by Tara Goodyear on April 16, 2013
Barlean's: The Omega-3 Candy Store
Omega-3 essential fatty acids are unsaturated fats that benefit the body in a multitude of ways. They have been found in various studies to support a healthy heart, mind and body but the body cannot make these important nutrients on its own. We can only obtain Omega-3s from our food and supplements.
Fish oil is the most common source of the Omega-3 fats EPA and DHA, but some plant-based foods also contain Omega-3 in the form of ALA – the parent Omega-3. Flaxseed is one of the richest sources of ALA, making it and flax oil a great Omega-3 supplement choice. Flaxseed is also a source of Lignans, which are phytoestrogens and antioxidants. There are hundreds of studies, both completed and currently under way, which explore the potential health benefits Lignans alone may provide.
The potential benefits of flax oil as a nutritional supplement may extend far beyond the cardiovascular system. One resource that touts many of the benefits of flax oil is www.omegascienceinstitute.org and it discusses how Omega-3s may support a number of organ systems, including the eyes, skin, lungs, brain and more. Many physicians recognize the benefits of both fish and flax oils, which is why the next time you go to the doctor you may hear him or her suggest you add these important supplements to your diet.
Fish oil is a direct source of the Omega-3s EPA and DHA, and is often available in softgel and oil form with a number of different concentrations of EPA and DHA for a more individualized Omega-3 experience. However, fish oil is not an ideal Omega-3 choice for vegans, vegetarians and plant-based eaters. Granted, these groups do get some Omega-3 from green, leafy vegetables, but no one wants to eat buckets of spinach every hour to get the right amount of Omega-3s in their diet to make a difference. Flaxseed and flax oil is one of the best choices of vegan Omega-3s out there, and it can provide the larger amount of Omega-3s most American diets need in just one or two tablespoons of oil.
Fortunately, there is a source of Omega-3 for you no matter what your dietary restrictions may be, and Barlean’s Organic Oils prides itself on offering a wide variety of Omega-3 products for the whole family. Plus, Barlean’s Flax Oil is USDA Organic and certified Non-GMO. Visit Barlean’s Organic Oils online at www.barleans.com and open the door to a new kind of candy store you’ll want to come back to again and again!
There are some great benefits to flax oil and Omega-3s in general, and for more information visit The Omega Science Institute online at www.omegascienceinstitute.org.
by Tara Goodyear on March 29, 2013
Barlean's Flavored Greens
My best friend hates vegetables and according to several 2010 CDC reports, she is not alone. Only one in ten high school students get the recommended amounts of fruit and vegetables daily1, while most of America’s fruit and vegetable consumption remains far below recommended levels.
Additional data shows some concerning numbers2:
- Only 8% of us reach our fruit goals.
- Only 6% reach the veggie goals.
- Eight of the states with the lowest fruit and vegetable consumption are also in the top 10 states with the highest obesity rates.
Fortunately for my best friend and myself, I discovered Barlean’s Chocolate Silk and Strawberry-Kiwi Superfruit Greens – a quick, easy and delicious way to amp up our greens intake. She’s not a big fan of anything that tastes too grassy and she is a complete chocoholic, so the new Chocolate Silk greens are the perfect fit. I personally love the other new fruity flavor best – the Strawberry-Kiwi Superfruit Greens.
Barlean’s Chocolate Silk Greens and Strawberry-Kiwi Superfruit Greens were first introduced at the beginning of 2012 and instantly sold out. Barlean’s Organic Oils then made the decision to reformulate the flavored greens before making them available again to ensure they are Proposition 65 compliant, Gluten-free, Non-GMO and tastier than ever! Every whole food ingredient in Barlean’s Greens is carefully selected, responsibly grown and third-party tested to guarantee the absolute highest quality and purity, including conformity to California’s stringent Proposition 65 (http://www.oehha.ca.gov/prop65/law/P65law72003.html).
One serving of either of the Barlean’s Chocolate Silk Greens and Strawberry-Kiwi Superfruit Greens is more than five servings of fruits and vegetables! All of Barlean’s Greens products are low in calories, sweetened with all natural Stevia leaf, dairy free, soy-free and easy to digest with each serving providing a wide-variety of plant nutrients, which then provide natural vitamins and minerals.
The Chocolate Silk Greens contain a mega 5,000 ORAC antioxidant value per serving with more than 50 super foods and supplements. They are made with 100% natural cocoa powder and zero sugar. They can be added to both hot and cold beverages, making them a great replacement for sugar-laden drinks like chocolate milk and hot chocolate!
The Strawberry-Kiwi Superfruit greens contain a super-high 8,000 ORAC antioxidant value per serving with more than 60 super foods and nutrients, and can be a great replacement for sugar-laden juices and sodas.
Barlean’s Chocolate Silk Greens and Strawberry-Kiwi Superfruit Greens are a fun, tasty way for the whole family to get their greens on! Visit http://www.barleans.com/greens.asp or your nearest natural health food store to get your own delicious Barlean’s Chocolate Silk or Strawberry-Kiwi Superfruit Greens today!
SOURCES:
1 Lorson B, Melgar-Quinonez H, Taylor C. Correlates of fruit and vegetable intake in US children. J Am Diet Assoc 2009;109:474–478.
2 CDC State indicator report on Fruit and Vegetables, 2009: http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/downloads/StateIndicatorReport2009.pdf
