and peppermint oils also have beautiful fragrances proven under test conditions to help concentration and study.
Get inside help when tackling your paperwork or making important decisions. Inhale miessence pure, certified organic lemon oil in a bath, through a diffuser or inhale the fragrance from a tissue.
Lemon essential oil is among 25 of the purest, internationally certified essential oils available on the planet. They can be obtained now from ONEgroup - either singularly or as part of a boxed collection.
Some uses are outlined below:
Vaporiser/Room Burners/Electric Diffusers
The most common way to create a beautiful atmosphere or disinfect a room is to add essential oils to a vaporiser which can be made from different materials - ceramic, terra-cotta, metal or glass - with two separate parts - the top one for water and essential oils and the bottom part for housing a tea-light candle to provide the gentle heat.
When purchasing a vaporiser opt for one with a large top reservoir so you don't need to constantly top it up. The general rule is about 8-15 drops of essential oil in the water in the top reservoir, depending on the size of reservoir and the size of the room. Ensure your vaporiser is placed on a heatproof stand away from draughts.
As the water heats, the essential oils will be diffused. Keep an eye on the bowl to ensure the water doesn't totally evaporate. If it evaporates before the essential oil has been vaporised, you could end up with a spatter. And never leave the house with a candle burning!
If the idea of burning candles is a worry to you, you can use electrically powered aromatherapy diffuser.
Steam Inhalation
To inhale steam directly, you need a large heatproof bowl and a thick bath towel. Place your bowl onto a solid surface such as a table and fill it with boiling or almost boiling water. Begin by adding 3-6 drops of your chosen essential oil. As that dissolves, add two more drops ? and then again to a total of 6 drops.
Seat yourself safely and comfortably; lean over the bowl and use the towel to seal off the vapours. Breathe in slowly and quietly for between 1-5 minutes. You may want to shut your eyes.
This process of taking the essential oil directly into your nose, throat and chest has strong antibacterial, antiviral and soothing effects.
If you'd like to gain an extra benefit from this procedure, splash your face with cold water afterwards for a skin tingling mini-sauna.
Bath
Baths are one of the easiest and most pleasurable ways of using essential oils. An aromatic bath can refresh you ? body, mind and spirit. Add 10 drops in a tablespoon of carrier oil into your warm to very warm bath, swish the water around to mix the oils in. For maximum benefit soak for at least 10 minutes.
After your bath make up a lovely massage blend and massage all over your body to prolong the benefits of the bath and nourish and moisturise your skin.
Room Freshener
Essential oils are an ideal way to disinfect or fragrance any room. Your whole house doesn't have to smell like bathroom spray. Not only will your room be fragranced beautifully but you will also benefit from the therapeutic properties of the oils. Simply add 20 drops of your favourite essential oils into a MiEnviron spray bottle half-filled with water, shake vigorously and you're away! Can be used to spray on bedsheets and pillows but make sure not to spray on polished furniture, as some essential oils can damage the polished surface. Store the bottle in the fridge.
Household
There are lots of ways to germ proof and fragrance your home with essential oils. A few drops of something you love in the bag (or on the filter) of your vacuum cleaner will diffuse fragrance as you clean. Similarly, you can add a trace of scent to dusting cloths, clothes washers, floor cleaners and polishes. Furniture polish is not the same without lavender. And the list goes on.
Compress
Fill a bowl with warm water and add 2-6 drops of the required essential oil. Stir well. Then take a soft, clean cloth, soak it throughly, wring and place gently but firmly on the affected body part. Repeat the procedure until the discomfort is relieved. Be very careful not to allow the fluid into the eyes, nose or mouth.
Skin Care
Many essential oils have lots of uses when applied directly to the body. But oils are very highly concentrated, so it's never wise to put them on the skin without first mixing into a moisturiser or oil.
This is one case where a heavier oil will come into its own. If you're caught short, explore your pantry for olive, grapeseed or safflower oils. Use 6-8 drops of your selected essential oil into two teaspoons of your carrier oil.
There are two exceptions to the rule of 'don't apply direct.' These are lavender which can be used for cuts and minor burns and tea tree oil which can be applied topically to insect bites, cuts and scrapes.
Bath Salts
Add 15 drops to a cup of epsom salts or any other mixed salts (sea salt, himalayan salt, bicarb soda).
Hair Treatment
Add 8-10 drops of essential oil per shampoo for a therapeutic treatment. Add only 2 drops per shampoo or rinse to simply perfume the hair.
Massage
Massage with the use of essential oils is deeply relaxing, invigorating and improves your well being. Add 10-15 drops of essential oil to about 30ml (~2 tablespoons) of carrier oil for a full body massage. You can use a single essential oil or mix two or more together, to suit your condition. It's recommended to blend massage oils at half strength for children, pregnant women and the elderly. And only 2-4 drops in 20ml for babies.
DIY Hand Sanitizer
Mix a few drops in one ounce of Carrier Oil of your choice such as Jojoba or Sweet Almond. Store this concoction in a small glass bottle and keep in your purse to sanitize your hands.
Difenfect dishes
Add 1-2 drops of Lemon EO to your dishwasher before the wash cycle for instantly clean dishes.
Sterilize Surfaces
Add 2-3 drops of Lemon EO oil to about one ounce of Distilled water and spray counter tops.
Do NOT massage if ...
* The person is suffering cancer, a serious heart complaint, epilepsy, a fever or an acute infection.
* He/she has just eaten a big meal.
* You're tired and tense. Massage is a gift you make to another person and to do that you need to be in top spirits and full of energy.
* The area you are intending to massage covers varicose veins or a deep vein thrombosis. This would be potentially very dangerous.
* You are intending an intimate massage but have not checked that the diluted oils you are using are safe for the genital area
Warning! All citrus Essential Oils can cause photosensitivity when applied topically so avoid any direct contact with the sun during use! And allow approximately 12-18 hours before heading out into sunlight after application of any citrus EO. Wearing SPF after such applications is also highly advised for protecting delicate skin.
Essential oils are very concentrated and will degrade certain materials such as plastic so always have glass containers handy for your special mixes.
Try lemon oil yourself; you will be amazed by it's benefits.
PS: Please feel free to share your favorite uses of this oil.
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