Tag Archives: vegetables

The 29 Healthiest Foods on the Planet

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The following is a “healthy food hot list” consisting of the 29 food that will give you the biggest nutritional bang for you caloric buck, as well as decrease your risk for deadly illnesses like cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Along with each description is a suggestion as to how to incorporate these power-foods into your diet. If you’re searching for more tips on healthier living, take a direct approach to your health and wellness by customizing your individual health insurance needs.

Fruits

01. Apricots
The Power:  Beta-carotene, which helps prevent free-radical damage and protect the eyes. The body also turns beta-carotene into vitamin A, which may help ward off some cancers, especially of the skin. One apricot has 17 calories, 0 fat, 1 gram of fiber. Snacks on them dried, or if you prefer fresh, buy when still firm; once they soften, they lose nutrients.

02. Avocados
The Power:  Oleic acid, an unsaturated fat that helps lower overall cholesterol and raise levels of HDL, plus a good dose of fiber. One slice has 81 calories, 8 grams of fat and 3 grams of fiber. Try a few slices instead of mayonnaise to dress up your next burger.

03. Raspberries
The Power:  Ellagic acid, which helps stall cancer-cell growth. These berries are also packed with vitamin C and are high in fiber, which helps prevent high cholesterol and heart disease. A cup has only 60 calories, 1 gram of fat and 8 grams of fiber. Top plain low-fat yogurt or oatmeal (another high fiber food) with fresh berries.

05. Cantaloupe
The Power:  Vitamin C (117mg in half a melon, almost twice the recommended daily dose) and beta-carotene – both powerful antioxidants that help protect cells from free-radical damage. Plus, half a melon has 853mg of potassium – almost twice as much as a banana, which helps lower blood pressure. Half a melon has 97 calories, 1 gram of fat and 2 grams of fiber. Cut into cubes and freeze, then blend into an icy smoothie.

06. Cranberry Juice
The Power:  Helps fight bladder infections by preventing harmful bacteria from growing. A cup has 144 calories, 0 grams of fat and 0 fiber. Buy 100 percent juice concentrate and use it to spice up your daily H20 without adding sugar.

07. Tomato
The Power:  Lycopene, one of the strongest carotenoids, acts as an antioxidant. Research shows that tomatoes may cut the risk of bladder, stomach and colon cancers in half if eaten daily. A tomato has 26 calories, 0 fat and 1 gram of fiber. Drizzle fresh slices with olive oil, because lycopene is best absorbed when eaten with a little fat.

08. Raisins
The Power:  These little gems are a great source of iron, which helps the blood transport oxygen and which many women are short on. A half-cup has 218 calories, 0 fat and 3 grams of fiber. Sprinkle raisins on your morning oatmeal or bran cereal – women, consider this especially during your period.

09. Figs
The Power:  A good source of potassium and fiber, figs also contain vitamin B6, which is responsible for producing mood-boosting serotonin, lowering cholesterol and preventing water retention. The Pill depletes B6, so if you use this method of birth control, make sure to get extra B6 in your diet. One fig has 37 to 48 calories, 0 fat and 2 grams of fiber. (Cookie lovers – fig bars have around 56 calories, 1 gram of fat and 1 gram of fiber per cookie). Fresh figs are delicious simmered alongside a pork tenderloin and the dried variety make a great portable gym snack.

10. Lemons and Limes
The Power:  Limonene, furocoumarins and vitamin C, all of which help prevent cancer. A wedge has 2 calories, 0 fat and 0 fiber. Buy a few of each and squeeze over salads, fish, beans and vegetables for fat free flavor. See also: Beneficial Bytes: Lemons and Limes.

Vegetables

11. Onions
The Power:  Quercetin is one of the most powerful flavonoids (natural plant antioxidants). Studies show it helps protect against cancer. A cup (chopped) has 61 calories, 0 fat and 3 grams of fiber. Chop onions for the maximum phytonutrient boost, or if you hate to cry, roast them with a little olive oil and serve with rice or other vegetables.

12. Artichokes
The Power:  These odd-looking vegetables contain silymarin, an antioxidant that helps prevent skin cancer, plus fiber to help control cholesterol. One medium artichoke has 60 calories, 0 fat and 7 grams of fiber. Steam over boiling water for 30 to 40 minutes. Squeeze lemon juice on top, then pluck the leaves off with your fingers and use your teeth to scrape off the rich-tasting skin. When you get to the heart, you have found the best part!

13. Ginger
The Power:  Gingerols may help reduce queasiness; other compounds may help ward off migraines and arthritis pain by blocking inflammation-causing prostaglandins. A teaspoon of fresh gingerroot has only 1 calorie, 0 fat and 0 fiber. Peel the tough brown skin and slice or grate into a stir-fry.

14. Broccoli
The Power:  Indole-3-carbinol and sulforaphane, which help protect against breast cancer. Broccoli also has lots of vitamin C and beta-carotene. One cup (chopped) has 25 calories, 0 fat and 3 grams of fiber. Don’t overcook broccoli – instead, microwave or steam lightly to preserve phytonutrients. Squeeze fresh lemon on top for a zesty and taste, added nutrients and some vitamin C.

15. Spinach
The Power:  Lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoids that help fend off macular degeneration, a major cause of blindness in older people. Plus, studies show this green fountain of youth may help reverse some signs of aging. One cup has 7 calories, 0 fat and 1 gram of fiber. Add raw leaves to a salad or saute with a little olive oil and garlic.

16. Bok Choy (Chinese cabbage)
The Power:  Brassinin, which some research suggests may help prevent breast tumors, plus indoles and isothiocyanates, which lower levels of estrogen, make this vegetable a double-barreled weapon against breast cancer. A cup will also give you 158mg of calcium (16 percent of your daily recommended requirement) to help beat osteoporosis. A cup (cooked) has 20 calories, 0 fat and 3 grams of fiber. Find it in your grocer’s produce section or an Asian market. Slice the greens and juicy white stalks, then saute like spinach or toss into a stir-fry just before serving.

17. Squash (Butternut, Pumpkin, Acorn)
The Power:  Winter squash has huge amounts of vitamin C and beta-carotene, which may help protect against endometrial cancer. One cup (cooked) has 80 calories, 1 gram of fat and 6 grams of fiber. Cut on in half, scoop out the seeds and bake or microwave until soft, then dust with cinnamon.

18. Watercress and Arugula
The Power:  Phenethyl isothiocyanate, which, along with beta-carotene and vitamins C and E, may help keep cancer cells at bay. One cup has around 4 calories, 0 fat and 1 gram of fiber. Do not cook these leafy greens; instead, use them to garnish a sandwich or add a pungent, peppery taste to salad.

19. Garlic
The Power:  The sulfur compounds that give garlic its pungent flavor can also lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, lower blood pressure and even reduce your risk of stomach and colon cancer. A clove has 4 calories, 0 fat and 0 fiber. Bake a whole head for 15 to 20 minutes, until soft and sweet and spread on bread instead of butter.

Grains, Beans, Dairy and Nuts

20. Quinoa
The Power:  A half cup of cooked quinoa has 5 grams of protein, more than any other grain, plus iron, riboflavin and magnesium. A half-cup has 318 calories, 5 grams of fat and 5 grams of fiber. Add to soup for a protein boost. Rinse first, or it will taste bitter.

21. Wheat Germ
The Power:  A tablespoon gives you about 7 percent of your daily magnesium, which helps prevent muscle cramps; it is also a good source of vitamin E. One tablespoon has 27 calories, 1 gram of fat and 1 gram of fiber. Sprinkle some over yogurt, fruit or cereal.

22. Lentils
The Power:  Isoflavones, which may inhibit estrogen-promoted breast cancers, plus fiber for heart health and an impressive 9 grams of protein per half cup. A half-cup (cooked) has 115 calories, 0 fat and 8 grams of fiber. Isoflavones hold up through processing, so buy lentils canned, dried or already in soup. Take them to work, and you will have a protein packed lunch.

23. Peanuts
The Power:  Studies show that peanuts or other nuts (which contain mostly unsaturated “good” fat) can lower your heart-disease risk by over 20 percent. One ounce has 166 calories, 14 grams of fat and 2 grams of fiber. Keep a packet in your briefcase, gym bag or purse for a protein-packed post-workout nosh or an afternoon pick me up that will satisfy you until supper, or chop a few into a stir-fry for a Thai accent. See also: The Nut Case

24. Pinto Beans
The Power:  A half cup has more than 25 percent of your daily requirement of folate, which helps protect against heart disease and reduces the risk of birth defects. A half-cup (canned) has 103 calories, 1 gram of fat and 6 grams of fiber. Drain a can, rinse and toss into a pot of vegetarian chili.

25. Yogurt
The Power:  Bacteria in active-culture yogurt helps prevent yeast infections; calcium strengthens bones. A cup has 155 calories, 4 grams of fat, 0 grams of fiber. Get the plain kind and mix in your own fruit to keep calories and sugar down. If you are lactose intolerant, never fear — yogurt should not bother your tummy.

26. Skim Milk
The Power:  Riboflavin (a.k.a. vitamin B2) is important for good vision and along with vitamin A might help improve eczema and allergies. Plus, you get calcium and vitamin D, too. One cup has 86 calories, 0 fat and 0 fiber. If you are used to high fat milk, don’t go cold turkey; instead, mix the two together at first. Trust this fact: In a week or two you won’t miss it!

Seafood

27. Shellfish (Clams, Mussels)
The Power:  Vitamin B12 to support nerve and brain function, plus iron and hard-to-get minerals like magnesium and potassium. Three ounces has 126 to 146 calories, 2 to 4 grams of fat and 0 fiber. Try a bowl of tomato-based (and low fat) Manhattan clam chowder.

28. Salmon
The Power:  Cold-water fish like salmon, mackerel and tuna are the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce the risk of cardiac disease. A 3-ounce portion (cooked) has 127 calories, 4 grams of fat, 0 fiber. Brush fillets with ginger-soy marinade and grill or broil until fish flakes easily with a fork.

29. Crab
The Power:  A great source of vitamin B12 and immunity-boosting zinc. A 3-ounce portion has 84 calories, 1 gram of fat, 0 fiber. The “crab” in sushi is usually made from fish; buy it canned instead and make your own crab cakes. See also: Fish and Seafood Recipes

What to know about cancer and prevention

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Everyone has cancer cells in their body. Cancer cells do not show up in
standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion.

Medical Treatment

■          Chemotherapy involves the poisoning of rapidly growing cancer cells, but it also destroys healthy cells.

■          Radiation can burn, scar, or damage healthy cells, tissues, and organs as it destroys cancer cells.

■          Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation can often reduce tumor size. However, prolonged use of either treatment does not result in more tumor destruction.

■          When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and radiation, the immune system is severely weakened.

Food for Thought

■          By building a strong immune system, cancer cells can be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumors.

■          If a person has cancer, it usually indicates multiple, nutritional deficiencies, which can be due to genetic, environmental, dietary, or lifestyle factors.

■          An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply. Cancer cells thrive in an acidic environment, so maintain a diet that keeps the body alkaline.

■          Sugar is a cancer feeder and creates acidity in the body. Reducing sugar intake (sugar substitutes as well) cuts off an important food supply to the cancer cells.

■          Meat has an acidifying effect on the body and requires a lot of digestive enzymes to break it down. Refraining from, or eating less meat, frees more enzymes to attack the tough, protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body’s killer T-cells to destroy the cancer.

■          A diet consisting of 80 percent fresh vegetables, whole grains, seeds, nuts, and some fruit helps to create an alkaline body environment.

■          Fresh vegetables provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and enhance the growth of healthy cells.

■          Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which are high in caffeine. Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer-fighting properties.

■          Drink eight to ten glasses of water daily – best to drink purified water to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap water.

■          Detoxifying regularly supports the immune system.

■          To avoid toxins leaching into food: Don’t use plastic containers in the microwave. Don’t buy cheese or meat shrink-wrapped in plastic. Don’t use non-stick cookware.

Cancer is a disease of the body, mind, and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor. Anger, unforgiveness, and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life.

Strengthen your immune system with AIM products

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Immune SystemAIM Products
When cold and flu season hits, will you be ready?

The 2010 cold and flu season could go down as one of the worst in recent history. In addition to the seasonal flu, there is a new threat making waves this winter: the H1N1 virus. Classified by the World Health Organization as a pandemic, H1N1 has spread across the globe and has been traced to numerous deaths, mostly among those afflicted whose health was already compromised

A healthy immune system is one of the best responses to a dastardly flu season, and AIM products, featuring a powerhouse of antioxidants, are up to the task.

Antioxidants are a key defense against free radicals, the unstable oxygen molecules associated with most diseases and the major cause of damage to body tissue, genetic material, and cell membranes.

Free radicals are the forceful bullies of the body, pressuring other molecules into joining their destructive gang. Antioxidants are the peace keepers – the good guys – that disarm free radicals and turn them into productive molecules for your immune system. No nutrient turns bad guys into good guys quite like the antioxidant.

Fruits and vegetables are a good source of antioxidants, and you can do your body a favor by bulking up on these good foods during flu season. However, with the variety of produce waning in winter months, antioxidants get harder to come by, which could be a reason for the seasonal effect of the flu. As such, daily antioxidant supplementation becomes the best way to enable the immune system to ward off illnesses year-round.

AIM Proancynol® 2000 is one of many AIM products that can help out in this regard. Getting a variety of antioxidants is important for boosting the immune system, and Proancynol offers seven from sources like green tea extract, grape seed extract, and selenium, all of which enhance the immune system. In addition to those sources, Proancynol also provides rosemary extract, N-acetylcysteine, alpha-lipoic acid, and lycopene – antioxidants that target specific free radicals and body tissue.Proancynol

Antioxidant health doesn’t stop with Proancynol. AIM’s newest product, AIM CellStar™, is an antioxidant superjuice, bursting with antioxidant health from natural fruit extracts. CellStar juices boast a 1,250 ORAC rating (a standardized measurement of antioxidants) per two ounce serving, which is more than many leading superjuice brands. Mango Tango, specializes in immune-boosting power. Combined with antioxidants, Mango Tango also features echinacea, camu-camu, and hibiscus – just what the doctor ordered for boosting a tired immune system.

In addition to CellStar, there are many other AIM products to help boost antioxidants. AIM Garden Trio® – featuring AIM BarleyLife®, AIM Just Carrots®, and AIM RediBeets® – provides your body with a daily source of absorbable vitamins, minerals, enzymes, phytochemicals, protein, amino acids, and chlorophyll. AIM FloraFood® helps balance the friendly intestinal flora in your digestive tract so when any bugs attack, you’ll have the advantage.

With AIM on your side, you never have to brave the winter blast on your own. Build up your immune system and survive the hazardous flu season the healthy, natural way – with AIM antioxidant nutrition.

AIM products gave them back their freedom

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Patti and Larry WarrenHow about this to grab your attention: Overcoming breast cancer without surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.
“Three years ago, I had breast cancer and overcame it with a living food diet,” Patti Warren says. “The main thing with the diet was juicing twice a day and using lots of fresh vegetables. Following the routine was a full-time job. Everything I ate had to be specially cooked.”

But it came with a price, says Patti. “Turns out we didn’t have a social life, and no one wanted to invite us to dinner. It became difficult.” The “we” includes her husband, Larry. They are AIM Directors from San Martin, California. They credit the AIM products for saving their social life.

Of course, the good news is overcoming breast cancer, thanks to the whole food diet. The bad news is that it cost the Warrens the freedom of a normal life.

“Then we got all this info about AIM, and we thought, ‘Could this be the answer?’ ” Patti said. “We have been into nutrition for 20 to 30 years, and we knew a lot about health. When we first ordered the AIM products, we tried them and did the research and attended AIMing Higher. We realized that we can have a life again.”

The demands of a lifestyle of constant juicing and food supervision were a detriment to the Warrens when it came to fitting in with others. Their diet saved them from health problems, but it cost them in other areas. Their initial introduction to living food diets came at a healthy lifestyle retreat. The Warrens spent three weeks in the program soon after Patti heard of her breast cancer diagnosis. The format of cleansing, nutrition, positive thinking, and exercise was designed to be continued for a three-month period after leaving the institute. By the end of the three months, Patti’s cancer was gone. And their way of life was drastically different.

Discovering the AIM products took away the Warrens’ need to handicap themselves with juicing and diet requirements. And for the Warrens, it even provided relief to a lifelong health problem for Larry.

“I have had joint and muscle problems my entire life back to a teenager,” Larry says. “I have every brace that you can get – back, arms, you name it and I have one. I have had some form of pain on an ongoing basis for all of my adult life until I had taken the AIM products for about six months.

“Now at 73, I can do all the pruning at our home. I climb to the top of the trees. I can outwork my son who is 20 to 30 years younger than I am, and I can do exercises that no one would even try. It has been really an incredible thing.”

The Warrens began their AIM journey after seeing a glowing review of AIM Herbal Fiberblend® in a newsletter. When they called to order, an AIM Call Center representative asked if they were interested in receiving the Member price on the product, a question that opened the door to so many other discoveries for the Warrens.

“We bought two canisters, and along came all this information,” Patti says. “Then we received a letter from (Chairman’s Club Director) Janet Pauly.”

Janet PaulyJanet really got the Warrens going with their business, educating them on products and health and encouraging them to share the great news of AIM with others – an idea that Patti and Larry have fully embraced.

“When we were in Arizona,” Patti says, “a lady came up and said, ‘Some of us would like to know what you do.’ We did three Abundant Health classes, and we based them on Biblical healthy living. We went through a number of books and realized that we can’t hold this information to ourselves! We have to share it!

“At the classes, we talked about health in general, what nutrients the body needs to be healthy, the exercise, the food, what the body needs to get rid of. And AIM was a part of that. When we came to California, more people asked us what we do. They were so amazed that we took no medication.

“We’ve taught eight sessions in California and have four more to go, plus a wrap-up. We’ve kept the entire group the whole time. Some have started on the AIM products, and some are curious what’s going on.
“If you really want a solid AIM Member, you need to give them more information on health and healing so they understand what it can do to your body. It’s been a real exciting adventure for us, a journey.””

Less than a year after joining The AIM Companies™, the Warrens promoted to Director. They continue learning more about AIM products and introducing nutrition to others. Now that they have seen nutrition from an AIM perspective, they wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I have a family history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart problems, and all that. I’m not going there. My mother died too early, and I’m not going there. That’s why we’ve been so interested in building up the immune system,” says Patti. “AIM for us was a missing piece, and when we got it, it just fit perfectly with our lifestyle.

LeafGreens can play a role in vision health

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eyesLutein is a relatively new term in the natural supplement industry. New maybe, since it has only gained notoriety since the mid-1990s, but its benefit is increasingly important to an aging population.

Lutein is an antioxidant and is valuable for blue light absorption. What does that mean? Macular degeneration (MD) is the leading cause of blindness for persons age 50 and older. The macula is a small area of the retina responsible for central vision and clear, sharp eyesight. Blue light, found in both indoor lighting and in sunlight, is thought to play a role in oxidative stress and free radical damage to the eye.

An estimated 220,000 people in the United States are diagnosed each year with some form of MD; 10 percent of the cases are referred to as wet degeneration, 90 percent dry degeneration.

Wet or dry, it is not good news for a Baby Boomer population. Cases of it are uncommon in those age 40 or less. Worldwide, an estimated 30 million people currently have MD with some demographers predicting that the rate will triple by 2025 due to an aging population. If you have a family history of MD, there is a 50 percent risk increase of contracting it. Some 10 percent of those ages 66-74 have a form of the disease, the figure climbs to 30 percent for ages 75-85.

But there is some good news. A 2007 study conducted by the National Eye Institute concluded that one effective means of protection against MD is lutein. While more study is needed, generally it is thought that 6 mg of lutein per day can produce positive effects. One researcher estimates that when the testing is complete, daily lutein intake of 8-15 mg will be recommended.

Well, guess what? Lutein most commonly comes from fruits and leafy green vegetables. What is the ultimate leafy green product on the market today? Only AIM has it, AIM LeafGreens®. This powerful combination of the leaves from barley, spinach, field pea, and faba bean contains nearly 5 mg of naturally occurring lutein per serving.

In addition to MD, cataracts – a clouding of the lens of the eye – are a challenge for older people. In two studies comparing low levels of lutein intake to high levels, those with higher intake amounts of lutein experienced a 20-50 percent lower risk of getting a cataract.

Understandably, vision problems are a concern for an aging population. Robert Ianson, is a Group Builder from Dade City, Florida. He will take whatever help he can receive from AIM.
“My wife, Mable, and I have been taking LeafGreens since July 2008 and we have taken AIM Just Carrots®, AIM Proancynol® 2000, AIM GinkgoSense™, and AIM Cellsparc 360® for several years.Robert Ianson.LeafGreens

“When my driver’s license was up for renewal, I was required to have myvision checked. Theclerk asked me if I needed glasses to read the chart and I told her that was not necessary, so she checked my vision without my glasses and I passed with flying colors. I must tell you that my vision in the left eye had retreated some and the glasses did help but I have noticed that my vision has improved some and I am even doing my Bible reading without glasses. I teach my grandchildren in home school two days a week, and have noticed that I do not need glasses to do my studying.

“I cannot say that definitively the LeafGreens is solely responsible for the improvement, but it has greatly helped.”

AIM Garden Trio- Whole Food Nutrition

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Garden Trio

Carol Day “I am a busy home-schooling mother of nine children. Our family has been using the AIM Garden Trio® for more than 10 years. Every morning the first thing each family member does is drink their AIM Garden Trio®. I don’t know what I would do without it. It is a quick, easy, economical way to get excellent nutrition in my kids at the beginning of the day. It is my intention to provide healthy meals for my family, but sometimes a busy schedule sidetracks me and the meals don’t include the fresh fruits or vegetables I intended. Thanks to the AIM Garden Trio® I don’t have to beat myself up over this.

“There are times when my older kids are gone from home and eat fast food with friends. Once again, I know they had an excellent nutritional start to their day and I don’t sweat the fast food. My kids are the healthiest kids I know. When other families are succumbing to colds and the flu, we generally remain unscathed. My kids are also excellent athletes. Our house is full of swimming trophies and medals. I know that AIM Garden Trio® contributes to their excellent health and physical abilities. We’ll be taking it for life.”
—Carol Day, Director, Peyton, Colorado

That is quite an endorsement for one of AIM’s top-selling products. What is it about the product that makes it so good for so many in the Day family and, therefore, in yours as well? The AIM Garden Trio® includes AIM BarleyLife®, AIM RediBeets®, and AIM Just Carrots®. Barley, beets, carrots – each brings valuable nutrients to the body plus all three supply the body with something very necessary, live enzymes. Enzymes are the catalysts for the body’s essential chemical reactions and are necessary for providing cellular energy, digesting food, absorbing nutrients, and rebuilding and replenishing tissues, organs, and cells.

A breakdown of the three components of AIM Garden Trio® demonstrates the value of these three all-natural, vegetable juice powder concentrates. Think of the products as a three-legged milk stool. The stool works because all three legs support the weight of the milker. It is similar with the AIM Garden Trio®. Barley, carrots, and beets provide a foundation for whole body health and wellness.

And it comes in juice form, a valuable but often overlooked method of delivery. Juicing separates the juice of a fruit or vegetable from the fiber. While eating raw fruits and vegetables is a real value to the body, nonetheless a large amount of energy is used in handling digestion and absorption due to the bulk and density of the fruit or vegetable. Juicing enables the body to ingest and absorb the maximum amount of nutrients available within 15 minutes of intake because the bulk and pulp are removed.

AIM BarleyLife®: AIM’s flagship product, leg one of the stool, is made of young green barley plants grown and harvested in the nutrient-rich soil. The young plants are loaded with vitamins, minerals, amino acids, proteins, enzymes, chlorophyll, and phytochemicals (plant chemicals thought to be essential to health). Green barley research shows that barley contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, supports the immune system, and may play a role in lowering cholesterol.

AIM Just Carrots®: This leg of the stool contains beta-carotene and other carotenoids, B vitamins, calcium, manganese, iron, phosphorous, magnesium, and folate. Beta-carotene is the best-known of the group. The body changes it into vitamin A, which is important in strengthening the immune system and promoting healthy cell growth. Beta-carotene also serves as a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants fight free radicals and help prevent them from causing membrane damage. The carrots in the product are residue-free, thus eliminating the chance to ingest harmful toxins.

AIM RediBeets®: Beets are a storehouse of nutrients good for the body. This third leg of the stool contains phosphorus, sodium, magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium, niacin, folate, and betaine. It takes eight ounces of beets to make one teaspoon of AIM RediBeets®. The beets, as with the carrots, are residue-free (thus no toxins) and are processed (juice separated from the fiber) at a temperature designed not to damage their valuable nutrients.

Ray franthamRay Grantham, a Group Builder from Okemah, Oklahoma, is a real believer in the AIM Garden Trio®. He was in public school education for 35 years and at the same time he served as a minister. When he retired from public schools in 2003, his life as a pastor continued and increased because he now had more time to dedicate to it.

“Our church was going through a building program and the demands on my life were almost double. My weight increased dramatically during this stressful time because I am an emotional eater,” says Ray. His weight ballooned to 268 pounds, he had no energy, and his health was at risk. “I decided if I wanted to continue to live and share life with my family, friends, and congregation that I must do something. I read a testimonial in the Partners Living Well magazine that said the AIM Garden Trio® had helped this person lose weight. I thought I had nothing to lose except a lot of extra weight. I began faithfully taking the AIM Garden Trio®. My wife and I both noticed that my energy level increased, and my appetite decreased. My doctor, who I had not seen for a year, was very delighted and impressed with the weight loss. He said to keep up the good work. I did not go into detail with him about the weight loss program other than I told him that I had had a lifestyle change.

“At times I take the AIM Garden Trio® twice a day if I am experiencing weakness or excessive hunger. To date (early in 2007) I have lost 56 pounds and am still going on my new lifestyle toward health.” In addition, Ray reports he has shared the combination of barley, carrots, and beets with his friends and family, and “they too have experienced a good effect.” He says he had tried a weight-loss program but could not stabilize his appetite and energy level.

As noted earlier, the AIM Garden Trio® is one of AIM’s most popular products. AIM BarleyLife® is first, followed by AIM Herbal Fiberblend®. It seems that the more Members know and understand barley, carrots, and beets, the more they recognize the value of the AIM Garden Trio® in playing a role in whole body health. There is something in these three for everyone. Taking three products can seem a bit daunting but all three can be taken together, individually, or with other AIM products. For maximum absorption of the nutrients found in the AIM Garden Trio®, follow the instructions on the canister and on the data sheet.

The body functions best when its cells are healthy and receiving proper nutrition. The foundation for AIM’s commitment to wellness is the Healthy Cell Concept®. Among its tenets is the idea that cell health requires proper cell food, a healthy cell environment and cell protection. If you think about what the AIM Garden Trio® is capable of providing, you need to introduce some green, orange, and red into your diet. When you feel your best, you do your best.

Flax Seed: Nature's richest source of lignans

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Protect Your Health … Add AIM FibreBalance™ to your daily diet

FiberBalanceby Janice McColl, B.S.P., M.Sc., M.H.

Flax seed (Linum usitatissimum) is the richest known source of lignans, containing a concentration more than 100 times greater than other lignan-containing foods such as grains, fruits, and vegetables. Lignans are naturally-occurring substances found in plants and are classified as phytoestrogens, plant compounds that can modulate the metabolism and use of estrogen. During the past five decades, more than a thousand studies have examined the role of phytoestrogens in maintaining health and in protecting against or modifying disease.

Lignans have numerous biological effects, including protection against heart disease and osteoporosis, as well as cancer. Women with hormone-dependent breast cancer have been found to have low dietary intake of lignans. Similarly, those men who consume large amounts of lignan-rich plants have a lower incidence of prostate cancer. The potent anti-cancer effects of lignans, especially in hormone sensitive cancers, like breast and prostate cancer, are becoming widely acknowledged and accepted by the scientific community.

There are a number of reasons why we all should be interested in incorporating more lignans into our diet on a daily basis. One of the most compelling is that lignans have potent anti-cancer effects. An impressive number of studies have shown that flax seed lignans are very potent anti-cancer agents for hormone sensitive cancers because of their ability to modulate the production, availability, and action of hormones produced in our bodies. Extensive studies on both breast and colon cancer indicate that flax seed may play an important role in cancer prevention as well as treatments. Dr. Lilian Thompson, professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Toronto, has performed clinical trials with flax seed in breast cancer patients. This work was done in conjunction with Dr. Paul Goss, director of the breast cancer prevention program at the Princess Margaret Hospital and the Toronto Hospital. The study involved 50 women diagnosed with breast cancer. While waiting for surgery, half the women received muffins containing 25 grams of milled flax seed daily, while the other half received ordinary muffins. The women who received the flax seed muffins had slower-growing tumors compared to the other group.

Flax seed has been studied most extensively in hormone-sensitive cancers (breast, prostrate, and colon) because of its known effects on hormone levels. However, flax seed has been found to have broad anti-cancer effects and is able to modify all three stages of cancer development: initiation, tumour development, and growth and metastases (spread of cancer). Lignans may be largely responsible for these anti-cancer effects. Overall flax seed has tremendous potential in the area of cancer prevention and treatment.

The flax seed in AIM FibreBalance™ is supplied by Bioriginal and is trademarked LignaMax™. This flax seed possesses the power of an omega-3 rich milled flax with the advantage of increased stability. LignaMax™ is a partially defatted flax product offering 25% more lignans and fibre, than the regular milled flax seed with 25% fewer calories.
(Janice McColl, B.S.P., M.Sc., M.H. holds a master of science degree in medicinal chemistry, a degree in pharmacy and is also a Master Herbalist.)

AIM BarleyLife® for a balanced diet

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Eating a balanced diet remains a challenge for both adults and children. Experts estimate that only one in five youths consume the minimum five servings of fruits and vegetables each day, and 16 percent of youth do not meet any of the recommendations outlined in the standard food guide pyramid. Consumers of all ages are being urged to increase their intake of leafy green vegetables.1

AIM BarleyLife® is a convenient way to make sure that you receive the necessary vitamins and minerals that experts recommend. The leaves of the green barley plant are literally bursting with important vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants that are naturally occurring and balanced by nature. Nearly everyone, adults and children, can benefit from AIM BarleyLife®.

Rich in vitamins A and B

Beta-carotene is a precursor for vitamin A, and the beta-carotene content found in AIM BarleyLife® is substantial. Just one serving of AIM BarleyLife® provides nearly two times the amount of beta-carotene found in raw carrots, and eight times that found in raw broccoli. Vitamin A is essential for good eye health, as well as cardiovascular and immuno health. Vitamin A in its natural form as beta-carotene is especially desirable for its antioxidant properties since it helps to prevent harmful free radical damage in the body.

AIM BarleyLife® also contains the following B-complex vitamins:

  • Folate—helps to produce and maintain new cells and is also essential for normal levels of homocysteine. (Elevated homocysteine levels have been associated with increased risk of coronary events.)
  • Riboflavin—important for energy metabolism as well as normal eyesight and healthy skin.
  • Niacin—critical to more than 50 metabolic functions, including the formation of red blood cells, and for supplying energy to and maintaining the integrity of all body cells.
  • Vitamin B6—important in protein metabolism, B6 provides the mechanism for the many amino acid reactions within the body; it readily mobilizes glycogen for the body’s energy supply when needed.

Increasing importance of vitamin K

Often overlooked in the vitamin or supplement aisle, is vitamin K (also known by the scientific name, phylloquinone). Increasing evidence now shows that diets containing ample amounts of vitamin K may help to ensure adequate bone density and protect against osteoporosis and hip fracture in postmenopausal women. Vitamin K also plays a key role in fetal development and is needed to maintain proper blood clotting.

In 2003, a Tufts University researcher published a detailed profile of vitamin K by asking some critical questions about the association between dietary vitamin K intake and bone mineral density. The results showed that the vitamin K concentration in most foods is very low,2 and that many adults aged 18 to 44 may be getting far less vitamin K than they need3 to protect against osteoporosis and hip fracture.

A typical serving of AIM BarleyLife® offers an abundant source of vitamin K, containing 100% of the recommended daily amount. However, those who take blood-thinning medications such as Coumadin® should exercise caution since vitamin K supplementation can impact the effectiveness of such medications. As with any dietary supplement, it is best to consult with your health care practitioner when adding something new to your daily regimen.

Minerals essential to good health

Excellent mineral content is another reason to consider AIM BarleyLife®. One serving provides considerable amounts of:

  • Potassium—necessary to maintain water balance and cellular integrity
  • Phosphorous—for the structural component of all cells; and to activate the B vitamins
  • Manganese—for energy production; and also to enhance the antioxidant defense system by increasing concentrations of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD)
  • Magnesium—a major mineral to improve blood lipid levels, increase energy production, and synthesize proteins
  • Chromium—a critical component of the glucose tolerance factor; required for normal carbohydrate metabolism
  • Iron—for oxygen supply to the cells as well as to maintain immuno health
  • Calcium—for the structural integrity of bones and skeletal tissue, and to promote nerve transmission, and other important functions within the blood, muscle, and fluids of healthy cells and tissue.4

1 Institute of Food Technologists, press release: July 14, 2004. www.ift.org

2 J Nutr, Vol. 128, May 1998.

3 Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University, 1995-2005.

4 Circulation, Vol. 106, Oct. 2002

AIM Herbal Fiberblend® provides dietary fiber and helps to detoxify the body

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Digestive health problems have an enormous impact on individual health and the wellness of body systems. Many digestive health problems, such as constipation, could be avoided altogether by adopting a lifestyle that incorporates regular exercise and a healthy diet, including the recommended daily intake of fiber and plenty of water.

Changes in diet or routine, travel and eating away from home, physical or emotional stress, illness, or the side effects of medicine can all contribute toward constipation. However, the number one cause of constipation is usually the lack of dietary fiber (in the form of complex carbohydrates), and fluids. 

Fiber as a ‘good’ carbohydrate 

Eating high-fiber foods is a healthy choice for most people. Nutritionists recommend consuming 25 to 35 grams of fiber per day. The average North American typically consumes 10 to 15 grams of fiber daily. 

Fiber is found only in fruits and plants. Since it is a complex carbohydrate, it adds few, if any, calories to the diet. There are two main types of fiber—water-soluble and insoluble. Both types of fiber are required in the daily diet, in the recommended ratio of 3:1 insoluble fiber to water-soluble fiber. 

Water-soluble fiber—dissolves in water and is found in oat bran, legumes, psyllium, nuts, beans, and various fruits and vegetables. It forms a bulky gel in the intestine that regulates the flow of water materials through the digestive tract. Water-soluble fiber may help to lower cholesterol and stabilize blood sugar. 

Insoluble fiber—cannot be dissolved in water, meaning that our bodies cannot digest it. This type of fiber includes the dissolved parts of plant walls and is found in the greatest amounts in cereals, brans, and vegetables. Insoluble fiber collects water and increases stool bulk in the intestine, promoting bowel movement, and scouring the intestinal walls of waste matter, thereby reducing the risk of colon-related health problems. 

Fiber for weight loss 

Because fiber is low in calories, it can be added to the diet, providing a greater feeling of satiety without significantly increasing your caloric intake. In addition, fiber’s ability to stabilize blood sugar may also curb the desire to snack. In other words, you may find yourself eating less. This is beneficial in weight-loss programs. 

For diets high in protein, dietary fiber helps to detoxify and cleanse the body of the nitrogen waste that is produced as a byproduct of high protein food consumption. Cleansing the digestive system may help to alleviate feelings of constipation. 

“In addition, high-protein diets are typically low in dietary fiber,” comments the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. “Studies show that the healthiest diet is one that is high in carbohydrate, low in fat, and moderate in protein,” says the Physicians Committee.1 

“For people prone to constipation, limiting foods that have little or no fiber, such as ice cream, cheese, meat, and processed foods, is also important,” according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.2 

Fiber in AIM Herbal Fiberblend® 

The combination of soluble fiber psyllium and cleansing herbs found in AIM Herbal Fiberblend® helps to maintain bowel regularity, enhances detoxification after consuming proteins, and prepares the body to receive vital nutrients, resulting in whole body health. 

AIM Herbal Fiberblend® is a valuable source of dietary fiber. A typical serving of AIM Herbal Fiberblend® contains approximately 5 grams of fiber, and AIM Herbal Fiberblend® contains both insoluble and soluble fiber. Psyllium, the main source of fiber in the product, has over 8 times the bulking power of oat bran. 

With cleansing herbs 

The concept of keeping the body in harmony to promote wellness is often referred to as cleansing or detoxification. As our world becomes increasingly polluted with toxins found in the environment and the foods we eat, cleansing becomes more important. Herbs have been used for ages, and today, herbal supplementation remains one of the most popular and effective ways to cleanse the digestive system. 

AIM Herbal Fiberblend® provides a simple way to cleanse. With AIM Herbal Fiberblend®, there is no need to fast or to take multiple products at different times. No grinding or mixing of the herbs yourself! Each serving of AIM Herbal Fiberblend® provides a complete professional formulation of cleansing herbs in a convenient and ready-to-use powder, or easy-to-take vegetarian capsule. 

Depending upon flavor, AIM Herbal Fiberblend® may contain raspberry flavoring, rose hips or capsicum, as well as the following herbal ingredients: 

  • Alfalfa—relieves constipation and reduces cholesterol
  • Black walnut hulls—reduces intestinal parasites and improves bowel movement
  • Cascara sagrada—acts as a laxative, stimulating evacuation from the bowels; promotes peristaltic action (muscular contractions in the digestive system)
  • Hibiscus flower—lubricates the intestinal tract
  • Irish moss—helps form bulky stools
  • Licorice root—acts as an anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic
  • Marshmallow root—acts as a mucilage, a sticky substance with adhesive qualities
  • Mullein—soothes stomach cramps
  • Oatstraw—also soothes stomach cramps
  • Passionflower—calms the nervous system and soothes an irritable bowel
  • Psyllium—helps form bulky stools, a natural source of fiber
  • Pumpkin seeds—expels parasites
  • Shavegrass—expels parasites
  • Slippery elm bark—acts as a mucilage, a sticky substance with adhesive qualities
  • Violet—cleanses and expels parasites
  • Witch hazel—acts as a mucilage, a sticky substance with adhesive qualities
  • Yucca—acts as a laxative, stimulating evacuation

Powerful detoxification results 

The fiber and cleansing herbs in AIM Herbal Fiberblend® bring you a powerful formula for excellent detoxification results. This unique combination helps to maintain bowel regularity, scour the intestinal walls, and rid your body of harmful toxins accumulated from today’s modern diets. A clean, toxin-free body is the first step toward maintaining overall health. 

When taking AIM Herbal Fiberblend®, it is important to drink 8 glasses of water per day. (To experience the benefits of fiber, adequate water intake is necessary.) 

To receive the greatest absorption of nutrients, take AIM Herbal Fiberblend® 1 hour before, or 30 minutes after, taking AIM BarleyLife®, AIM Just Carrots® and AIM RediBeets®. 

If you have ever received medical treatment for a digestive problem, it is best for you to consult with your healthcare practitioner to find out if a high fiber diet or the use of a fiber supplement is the right choice for you. 

For more information, consult the AIM data sheet on this product. 

1Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, “The Protein Myth,” 2003. www.pcrm.org.

2 U.S. National Institutes of Health, National Digestive Disease Information Clearinghouse, “Constipation,”

No. 03-2754, June 2003. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov

AIM BarleyLife® – Younger people need AIM BarleyLife®

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Everybody knows that the best way to get the nutrition you need is to eat lots of fruits and vegetables every day, but …

At least 77 percent of people eat fewer than five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
— National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion

What is the single biggest reason why people fail to eat enough fruits and vegetables? They simply don’t have time.

If any of the scenarios below resembles a day in the life of someone you know, then you have the perfect opportunity to talk to them about AIM BarleyLife®.

These people need AIM BarleyLife®!

  • Busy, working parents. He gets up at 6 a.m. and struggles to get himself and his kids up, ready, and out the door. Late for daycare and work—again—he grabs a cup of coffee on his way. At lunch, he races around running errands and grabbing fast food. After an eight-hour day behind the computer, he picks up his kids and rushes home to make some kind of box dinner before getting the kids to soccer practice. Afterward, the youngest wants to be read to and the oldest needs help with math homework before baths and bed. Then there are the countless chores to do—dishes, laundry, lunches—before he finally steals a few minutes of “me” time.
  • Young, ambitious professionals. She gets up at 5:30 a.m. and eats a breakfast pastry on her way to the gym. It’s the only time she can fit in any exercise. The morning’s meetings run long and she works through her lunch break, before hitting the vending machine for something to tide her over. She just can’t afford to fall behind on that big project that’s due at the end of the week. After work, she meets some friends for dinner, drinks, and a show, and finally falls into bed at 11 p.m.
  • Full-time students with part-time jobs. She grabs a soda on the way to her 7:40 a.m. class. After a full morning of school, she rushes to her afternoon food service job, where she snags bites here and there. Then, she races home for a quick shower before meeting her project group at 6 p.m. At 7:30, she meets a friend for coffee. Afterward, she’s got a paper to write, a test to study for, and problems to solve. At 2 a.m., after several more cups of coffee, she hits the sheets. Imagine what her life would be like if she were an older, returning student, married with kids and a full-time job.

You’d be surprised how many people feel rundown …

Lack of energy doesn’t discriminate. Feeling tired, rundown, overwhelmed, and stressed out is a sign of the times. Not only are people getting inadequate nutrition, but they’re filling up on caffeine and fast, prepackaged, and processed foods. But who can blame them. The pace of society and the number of demands on people have increased exponentially over the past century. People have to take advantage of conveniences when and where you can, and unfortunately, that’s often in terms of diet.

… and how many people want to be their own bosses.

In 1996, 10.5 million people were self-employed, and that number is expected to increase to over 11.6 million by 2006. Many people are turning to home-based businesses as a way to be their own boss, make more money, work from home, have more flexible working hours, do more enjoyable or fulfilling work, prepare for their retirement, and the list goes on. There are probably as many reasons for starting a home-based business as there are people who do it.

There are literally millions of people out there starving for nutrition and longing for a different lifestyle.

You have the keys—AIM BarleyLife® and AIM’s business opportunity—to improve other people’s quality of life by meeting several needs:

  • adequate nutrition
  • convenient, fast, easy nutrition
  • reasonably priced nutrition
  • increased energy
  • business opportunity
  • the time and money to do the things they want to do

Proven product

For more than 20 years, AIM has been the green barley juice company. Tens of thousands of barley juice users have testified to the health-restoring benefits they’ve experienced:

  • increased energy
  • more stamina
  • sense of peacefulness and well-being
  • improved health

For as little as $30.00 US/$34.50 CDN (wholesale price), anyone can feel the difference immediately. For just $1.00 US/$1.15 CDN per day*, anyone can easily add three servings of vegetables to their diet*, start feeling abundant energy, and stop suffering from maladies of all kinds.

Proven business model

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, over half of all entrepreneurships fail within the first 5 years.

With a minimum product order (50 BVP) or a $25 US/$30 CDN membership fee, anyone can start an AIM business. There’s very little overhead and the potential for tremendous income.

For 20 years, AIM has provided products and a business opportunity built on integrity that have helped hundreds of thousands of people improve their health and their wealth.

Think your AIM message doesn’t resonate with millions of younger people out there? Think again.

* 1 serving of AIM BarleyLife® is equivalent to 1 to 1½ serving of raw vegetables and the recommended daily intake of 2 servings is equivalent to nearly 3 servings of raw vegetables.

This information has not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.