Rejuvalife Vitality Institute
Beverly Hills CA

The Beauty Benefits of Green Tea?

Green Tea

Green tea is now the preferred drink of supermodels, but is it really any better for you than a good, old-fashioned cuppa?

Clinical evidence suggests that green tea is packed with health and beauty benefits that you can enjoy whether drinking it or applying directly to your skin. Even the leaves can be used as a gentle exfoliant, guaranteed to give your skin a healthy glow.

Recent research shows that green tea extract is naturally rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from free radicals – naturally occurring particles in the body associated with accelerated ageing and an increased risk of major diseases. Exposure to pollution, smoking and excess sunlight increases the number of free radicals in the blood, but the potent antioxidants found in green tea add strong weight to the belief that green tea not only promotes good health but also makes you look younger.

• Beauty Benefits
• Soothing Spritzer
• Mighty Mouth
• Refreshing Face Mask
• Lose Weight

Beauty benefits
Traditionally, many types of make-up, lotions, creams and beauty preparations have used chemical antioxidants, or vitamins A, C and E as preservatives for their products. Now, with research indicating that green tea has even more antioxidant properties than these powerful vitamins, there is a surge in products capitalizing on its natural benefits.

You don’t need to rush to the chemist to stock up on goodies. Concentrated green tea extract is simple to make at home and is a flexible addition to both your daily beauty routine and your medicine cabinet.

Soothing spritzer
Simply steep 100g of green tea in half a litre of still mineral water at room temperature for at least one hour. Strain the liquor and it’s ready to use! It’s better to make small quantities and use it fresh but surplus liquid can be poured into clean, sterilized bottles and refrigerated.

The liquid can be used as a spritzer, to freshen up the face, or cotton pads soaked in it can be particularly soothing for tired or strained eyes. It has antiseptic properties, so can be used to treat minor cuts and rashes, and is surprisingly effective when applied to spots and blemishes. It can even be used as a treatment for sunburn – soak a cloth in the liquid and leave on the skin until the area begins to cool

Healthy Living

Vitamins & Minerals

There is a parade of vitamins and nutrients that contribute to keeping your eyes healthy and even factor in staving off some ocular diseases.  In today’s pill and tablet-taking society, the good news is that we can get many of these vitamins right at our dinner table.

The essential vitamins and nutrients required for eye health are the alphabet group (A, B-complex, C, D, E), other antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin, and minerals zinc and selenium.  Recent studies suggest that these may help prevent cataracts and macular degeneration.

All of the above can be found in common foods enjoyed by a large segment of the population.  Many are the familiar staples that we have heard about for years: fruits, vegetables, fish, and nuts.  A few others may be less recognized for their relation to eye health: lean meats and liver, whole grains, and eggs.

Vitamin A aids in the prevention of night blindness and can be found in beef, chicken, and liver, as well as carrots (of course), sweet potatoes, and red peppers.

Of the vitamin B-complex, B-6 and B-12 curb homocysteine levels in the blood.  High levels of homocysteine is believed to be related to disorders that keep small blood vessels from functioning properly, a link to macular degeneration.  All whole, unprocessed foods contain vitamin B, but it is concentrated in meat products and also bananas, potatoes, beans, and molasses.

The sources of vitamin C are probably the most widely known: fruits (and juices), vegetables, and potatoes.  The formation of

Vitamin C

collagen important to the cornea and maintenance of the small capillaries in the retina are vitamin C’s contribution to the eyes.

Vitamin D is also enlisted in the fight against macular degeneration and is the first vitamin you are likely to encounter each day, as it can be found in milk, cereal grains, and eggs. Tuna, cod liver oil, and other fish oils supply vitamin D as well.

Nuts, sunflower seeds, and mangos are rich in Vitamin E, which reduces the risk of cataracts.

Antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin are naturally found in the retina and lens of our eyes and are responsible for combating free radicals, which break down tissue in the body.  Adding leafy green vegetables and beet greens to the diet can replenish lutein and zeaxanthin in our system.  Corn and eggs, especially the yolks, are good choices as well.

The minerals zinc and selenium can be thought of as ‘helpers’ since their main function is to assist the body in absorbing the vitamins (particularly A and E) needed to stave off eye disease.  Turn to seafood, yeast, wheat, nuts, and hamburgers (!) for these.

Be aware that cooking reduces the content of some vitamins in food; in the case of lutein, cooking actually releases the antioxidant from cell wall of vegetables.  Light destroys vitamin C, so any juices should be purchased or stored in non-transparent containers.

While foods can do a lot to provide needed vitamins and minerals, there are times when dietary supplements may be needed.  These are readily available on the market, but should not become a part of your daily use until you consult with your doctor.  Proper dosage is important to achieve the desired results.  Excess vitamins in the body that cannot be naturally flushed out of the system will cause unwanted side effects.  In fact, any major dietary changes, including addition of vitamin-rich foods mentioned above, should not commence without a physician’s approval.

5 Steps to slow down the aging process.

Preserve the Looks – Drink Water

Drink plenty of water

We all want to preserve our looks. Many products on the market would have you believe that they are the “fountain of youth” of anti-aging products. The truth is, we can’t turn back the hands of time- but we can all use a few tips to help us mitigate the signs of aging that show up most readily in our faces.

Aging is a fact of life, one that we cannot escape no matter how badly we want to. Aging of the skin starts in our 20s- the production of collagen slows, as does the “snap” in our elastin, the substance that gives skin its elasticity. Production of new skin cells to replace old and dead cells also slows. The result of these changes is thinner skin that may develop fine wrinkles and may be less firm, with a tendency to sag as we age further. Our genes partially determine how quickly signs of aging appear, while environmental factors determine the rest. Environmental factors that affect aging include sun exposure, which is one factor that we can control. Smoking also contributes to aging of our cells, and avoidance of cigarettes can decrease the rate at which your skin ages.

Women with mature skin need to pay attention to their skin to protect it from further signs of aging and to improve already-existing signs of aging, such as wrinkles, dry skin and fine lines. The following tips should be part of your daily routine if you have mature skin:

Drink Plenty of Water

Our bodies are made up of approximately 60% water, which we need to constantly replenish through drinking. We lose water constantly through perspiration, urination and breathing. Our body needs water to function at its best, and this includes our skin. Our skin is our largest organ, and we lose water through our skin constantly. Water also helps to flush toxins from our body, including our skin. When our bodies lack water, we become dehydrated. Dehydration can make wrinkles and fine lines appear more prominent. Drinking Water should be an essential step in any beauty routine, regardless of age.

There has been much debate about how much water we should drink in a day. Requirements will vary, depending on your size and weight, activity levels and other factors. The bottom line? You should drink enough water to keep your mouth feeling comfortably moist at all times and to keep your urine a pale yellow color. A dry mouth and dark urine are reliable signs that you are not drinking enough.

Cleanse and Hydrate

Cleanse

Cleanse & Hydrate

Cleansing your skin rids the skin of accumulated dirt, sweat and oil that have accumulated and that can cause your skin to appear older. If you wear makeup you will need to remove your makeup every day, as makeup can clog your pores, making them appear larger. If your skin is mature, you will want to choose a cleanser that is gentle and does not remove too many of your natural oils. Mature skin is often dryer and therefore cleansers with moisturizers in them are far better than harsh cleansers that may strip your skin of its natural moisture.

You should cleanse your skin at least twice a day, morning and night. Avoid overzealous scrubbing of the skin, which can damage thin skin. Use your ring fingers (these are your weakest fingers) and stroke upwards, being careful not to pull the skin around the eyes, where skin is the thinnest. Rinse your face thoroughly following.

Hydrate

Mature skin is dry skin. For this reason, hydration of the skin is perhaps the most important beauty step to decrease signs of aging. Choose a moisturizer that will keep your skin feeling moist throughout the day. If your skin starts to feel tight towards the end of the day, you may want to consider using a heavier moisturizer. You should moisturize your skin by applying a good quality moisturizer twice a day, morning and night. You may want to use a heavier moisturizer at night while you are sleeping, allowing it to absorb throughout the night.

The hydration step of your beauty routine cannot be overemphasized- when your skin is well hydrated, it will appear smoother, suppler, and fine lines and wrinkles will be much less prominent.

Protect from Sunlight and Eat a Balanced Diet

Protect

As mentioned, environmental factors play a large role in aging of the skin, particularly exposure to sunlight. Protecting your skin from the ravaging effects of sunlight is crucial to caring for mature skin. Mature skin that is exposed to sunlight will not only burn easily due to loss of subcutaneous fat under the skin, but may also develop unsightly age spots. Wrinkles are created and worsened by sunlight exposure. Therefore, protecting aging skin with a potent sunscreen is important.

Choose a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, depending on your skin and environment. If you live in a southern climate, you may want to choose a higher SPF. Don’t forget your lips- wear a lip balm that will both moisturize your lips and protect them from sun exposure. Wear hats when outdoors to avoid direct sunlight on your face. It is also a good idea to avoid tanning outdoors or the use of tanning beds, which not only accelerate aging but can increase your risk of developing skin cancer.

Eat a Balanced Diet

eating a healthy; balanced diet can help you maintain the appearance of your skin. Protein can help your body rebuild itself, including your skin, while fruits and vegetables provide vitamins, minerals and antioxidants known to nourish the skin. Some foods that you should include in your diet include:

•    Low fat dairy products (good source of vitamin A)

Eat a balanced diet

•    Blueberries, blackberries and strawberries (good sources of antioxidants)

•    Salmon, walnuts and flaxseed (good sources of essential fatty acids)

•    Whole wheat breads, tuna, turkey and brazil nuts (good sources of selenium)

Following the above steps won’t miraculously take ten years off your age, but you will notice that your skin appears healthier, moister and suppler. Fine lines and wrinkles won’t go away, but they will be less noticeable. Most importantly, you will be healthier on the inside as well!

Eat Your Fiber! It’s Great For The Immune System

Looks like the old saying ‘an apple a day keeps the doctor away,’ can be taken literally. A new University of Illinois study promotes the benefit of consuming soluble fibers such as those found in oat bran, barley, nuts, seeds, lentils, citrus fruit, carrots, and APPLES and proves their positive effect on the immune system.  What does fiber do exactly? Along with aiding in digestion, according to professor Gregory Freund, soluble fiber:

Changes the personality of immune cells — they go from being pro-inflammatory, angry cells to anti-inflammatory, healing cells that help us recover faster from infection… Keep reading…

Check out our other posts on nutrition…

Diabetes Medication May Decrease BMI in Obese Teens

The obesity rate among children has tripled since 1960, with 32% of US children considered overweight or obese, and many of them suffering the same weight-related problems as adults: diabetes mellitus type 2, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.  In the February issue of Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, a report by Darrell M. Wilson, M.D., of Stanford University and the Lucile S. Packard Children’s Hospital, Stanford, Calif., along with colleagues in the Glaser Pediatric Research Network Obesity Study Group showed that teens given Metformin, a common pill given to type 2 diabetics, helped lower their BMI score. BMI is an indicator of body fat percentage—the lower your BMI the less risk you have for cardiovascular disease and other weight-related disorders.

The research group split 77 obese teenagers, ages 13 to 18, into two groups. Both groups were put on a “lifestyle intervention program” which included dietary changes and increased physical activity. One group received 2,000 mg of Metformin XR per day and the other group received a placebo. After 38 weeks, the kids receiving the Metformin XR showed a significantly lowered BMI than the teens receiving the placebo, even though all the teens were on the same diet and exercise plan. Unfortunately, once the drug was discontinued, the BMI in the teens previously taking Metformin again went up. This certainly lends credence to my long-held belief that Metformin can be an effective weight-management tool for some people.

In addition to helping with weight problems, Metformin works very similarly to Resveratrol and has significant anti-aging properties. Like Resveratrol, it helps regulate the Sirt-2 gene, helping protect DNA from damage, so it’s a very important product.

I think Metformin can be a helpful treatment for kids who are overweight. It will improve insulin resistance which will assist with weight loss, which is a great thing! Many of these overweight young kids have developed insulin resistance, so many of them do need this extra boost. Metformin can actually help some overweight teens avoid the development of type 2 diabetes, when used in conjunction with diet and exercise.

It’s not a magic pill, and you still need diet and exercise to get the best results, but this combination certainly shows promise.

Cocommune – A Rave Review!

Happy 2010 folks!

I hope everybody had a great holiday and New Year celebration!

It’s the first work week of the year and I’ve got something exciting to tell you all!

This morning I checked into the office, just like any other day. Mail came in, FedEx dropped off some boxes, the usual.

Well, one of the boxes contained a special surprise, one that was so tasty the second I bit into it I just had to write about it!

It’s called Cocommune Bar, for Gastrointestinal, Digestive, and Immune Support.

Here’s what their makers have to say:

“Cocommune Bar™ is our latest, delicious creation in functional food bars. We have blended a rich dark chocolate with a generous amount of moist, chewy coconut filling to provide a taste that will rival even a Mounds® bar! This all natural, kosher food bar also contains a very useful 500mg of our specially prepared Tegricel™ colostrum per bar. This unique and potent colostrum was designed to enhance general immune function and to protect and repair damaged GI tissue from the use of NSAID’s. Tegricel™ can also be beneficial in other conditions such as Crohn’s, Celiac, IBS and ulcerative colitis that can result in intestinal damage.”

And what do I say? I say GIMMIE MORE – and the staff agrees!!!! These scrumptious bars are so delish (and healthy) I was shocked when I read the nutritional label. For just one serving (one bar is 40g) you’ve got 160 Calories, 12g of fat (remember, it’s made with coconut), 23g of carbs (that’s only 2 NET GRAMS PER SERVING!), 4 g of dietary fiber, 1 g of sugars (ONE GRAM!!!! Almost everything you pick up nowadays is simply made only of sugars!), 17g of sugar alcohol, 2g of protein, and 60mg of sodium.

The ingredients were a list of easy to read words. You know, I always frown and typically turn away from foods that have ingredients that I can’t even pronounce – a good rule of thumb: If you can’t pronounce an ingredient, it’s probably not something you want in your body.

Did I mention the chocolate is sugar free???

So if I haven’t enticed you enough, I say come on down and grab a bar for yourself. If you’re a fan of chocolate and coconut, I can assure you won’t be disappointed!!

The Girl Loves to Grill!

Being the food nut that I am, when I read Dr. Berger’s blog about grilling red meat, my heart just dropped.

This is definitely controversial (for me, at least) because we’ve heard for so many years that grilling especially is a healthier method of cooking rather than frying, for example. The problem with grilling and BBQ-ing is that most people figure “well done” means burning your steak down to a crisp. By charring and burning the meat, you’re essentially going to end up eating charcoal!

Well, I know how much we all the outdoors and grilling assorted meats (granted its freezing out now), so I dug a little deeper to give you pointers on the proper way to grill red meat.

1. Make sure the grill is hot!

a. Generally, anything (whether it’s an oven or grill) over 300°F is safe to cook meat on.
b. If you’re using a gas grill, turn it on and close the lid for about 10 minutes to burn and scrape off any remainders stuck on the grill
c. For charcoal grills, make sure all the coals are nice & red and no longer give off fire before placing the meat.

2. Meat should be seasoned and tenderized prior to grilling

a. If you’re using any oil in your seasoning, use lightly because oil will cause flare-ups and that will needlessly burn and carbonize the meat – Not Good!

3. Don’t let it get too hot

a. A higher flame means you can sear the meat and trap the juices but if it’s too high, the meat will be burned on the outside and left uncooked on the inside.

4. Remove the meat once you have it to your liking

a. Having a meat thermometer is a great tool to own in the kitchen. Using the meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the meat. Temperatures should be as follows

i.      Rare: 120°F – 125°F
ii.      Medium-Rare: 130°F – 135°F
iii.      Medium: 140°F – 145°F
iv.      Medium-Well: 150°F – 155°F
v.      Well Done: 160°F+

b. If you don’t have a thermometer, press the center or thickest part of the meat with your finger. If it’s still soft and squishy, that means it’s rare and needs more time for cooking. Medium will be firm but still have its buoyancy and well done would feel very firm and not as resilient.

5. Note…

a. that the meat’s internal temperature will rise a minimum of 5°F after removing from the grill so if you want Medium steak, remove the meat off the grill when at 140°F.
b. that using a meat thermometer means you may lose some of the succulent juices when piercing the meat

I hope these tips help you grill the most succulent (and not to mention healthier & safer) of steaks!

Anoush!

~Sho

MEN, RED MEAT & PROSTATE CANCER

…SO WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?

Aren’t “real” men supposed to love red meat?  The media hypes it big time with rugged cowboys supposedly thriving on it, right? WRONG!  I hate to burst your bubble but red meat, processed meats and prostate cancer go hand in hand.  I’ve been following the studies and can confidently report to you today that the results are pretty conclusive.  One large study involving over 17,000 men ages 50 to 71 (over 9 years) found that those men who ate the most red and processed meats had significantly elevated risk of developing prostate cancer at any stage and, particularly, advanced cancer.

 RED MEAT & GRILLING/BARBEQUEING

I know you don’t want to hear it but …. The researchers found a direct link to grilling and BBQ’d red meats and prostate cancer.  They believe the link involves high-heat cooking and the chemicals it produces, namely polycyclic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heterocyclic amines known to cause cancer in animals.

 Sorry guys!  My mission in life is to bring you health and wellness and I’m convinced it’s not found in red and processed meats.

 How about we talk about some other healthy options…

 Let me hear from you!

 At Rejuvalife Vitality Institute – we help change you from the inside out!

 To your health,

Dr. Berger

Tropical Smoothie & Soy Yogurt

It has been a week since Thanksgiving and if you’re like me, you had enough turkey & cranberry sauce to last you until next year. And being the holiday season, there are more family gatherings and feasts ahead, which means more food, more calories and more pounds to put on – yikes!

So, to keep those pesky pounds off and make sure you fit into your little black dress or snazzy suit this New Years, why not start your days with a refreshing smoothie!

Tropical Smoothie

Pineapple and papaya are rich in antioxidants and contain digestive-system stimulating enzymes – the perfect wake-me-up to any morning.

You will need:

• 1 ripe papaya, peeled, pitted, and chopped
• 1/2 fresh pineapple, peeled and chopped
• 2/3 cup soy milk
• 1 & 1/4 cups soy yogurt (you can purchase this at most grocery stores or you can make it yourself by following the recipe below. If you plan to purchase, I recommend getting the “light” soygurt)

Place all the ingredients in a juicer or blender and process until smooth. Serves 2.

Soy Yogurt

Making yogurt is not exactly the easiest thing in the world but it sure is an adventure!

Live yogurt helps to repopulate the digestive system with friendly bacteria to make sure it runs smoothly. This yogurt is delicious with fresh fruit, fruit purees, or simply with honey.

You will need:

• 2 & 1/2 cups soy milk
• 4 tbsp powdered soy milk
• 1 tbsp live plain soy yogurt

1. Boil the soy milk in a pan. Leave to cool until tepid. Add the powdered soy milk and yogurt and blend with a hand whisk.

2. Rinse a vacuum flask (AKA thermos) with boiling water to sterilize it. Pour in the soy mixture, then replace the lid and keep in a warm place overnight (an airing closet is ideal).

3. Empty the flask contents into smaller pots or jars and refrigerate. Save 1 tablespoon of yogurt to use as a starter next time you make yogurt.

Serves 4.

I hope you enjoy making these recipes and don’t forget to have fun when you cook! Be creative, try new things and always remember to share with the ones you love.

Anoush! (Enjoy!)
-Sho

Rose, Sara.Detox: The Process of Cleansing and Restoration. Bath: Parragon. 2006

Economy Affecting Waistlines Along with Wallets

Unhealthy food choices are more common because of the recession.

Everyone is feeling the effects of the economic recession. For many, value trumps health-conscious when it comes to food choices.  It’s sad, but true, that processed, frozen or “fast food” is less expensive than the healthier alternatives.  Whether you’re feeding yourself or an entire family, those frozen tv-dinners or the “value menu” at the burger joint can be pretty attractive, financially.

One of the consequences of this unfortunate situation, however, is that Americans are just getting fatter, and our risk for obesity related illnesses such as diabetes is rising.

From the Wall Street Journal:

“Approximately 20% of all meals prepared in our homes from 1990 to 2007 involved the use of a microwave,” says Mr. Balzer. But in 2008, microwave usage rose to 30%. NPD Group, which has been following the microwaving habits of American consumers for nearly two decades, attributes that gain to the troubled economy.

Not surprising, then, are the rising rates of obesity and diabetes. The obesity rate climbed more than one percentage point to 26.4% in September from a year earlier, according to the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, a measure of U.S. health compiled by the Gallup research firm and wellness-program provider Healthways. (Full story)

In spite of the current economic situation, there are healthy choices you can make. Again from the WSJ.

Think ahead. Planning out your meals and snacks in advance forces you to think more about the types of foods you are eating.

Make a shopping list. Studies show that people who make shopping lists — and stick to them — are less likely to make impulsive purchases of things like candy, chips or a box of donuts.

Buy in bulk. Buying 32 ounces of yogurt can cost less than buying four eight-ounce containers. In some cases, the savings of buying in bulk versus the premium-preportioned packages can run upward of 50%, according to grocery-store price surveys.

Make it yourself. You can find a multitude of 10-minute recipes online that use healthy and affordable ingredients. And you can be both time- and budget-conscious by making a few larger meals early in the week and freezing smaller portions for later use.

Pack a lunch. Take leftovers for lunch and bring your own snacks to work. This will save you money and keep you from binging on vending-machine fare when hunger strikes.

Cut down on sugary drinks. Water is cheaper — and better for you. If you still crave some flavor, squeeze the juice of a lime or lemon into the water.

There is always an “easier way” when it comes to selecting nutritious food. The “grab-and-go” meal at the drive through, the bag of potato chips to “tide you over”,  these are reasonable choices if immediate value is the main concern.

However beneficial these savings are in the short-term, though, there are long-term physical and economic implications. As a nation we’re becoming less and less healthy, and the long-term financial impact will be felt individually and as a society long past the end of this recession. Something to think about…

Thanks for reading,

Andre Berger, M.D.

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Obesity Shrinks Your Brain & Shortens Your Life

Insulin Resistance Improved with Exercise

Weight Loss Improves Mood in Depressed Individuals

FDA Cracking Down on Misleading Nutrition Labels