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CBD Oil – Revolutionary or Trendy?

By: Lauren Berryman

 

Cannabidiol oil, more commonly known as CBD oil, is speculated to be a “cure-all” solution to various ailments. However, with little research conducted on this popular product, the possible health benefits of using CBD oil are not yet confirmed. This leads to the question: Is CBD oil revolutionary or trendy?

 

CBD oil comes from a cannabinoid chemical compound found in oils from the cannabis plant. This natural remedy does not contain the psychoactive cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly referred to as THC. Therefore, CBD oil does not produce a “high” and is not addictive. 1

 

It has been proven that CBD oil can be used to treat epileptic seizures. In fact, the only drug containing CBD oil that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved so far is Epidiolex, which controls these seizures. 2

 

While many studies on CBD oil have only recently begun, the European Journal of Pain found that “CBD applied on the skin [of animals] could help lower pain and inflammation due to arthritis.” Inflammation decreased and signs of pain in the animals diminished. However, they also emphasized that “more study in humans is needed in this area to substantiate the claims of CBD proponents about pain control.” 3

 

Most evidence supports that CBD oil can be used to treat general chronic pain as it has been known to reduce pain and inflammation.

 

It is also speculated that CBD oil can reduce blood pressure, treat anxiety, prevent migraines, and improve sleep. While this research cannot yet be confirmed by scientists, it is known that the possible side effects of CBD oil include dry mouth, reduced appetite, gastrointestinal distress, and fatigue. 4

 

Because most CBD oils are unregulated by the FDA, it is hard to be certain what CBD supplements contain. However, the FDA is investigating the potential use of CBD in the future. It is currently illegal to produce and consume CBD-infused foods. However, there is discussion that this may change. The popular ice cream brand, Ben and Jerry’s, released a statement saying that if this is overturned, they plan to produce a CBD-infused ice cream. 5

 

While there is a lack of evidence pertaining to the health benefits of CBD oil, there are many personal testimonies of people swearing by the product. If you are considering using CBD oil, it is recommended that you first ask your doctor if it is right for you.

 

So, to answer the question posed at the beginning, yes CBD oil is one of the latest trends. But, if future studies yield the same results that early studies have shown, CBD oil could prove to be a revolutionary treatment option.

 

References:

 

  1. Johnson, Jon. “CBD Oil for Pain Management: Effects, Benefits, and Uses.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 29 July 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319475.php.
  2. Grinspoon, Peter. “Cannabidiol (CBD) – What We Know and What We Don’t.” Harvard Health Blog, Harvard University, 24 Aug. 2018, www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476.
  3. Grinspoon, Peter. “Cannabidiol (CBD) – What We Know and What We Don’t.” Harvard Health Blog, Harvard University, 24 Aug. 2018, www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476.
  4. Johnson, Jon. “CBD Oil for Pain Management: Effects, Benefits, and Uses.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 29 July 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319475.php.
  5. “CBD Ice Cream Is (Maybe, Hopefully) Coming To A Freezer Near You!” Http://Www.benjerry.com, Ben & Jerry’s Homemade, Inc., 30 May 2019, www.benjerry.com/whats-new/2019/05/cbd-statement.

Sip Some Summer Smoothies

By: Lauren Berryman

 

Happy Summer! Here’s to more trips to the pool, cookouts with family and friends, and classic sweltering temperatures we Louisvillians know all too well!

 

Fresh, homemade smoothies are a popular way to stay cool this summer. The great thing about smoothies is that you can practically use any combination of fruits and vegetables stocked at home, including strawberries, bananas, pineapple, and oranges. Making smoothies at home is the best way to confidently know what is going into your drink.

 

Drinking smoothies boosts fruit and vegetable intakes, two food groups many lack. These nutrient-dense drinks are high in fiber aiding the digestive process and are also high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants boosting the immune system. 1

With the addition of fat free milk or nonfat yogurt, the amount of calcium is enhanced. And, with the addition of protein powder, peanut butter or chia seeds, smoothies can be a good source of protein.

 

But, which vegetable is a great source of both calcium and protein? Spinach. This dark green, leafy food is also high in magnesium and iron, leading many to distinguish spinach as a superfood. 2 However, if not fond of its taste, blending it in smoothies is an easy way to add it to the diet, while its flavor is masked by the sweet taste of other fruits and vegetables. Additionally, gradually adding spinach allows taste buds to adapt to its flavor.

 

Smoothies contain many natural sugars, but be cautious when adding yogurts and juices as this is an easy way to turn a nutritious smoothie into a higher calorie, sugary drink.

 

When deciding whether to use fresh fruits and vegetables opposed to frozen ones, research says that while frozen produce loses a little of its nutritional value, they are overall equally beneficial. 3 It mainly comes down to one thing – preference. Smoothies with frozen fruits and vegetables provide a thicker texture than their fresh counterparts.

 

While drinking smoothies offers many health benefits, it is important to do all things in moderation. The Produce for Better Health Foundation recommends capping smoothies at 8-12 ounces per day. 4

 

Want to be cool? Then, grab some fruits and vegetables, add some milk or yogurt, and scoop a handful (or two) of ice, and blend yourself a healthy and refreshing smoothie to stay cool this summer!

 

To access over 30 Healthy Smoothie Recipes, click here: https://www.myrecipes.com/healthy-diet/smoothie-recipes.

 

References:

  1. Wright, Brierley. “Health Benefits of Juicing vs. Smoothies.” EatingWell, EatingWell, 7 Nov. 2013, www.eatingwell.com/article/276763/health-benefits-of-juicing-vs-smoothies/.
  2. Ware, Megan. “Spinach: Nutrition, Health Benefits, and Diet.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 29 June 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/270609.php.
  3. Brown, Mary Jane. “Fresh vs Frozen Fruit and Vegetables – Which Are Healthier?” Healthline, Healthline Media, 15 June 2017, www.healthline.com/nutrition/fresh-vs-frozen-fruit-and-vegetables.
  4. Wright, Brierley. “Health Benefits of Juicing vs. Smoothies.” EatingWell, EatingWell, 7 Nov. 2013, www.eatingwell.com/article/276763/health-benefits-of-juicing-vs-smoothies/.

Weekly yoga classes available on Sundays at Heuser Health! Here is why you should try it out.

 

By: Lauren Berryman

Yoga originated in India around 3000 B.C. and is practiced globally today. The word “yoga” is derived from the Sanskrit term yujir meaning “to unite.” 1 More specifically, yoga unites one’s mind, body, and spirit as the exercise promotes both mental and physical health.

Yoga is a type of neuromotor exercise aimed to improve one’s ability to perform daily activities. Neuromotor exercises help improve motor skills, such as balance, coordination, flexibility, and range of motion. It is especially important with age as it reduces the risk of falling. In addition, it helps prevent injury in well-trained individuals and improves overall wellbeing in all participants.

It has been discovered that “physical systems activated through yoga practice include musculoskeletal, cardiopulmonary, autonomic nervous system and endocrine functioning,” and “psychological benefits include enhanced coping, self-efficacy and positive mood.” 2

Asana, breath, and meditation are three key elements of yoga that differentiate it from other exercises. Asana refers to the practice of different poses, aiding flexibility and stability. Regulating one’s breathing reduces stress, and meditation helps clear one’s mind.

 

 

The various yoga poses stretch muscles helping to prevent stiffness in joints as well as helping to build muscle strength. Some of the positions include the lotus, the downward-facing dog and the cobra. It is recommended to learn yoga from an instructor and advance gradually to more complex poses.

Yoga helps prevent arthritis among other conditions. Additionally, it improves posture alleviating back pain and preventing osteoporosis. It also improves blood flow, increasing oxygen delivery to tissues and, therefore, supplying more energy to the body.

Research shows that 60-80 percent of doctor visits are linked to stress-related health issues, and yoga has become a popular prescription to relieve stress. 3

Along with reducing stress, yoga provides many other mental health benefits. The focus on breathing aids relaxation and improves sleep. And, achieving harmony by learning to unite one’s mind and body encourages self-care, which improves wellness and overall happiness.

It is recommended to practice yoga, or other neuromotor exercises, for 20-30 minutes for 2-3 days per week. At Heuser Health, we offer yoga classes on Sundays at 10:15 a.m.

So, roll out your yoga mat (or use one of ours), get your sweat on, and prosper in the health benefits of yoga. See you at the gym!

 

References

  1. Joshi, K. S. “On the Meaning of Yoga.” Philosophy East and West, vol. 15, no. 1, 1965, pp. 53–64. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/1397408.
  2. Evans, Subhadra, et al. “Using the Biopsychosocial Model to Understand the Health Benefits of Yoga.” Journal of Complementary & Integrative Medicine, vol. 6, no. 1, Jan. 2009, pp. 1–22. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=sph&AN=38899522&site=ehost-live.
  3. Nerurkar, Aditi et al. “When physicians counsel about stress: results of a national study.” JAMA internal medicine 173,1 (2013): 76-7. doi:10.1001/2013.jamainternmed.480

ROTW: Easy Peanut Butter and Chocolate Protein Bars!

Save a few dollars and make these simple yet delicious Heuser approved Protein Bars!

Ingredients

 

2 cups Rolled Oats 

1/2 cup Natural Peanut Butter 

1/4 cup Honey

1 Scoop or 1/4 cup Vanilla Whey Protein Powder

1/4 cup frozen semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions

 

In a sauce pan, melt peanut butter and honey on low heat 

Mix in rolled oats and protein powder 

Turn heat off and fold in chocolate chips 

Lay parchment paper on a baking sheet and transfer mixture to sheet

Flatten mixture to a square shape

Refrigerate the mixture for 4 hours, or over night.

Remove from Sheet, cut into bars and enjoy! 

How do we help solve the national debt crisis? PRESCRIBE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES!

Yes, you read that right. Prescribing the fruits and vegetables can help save upwards of $100 Billion! Okay that wouldn’t solve the national debt crisis, however it would be good starting point.

In a study conducted by researchers at Tufts University, they argued that by subsidizing fruits and vegetables the United States could millions of chronic diseases and save billions of dollars. The CDC states that roughly 70% of diseases are chronic and life-style driven, and nearly half of the population has one or more chronic health conditions, like diabetes, asthma heart disease, etc.

This results in 86% of annual healthcare costs in the U.S…. 86  PERCENT!!!

The results showed that with such subsidies, subjects rely less on healthcare. The first scenario would prevent 1.93 million cardiovascular events (such as heart attacks) and 350,000 deaths, as well as cut healthcare costs by $40 billion. The expanded second scenario would prevent 3.28 million cardiovascular events, 620,000 deaths, and 120,000 cases of diabetes–and save the U.S. system a whopping $100 billion.

Read the full article at https://www.fastcompany.com/90323580/prescribing-fruits-and-veggies-would-save-100-billion-in-medical-costs. Very quick and interesting read!

EAT YOUR VEGGIES EVERYONE!

Recipe of the Week: No Rice Burrito Bowl

Cut the carbs and add in the nutrients with our “No-Rice Burrito Bowl.” Substitute rice with shredded cauliflower, pack in the protein with beans and ground turkey, and kick up the flavor with our easy tex-mex spice mix! 

Ingredients

  • 1 TBS extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey (or meat of your choice)
  • 1 cup shredded cauliflower 
  • 1 8 oz can black beans (or beans of your choice), Drained and rinsed
  • 1 6 oz can ROTEL
  • 1 TBS Chili Powder 
  • 1 TBS Cumin
  • 1 Tsp Salt 

Top with your favorites… We used part skim shredded mozzarella cheese, diced avocado and salsa! 

Directions

  1. Heat olive oil in sauté pan, medium heat
  2. Add chopped onion, cook for about 2 minutes
  3. Mix in ground turkey
  4. Stir in Salt, chili powder and cumin
  5. Add beans, cauliflower and ROTEL, mix together then cover for about 5 minutes
  6. Transfer Burrito mix to a bowl and add your favorite toppings! 

Heuser Cross-Corporate Challenge 2019 RESULTS

The 2019 Cross-Corporate Challenge had many amazing performances and personal bests!  It’s always impressive how everybody digs in and brings out their best.  You rose to the occasion!   CONGRATULATIONS to ALL who participated!  
 
Perennial power Texas Roadhouse defended their Team title, edging Brown Forman, Papa Johns, Genscape and more. Congrats to Texas Roadhouse!  
 
On the Individual side, both Overall Champions were from Brown Forman: Jennifer Stoutt and John Schweinhart!  Both Jennifer and John finished 2nd last year, and took over the TOP SPOT this year. John had a close victory over defending champion, David Bratcher, from Papa John’s. While Jennifer had a close victory over a number of perennial challengers. Congrats!

Intermittent Fasting – Does it work?

 

There are countless fad diets out there that all claim to have the same outcome… lose weight and improve your health. Sound familiar? Many of those are exactly what they sound like, FADS! Generally speaking the “quick fix” in the health and wellness industry does not lead to sustainable results in the long run. You see a large number of people that lose a bunch of weight on a crash diet and then gain it back in no time.

 

Intermittent fasting is a very popular trend to follow nowadays. Sure you may have heard of it, but what exactly is intermittent fasting? “Intermittent fasting is a diet regimen that cycles between brief periods of fasting, with either no food or significant calorie reduction, and periods of unrestricted eating. It is promoted to change body composition through loss of fat mass and weight, and to improve markers of health that are associated with disease such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels” (1).

 

Intermittent fasting differs from traditional fasting in the sense that you will eat eventually. “Prolonged very low calorie diets can cause physiological changes that may cause the body to adapt to the calorie restriction and therefore prevent further weight loss. [2] Intermittent fasting attempts to address this problem by cycling between a low calorie level for a brief time followed by normal eating, which may prevent these adaptations. However, research does not consistently show that intermittent fasting is superior to continuous low calorie diets for weight loss efficiency” (1).

 

How do you do intermittent fasting? – There are 3 popular methods. (2)

  1. The 16/8 Method:Skip breakfast every day and eat during an 8-hour feeding window, such as from 12 noon to 8 pm.
  2. Eat-Stop-Eat:Do one or two 24-hour fasts each week, for example by not eating from dinner one day until dinner the next day.
  3. The 5:2 Diet:Only eat 500-600 calories on two days of the week, but eat normally the other 5 days.

 

What is Intermittent Fasting supposed to do to your body?

When we don’t eat, the body adapts and attempts to use stored energy (fat) that we already have. In addition to trying to use the fat stores we already have, Intermittent Fasting changes other parts of your body such as:

  • Insulin:Insulin increases when we eat. When we fast, insulin decreases dramatically (4). Lower levels of insulin facilitate fat burning.
  • Human growth hormone (HGH):Levels of growth hormone may skyrocket during a fast, increasing as much as 5-fold (56). Growth hormone is a hormone that can aid fat loss and muscle gain, among other things (789).
  • Norepinephrine (noradrenaline):The nervous system sends norepinephrine to the fat cells, making them break down body fat into free fatty acids that can be burned for energy (1011).

 

What does all of this mean?

 “Short-term fasting leads to several changes in the body that make fat burning easier. This includes reduced insulin, increased growth hormone, enhanced epinephrine signaling and a small boost in metabolism” (2). Intermittent fasting also helps restrict calories taken in by skipping meals during fasting periods, and may help to hold onto muscle. (2)

The Harvard study referenced in this blog post states that they have not found any definitive evidence that Intermittent Fasting works. However, at Heuser Health, we have many members that have tried this regiment and have seen great results. There is no real issues we see with trying it on our end, so if you are stuck in your progress see what happens!

References:

Fall Is Here! Try These Healthier Fall Recipes!

Healthier Turkey Chili

Ingredients:

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 yellow onion, chopped

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 medium red bell pepper, chopped

1 pound extra lean ground turkey or chicken (99%)

4 tablespoons chili powder

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste

1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes or crushed tomatoes

1 1/4 cups chicken broth

2 (15 oz) cans dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained

1 (15 oz) can sweet corn, rinsed and drained

For topping: cheese, avocado, tortilla chips, cilantro, sour cream

 

Instructions:

  1. 1. Place oil in a large pot and place over medium high heat. Add in onion, garlic and red pepper and saute for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. Next add in ground turkey and break up the meat; cooking until no longer pink. Next add in chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper and salt; stir for about 20 seconds.
  2. 2. Next add in tomatoes, chicken broth, kidney beans and corn. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes or until chili thickens and flavors come together. Taste and adjust seasonings and salt as necessary. Garnish with anything you’d like.
  3. 3. Makes 6 servings, about 1 1/2 cups each.

 

Maple Pumpkin Fall Harvest Trail Mix

Ingredients

1/4 cup pure maple syrup

1 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/8 tsp sea salt

2/3 cup pecan halves

1/3 cup pepitas or roasted pumpkin seeds

1/3 cup sunflower seeds

1/3 cup sliced almonds

1/3 cup dried cherries

1/3 cup dried apricots

1/4 cup golden raisins

1/3 cup cinnamon chips optional

Instructions

  1. 1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.
  2. 2. Add maple syrup to a large sauce pan and heat over medium-high heat until just beginning to boil.
  3. 3. Stir in pumpkin pie spice, salt, and nuts and cook, stirring frequently, until the nuts have caramelized and the syrup has reduced. About 3-5 minutes.
  4. 4. Spread mixture in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet and let cool completely. The candied nuts will harden as they cool.
  5. 5. Once hardened, and the cherries, apricots, raisins and cinnamon chips to the pan, and stir until ingredients are evenly distributed, breaking the candied nuts into clusters as needed.
  6. 6. Store in an air-tight container.
  7. 7. Enjoy!

Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes

Ingredients

1 Cup Flour (wholewheat/oat are good healthy alternatives).

2 Tbsp Sugar/sweetener

1 tsp Baking Powder

1tsp Baking Soda

1 1/2 tsp Vinegar

1 Egg (or flax egg)

1 Cup Milk/Almond Milk

1 Tbsp Coconut Oil

1 Cup Pumpkin Puree

1 tsp Cinnamon

1/4 tsp Nutmeg

1/8 tsp Ground Cloves

1/2 tsp All Spice

 

Instructions

  1. 1. Make the Pumpkin Pureeif using homemade puree.
  2. 2. Then combine the pumpkin puree with all the other wet ingredients in one bowl.
  3. 3. Combine all the dry ingredients in a separate bowl.
  4. 4. Mix all the wet and dry ingredients together until well combined.
  5. 5. Fry in a pan with a little extra coconut oil or butter on low (be patient).
  6. 6. Top with a little butter and syrup/maple syrup or with salted caramel.

Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bars

Ingredients

Pumpkin Date Filling

1 cup packed medjool dates, pitted

1 cup pumpkin puree

1/4 cup maple syrup

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

zest of 1 large orange, about 2 teaspoons

Oat Crumble

2 1/2 cups rolled oats

1 cup almond meal

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup maple syrup

1/2 cup coconut oil

 

Instructions

  1. 1. Preheat the oven to 375. Spray an 8×8 baking panand set aside.
  2. 2. Soak the pitted dates for 30 minutes. Drain and place in a food processoralong with the remaining pumpkin filling ingredients. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Set aside.
  3. 3. For the oat crumble combine oats, almond meal, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt. Stir together. In a smaller bowl whisk combine coconut oil and maple syrup. Add the coconut oil/syrup mixture to the oats and stir to combine.
  4. 4. Pour half of the oat crumble on the bottom of the prepared baking sheet and press down. top with the pumpkin filling, smoothing even with a spatula. Finish by sprinkling the remaining oat crumble evenly over the top. Press down lightly.
  5. 5. Bake for 30-35 minutes until crumb is golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool completely before slicing into 16 even pieces. 

    Recipes courtesy of:

    The Best Healthy Turkey Chili

    Maple Pumpkin Fall Harvest Trail Mix

    Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes


    https://www.mydarlingvegan.com/gluten-free-pumpkin-date-bars/