The Iowa Women’s Health Study, which has been investigating the health habits of 34,000 women for nearly 20 years, named apples as one of only three foods (along with pears and red wine) that are most effective at reducing the risk of death from heart disease among postmenopausal women. Other massive studies have found the fruit to lower risk of lung cancer and type 2 diabetes—and even help women lose weight.

Eat an apple as an afternoon snack with a tablespoon of peanut butter (think protein), or add slices to sandwiches or salads.

You are going to have to come up with new ingredient combinations if you want to make a smoothie interesting.  We’ve all been making smoothies for years, so it takes something special to really make one stand out. 

Try this on for size…a Blueberry Cheesecake Smoothie.  Fantastic with pastries or coffee cake in the morning, or as a dessert after dinner. 

Recipe:

1/2 cup milk (low fat)

3 oz.  PHILADELPHIA Light Cream Cheese, cubed

1 cup blueberries

2 Tbsp.  plus 1-1/2 tsp. sugar or honey 

1/2 cup ice cubes

BLEND  First 4 ingredients in blender until smooth.

ADD  Ice; blend until thickened. Serve immediately

In 2008, the beauty industry transitioned its focus to eco-friendly, all-natural products, but in 2009, the focus is reaching beyond all-natural/eco-friendly products into the realm of all-natural ingredients that are specifically beneficial to the skin.  One of the standouts amongst all-natural skincare ingredients is blueberries. 

Beauty Trend Watch says:  Blueberries are chock full of amino acids, vitamins, antioxidants and essential fatty acids, and blueberries are another super food that will be used to fight aging in beauty products. Also known as a “super fruit,” blueberries have long been known for its ability to revitalize the skin.  It’s only a matter of time until we see eco-conscious retailers using these ingredients.

We’ve had you covered all along!  Our Mixed Berry Ultra Exfoliating Spa Soap is loaded with blueberry and strawberry seeds, providing your skin with a mini-microdermabrasion to exfoliate lifeless and dull skin, while creating beautiful, soft, sexy skin.  Ultra-conditioning, ultra-beneficial. 

Click here to view:  Supernatural Botanicals Mixed Berry Ultra Exfoliating Bar 

     Enjoy a bowl of berries:  Top super-food, blueberry, is rich in antioxidants.  Reservatrol helps to repair damage done by free radicals (unstable molecules produced as a result of stress) and pterostilbene regulates blood sugar levels, inhibiting the release of stress hormones.  And they keep better than another berries. 

     Have a cup of tea:  A study in 2006 found that those who drank black tea’s blend of antioxidant ingredients recovered more quickly from the effects of stress than those who did not, and felt more relaxed up to 50 minutes later.  A study at King’s College in London showed that drinking around three cups a day enhances mental performance.

   Enjoy Coffee:  As well as boosting mental acuity, a 2006 report found that 1-2 cups a day of coffee relieves liver stress, supporting the liver’s detox functions and helping stabilize blood sugar.  It may also relax the muscles, ease pain, and cut the risk of heart disease and stroke. 

   Munch on apricots  Eat a handful of dried apricots every day.  These are a good source of potassium, which helps to control blood pressure. 

   Red grapes:  Keep a stash to repair damage caused by free radicals.  The skins contain the antioxidant reservatrol, which accounts for the benefits of red wine.