During the digestion process, aspartame is broken down into its components, the amino acids aspartic acid, phenylalanine, and the chemical methanol. The two amino acids are utilized for their normal purposes, but with methanol a problem occurs.

Animals and humans have what are known as peroxisomes in each cell, and they are designed to detoxify a variety of harmful chemicals. Within these peroxisomes is catalase, an enzyme which helps turn the methanol into formaldehyde, then additional enzymes convert the formaldehyde into harmless formic acid. The problem here though, is that this conversion of formaldehyde into formic acid does not happen in humans, only animals.

Now, there is dangerous formaldehyde within the body which can accumulate in certain areas, such as the brain, causing cellular and degenerative damage. Formaldehyde metabolism can lead to the production of the waste product formate, which can accumulate and lead to metabolic acidosis, leading to blindness, kidney damage or death. Now clearly this will only happen if large amounts of aspartame are consumed, or something happens within the body which fails to prevent metabolic acidosis.

Yes, methanol does occur naturally in some foods, however, it is bonded to a fiber which keeps it out of the bloodstream, allowing it to safely pass through the body.

I hope this gives you a more clear idea of what goes on in your body when aspartame is consumed.

Again, we are not trying to sway anyone’s opinion of this artificial sweetener, we just want to present the facts. The choice to continue consuming aspartame or not is up to you.

By: James Van Dyne

The answer of course, is yes.

A great way to start off your day and provide energy that lasts with no crash is with a fresh smoothie or juice. There are dozens of different recipes to choose from, and each offers a wide range of healthy benefits in addition to improving energy levels.

Stimulants may provide quick energy now, but it doesn’t last long and you will undoubtedly feel groggy later, probably wanting more of the stimulant. The human body also adapts very quickly to stimulants, and that means more and more will be required to illicit the same response. Stimulants do not fix the problem, they merely postpone it.

By providing your body with healthy, raw foods in a smoothie or juice, you are giving your body a steady, slow-burning fuel source that will last and last. Raw foods are also jammed with enzymes, which improve digestion and increase nutrient uptake. Enzymes from raw sources give your digestive system a break, and a major cause of sluggishness and low energy is an overworked digestive system.

If you’re in the neighborhood, stop in to Ze/Lin for a fresh smoothie or juice to start your day off right. Or you can always start juicing right in the comfort of your own home. Either way, adding a healthy smoothie or juice to your day will give you energy that lasts, without the negatives of a stimulant.

By: James Van Dyne

Just a few of the many benefits of the coconut are as follows:

• Provides a quick energy source

• Boosts endurance for improved physical performance

• Improves digestion

• Heart healthy and helps to reduce cholesterol

• Completely non-toxic to humans

This list can keep going on and on. Other than the entire nut, you will generally find coconut products such as oil or water.

The fats in coconut used to be considered unhealthy, but research has proven this to be incorrect.

Coconut oil is actually made up of medium chain fatty acids, which unlike long chain fatty acids, actually aid the metabolism because they are burned for energy instead of being stored as body fat. Medium chain fatty acids (also known as medium chain triglycerides) are also beneficial for lowering the risk of heart disease and atherosclerosis (the hardening of the arteries) and do not have a negative impact on cholesterol.

Coconut water also offers some great benefits. It contains easily digested carbohydrates and electrolytes, making it a better option for hydration than typical sports drinks. The next time you go out for a run or need a refreshing drink on a hot day, reach for a coconut water. Because of it’s high potassium content it’s been dubbed “nature’s sports drink.”

While we don’t often find the coconut at the typical grocery store, it offers so many healthy and nutritional benefits it’s worth tracking down. Enjoy a little coconut oil, water or do like they do at Ze/Lin and incorporate it into your daily smoothie for a nutritional pick-me-up.

By: James Van Dyne

Eliminating gluten may actually improve your mental health. In those with celiac disease, headaches and brain fog are often reported as side effects. When a sensitive person eats gluten, inflammatory molecules called cytokines are released, and they are detrimental to brain function. High amounts of these molecules are linked to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Autism.

We all know that several servings of fruits and vegetables every day are necessary for a healthy life, but there are plenty of people out there that simply do not eat enough of them. Juicing allows you to combine together a rainbow of nutritious produce into one easy to drink juice. You don’t have to worry about eating head after head of broccoli, trying to choke down unappetizing kale or gagging on vegetables that taste like they were just pulled from the dirt.

There are plenty of fruits and vegetables that people will not eat simply because of their taste. This is fairly common, but this practice also keeps people from enjoying the nutritious benefits of those foods they choose to skip out on. By adding a fruit or vegetable you normally wouldn’t eat to your juice blend, you get the benefits of its nutrients without having to worry about the taste. While juicing will probably never take over eating whole fruits and vegetables, very little of the actual nutrients are wasted in the juicing process (depending on the type of juicer you use). This means you get a delicious concoction of produce which retains most of its original vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, all in one blended drink which is easier to consume on a regular basis.

If you are thinking about juicing, there’s no time like the present. If you’re not in the habit of eating fruits and vegetables, juicing is a great way to go to incorporate these foods into your nutrition plan. Juicing is also a great way to try out new fruits and vegetables that you may have been wary of in the past. If an apple a day can keep the doctor away, just imagine what all that produce combined can do!

By: James Van Dyne

When you cook foods, many of the vitamins and phytonutrients are destroyed or damaged, making them less available for proper assimilation. When these nutrients are missing, your body will immediately notice it. You will be undernourished, and this means you will not be full and satiated for very long. When you increase your nutrient intake by eating raw foods, you will have more energy and feel fuller longer.

Raw foods are packed with enzymes, which are essential to life. Without enzymes, life simply would not go on. They are needed for proper digestion and assimilation of nutrients, help with fat loss, energy and every other function that goes on within the human body. Raw foods are rich in enzymes, but cooking foods at above 118 degrees will destroy them. The human body spends a lot of energy digesting foods, so when you incorporate more raw foods into your meal plan you are giving your digestive system a break by supplying more naturally occurring enzymes. This can instantly help improve your energy.

Raw plants also provide protein, which is very easy for the human body to digest and assimilate. Proteins are damaged during high temperature cooking, causing the amino acid chains to congeal.

Eating raw plants provides a great source of protein and fiber, without the cholesterol and fats which can accompany meat proteins. If you’re on the fence about raw foods, try incorporating a few fruits and vegetables here and there. Their high nutritional content and delicious taste may just change your mind, and your health

Aloe vera contains over 200 active compounds. Everything from vitamins and minerals to enzymes and amino acids are contained in this amazing plant. Just a few of the vitamins and minerals in aloe are vitamins A, C and E, B vitamins, calcium, magnesium and potassium.

Aloe contains fatty acids and plant sterols such as campesterol, linolenic acid, linoleic acid and oleic acid, which can help reduce high cholesterol, reduce fats in the blood and promote better overall heart health.

Aloe vera is known as an adaptogen, which means it helps to boost the body’s own natural defenses and combat illness. These adaptogenic properties also help to combat stress from both physical and mental sources, as well as environmental stresses such as air pollution.

One of the most well-known uses for aloe vera is that it also helps promote digestive health. A well-functioning digestive system is vital for overall health, and aloe vera helps to cleanse and soothe the digestive tract, allowing for a more optimally functioning system. Aloe is useful for treating everything from irritable bowel syndrome to acid reflux to intestinal worms.

In today’s world, many people exist on a highly acidic diet, which keeps their body out of balance and allows germs and disease to flourish. Aloe vera helps to keep the body in an alkaline state, balancing out overly acidic nutritional habits.

Aloe vera juice can be bought at your local health food store, or if you’re in the area, pop into Ze/Lin for a Heart Beet smoothie! The addition of this powerful plant can provide a plethora of nutritional benefits for a healthier life. Aloe vera isn’t just for sunburns anymore.

By: James Van Dyne

Beets are an excellent source of many vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, B and C, folic acid, potassium, magnesium and iron. But the benefits of beets do not simply stop there. In addition to their micronutrient content, beets offer a variety of other healthy benefits including:

• Natural detox – beets help to cleanse the liver and blood, and also help to combat several different forms of cancer.

• Sexual enhancer – the ancient Romans used beets as a natural aphrodisiac. The high concentration of boron helps to produce sex hormones, and that can lead to a better sex life.

• Improve mental health – beets contain betaine, which can help to combat depression, and they contain tryptophan, which helps to relax the mind and promotes a sense of well-being.

• Great source of energy – while beets are sugary, the sugar is slowly digested, allowing for a stable insulin output which means a steadier energy supply with no crash later.

These are just a few of the many healthy benefits of this amazing food.

With all of the benefits they offer, don’t hesitate in adding beets to your daily nutritional plan. They’re easily available all year round, which means freshness isn’t a problem. If you’re looking for a versatile food with a wide range of health benefits, just beet it!

By: James Van Dyne