The PDR – something to talk about!

Did you know that four products by PURE are listed in the Physicians’ Desk Reference (PDR)? It’s only the most widely used reference found in virtually every physician’s office, hospital and pharmacy in the United States. Now that’s something to talk about when educating others about our quality products!

The PDR is a comprehensive reference for drug listings, with a separate section for dietary supplements. The last printing of the book was in 2018, but the digital version, called Prescribers’ Digital Reference (same acronym!), can be found at pdr.net. Check out the GoYin listing here: https://www.pdr.net/full-prescribing-information/GoYin-dietary-supplement-24198. It includes a description, ingredient list, recommended use and a full-color product photo.

In the PDR, you’ll find an explanation of PURE and products by PURE including GoYin, Daily Build, Cleanse (Liquid) and ENERGY which make up our CORE4. You can also find listings for Daily Detox and Metabolic ONE. The inclusion of these products gives PURE an additional boost in the scientific community and helps strengthen your position as an exclusive leader in the distribution of products by PURE.

Thousands of physicians have turned to the PDR as a key reference for over seventy years. It is considered the standard resource. It contains full, FDA-approved drug label information, including warnings and precautions, drug interactions, and hundreds of full-color product images. It also includes nonprescription drugs, dietary supplements and herbs.

It’s exciting to be part of such a prestigious, well-respected publication in the medical community.

 

Packing a healthy school lunch

Packing a healthy school lunch is easy. Getting your kids to eat it is another issue entirely.  Since the advent of the doughnut, parents have struggled to convince their kids to eat the nutritious foods they prepare for them.

The following are a few tips along with sample cold lunches that may help get your kids to finally eat those veggie sticks while they’re at school.

Make lunches fun!

At first glance, the look and taste of Lunchables® isn’t anything special. Contrary to appearances, however, Lunchables quickly became one of Oscar Meyer’s most successful products, partly due to the fun kids have eating them. Consider making your own healthy alternative. Pack some whole grain crackers, lean meat, cubed or sliced cheese, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, celery sticks, etc. and allow kids to build their own sandwiches. Consider using cookie cutters to cut the meat into fun shapes. Use the leftover scraps of meat on a chef salad you can take for your own lunch.

Add in tasty dips.

With a tasty dip, veggies can appear a bit more appealing to kids. Various dip options can be just as healthy as the veggies; but your kids will never know. Cheeses or creams are often the base of dips. Avocados contain healthy fats, which still provide a lot of flavor. As an added bonus, the fat in the dip will actually help enhance the absorption of carotenoids and fat soluble vitamins, as well.  Fat doesn’t need to be the principle ingredient in dips. Recipes using yogurt can be full of flavor, and hummus is mostly made of beans, which pack a fiber- and protein-laden nutritional punch.

Involve kids in the purchasing and preparation process.

Letting your kids help choose foods for their lunch at the grocery store makes them feel like they have some control, which may increase their willingness to eat them. Make sure you’re comfortable with all the options presented. Kids may enjoy preparing their own foods, with help from you, depending on their age. As kids prepare the food, they become more comfortable with the ingredients and the dish as a whole, and may be more likely to eat it.

Make it sweet.

Kids love sweet foods. While it is still advisable to limit the amount of sweetener used in the preparation of their foods, consider adding a little fruit puree, agave, dark chocolate chips, honey or maple syrup to enhance their appeal. Purchase meats and nuts with a honey glaze. Add fresh fruit to a vegetable smoothie. Incorporate fruits into whole-grain baked goods like breads, muffins or cookies.

Mila by PURE is a whole food that is great for children and adults alike. Each serving contains 3g of ALA omega-3 fatty acid which play a crucial role in normal growth and development and brain function.* Mila can be consumed on its own or incorporated into your favorite dishes, yogurt and smoothies. Learn more.

Share with us your tips and tricks on making healthier school lunches for your children.

This article is for nutrition information purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any health or nutrition concerns you may have. The information in this article is not intended to promote any specific product, or for the prevention or treatment of any disease.

 

A taste of nutrition terminology

What do all the words on your product label mean? They can be confusing for those trying to make healthy choices or lifestyle changes. Below are some of the most common words. Note that the FDA gives suggested guidance (not legally binding) on many terms.

While this list isn’t all-inclusive, it will give you a good foundation to build your nutrition vernacular. Be prepared and don’t let health lingo fool you when trying to make the best choices for you and your family.

Label terminology:

Gluten-free – Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. According to the FDA, a food must contain no more than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten in order to use “gluten-free” on its label. The label was designed for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance so they can avoid foods that may cause health problems. Be aware that gluten-free doesn’t necessarily mean healthy. Even gluten-free foods can be high in calories, fat, sugar and artificial ingredients.

Products by PURE that are gluten-free include: Daily Build, GoYin, CalciuMK+, ENERGY, Mila, Organic Sulfur, Probiotic, Alkaline Water Concentrate, Immune6, Silver, all superfruit juices, 360 Complete Shakes, Matcha Vegan Shakes, Metabolic ONE, Green Coffee Bean, SleepTrim, PURE Café, Cleanse capsule and liquid, PURE Perk and the GPS Sports Performance line.

GMO – GMO stands for genetically modified organism. This is any organism whose genetic material has been altered using genetic engineering techniques. These modifications have focused mainly on crops, such as corn and soy, which are in high demand from farmers. Genetically modified crops and ingredients have been under much scrutiny lately as to whether they pose a threat to human health.

Ingredients PURE selects for inclusion are natural, derived from natural sources, or made through natural processes. To the best of the company’s knowledge, its products do not contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs). To validate our belief, PURE has been and will continue to systematically evaluate through independent testing the absence of GMOs.  As additional test results are received, labels will be updated to include their non-GMO status.

Organic – According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), organic products are those without growth hormones, antibiotics, conventional pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, and GMOs. The Matcha Vegan Shakes are organic certified. Greens is another product that is organic but is not organic certified. Organic certification means the finished product has been through a certification process at the manufacturer. A non-certified organic product will consist of ingredients, which are of themselves certified organic, but the product has not been.

Preservatives – These are substances used in products to prevent decay and other undesirable changes. Preservation can either be chemical, adding a compound to a product, or physical, such as refrigeration or drying. Preservatives reduce the risk of foodborne infections, decrease spoilage and preserve quality. A common additive that prevents oxidation is ascorbic acid (vitamin C). CalciuMK+ contains sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate, which are necessary to maintain freshness due to the nature of the ingredients of this product in liquid form.

Calories – Technically, a calorie is a unit of measurement reflecting the amount of energy required to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water by 1 degree Celsius. In simpler terms, a calorie is the energy released by food, and we need that energy to survive! But calories are only part of the healthy eating equation. One hundred calories of potato chips will nourish and satisfy us differently than 100 calories of nuts or fruits. Other macronutrients matter, including protein, fat, carbohydrates and sugar. Since caloric needs are individualized, the new food label statement is, “2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.”

Not regulated terminology:

All-Natural – The FDA has considered the term “natural” to mean that nothing artificial or synthetic (including color additives regardless of source) has been included in, or has been added to, a food that would not normally be expected to be in that food. The term “all-natural” is often used to imply foods that are minimally processed and whose ingredients are natural; this means they do not contain additives such as sweeteners, antibiotics, colors, or other synthetic substances.

PURE is committed to providing premium-quality products based on the best of science and nature. This philosophy includes the avoidance of artificial dyes, colors, flavors, sweeteners and other potentially harmful ingredients. Ingredients PURE selects for inclusion are natural, derived from natural sources, or made through natural processes. Not all PURE products are 100% all-natural, but we offer products that fit into this category. For example, Matcha Vegan Shakes, Daily Detox, Cleanse (liquid and capsule), Greens, superfruit juices (Acai, Goji, Mangosteen, Noni and Fusion), Alkaline Water Concentrate, SleepTrim, Green Coffee Bean and Mila are all-natural products.

Healthy – The word “healthy” means different things to different people; it could be physical health, emotional health, and/or overall well-being, or the absence of certain conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” If a food is labeled as “healthy,” many assume it meets this goal. However, even foods labeled as “healthy” can still contain sugar (despite being fat-free or sugar-free), and artificial ingredients, including sweeteners, colors and flavors. Make sure the choices you make, including the food you eat, nourish your mind, body and soul.

 Kosher – These foods are prepared following strict Jewish dietary laws, which can vary in different Jewish communities but have the same basic rules. Consumption of certain animals is prohibited, and the separation of dairy and meat is required. Kosher certified products include superfruit juices (Acai, Fusion, Goji, Mangosteen and Noni) and Cleanse liquid.

Multi-grain – Don’t get this term confused with whole-grain. Multi-grain means that a food contains more than one type of grain, although it may not be a whole grain. There is no standardized regulation or definition and the term can be added to any label if the product contains more than one type of grain. Always look for the word “whole” on your labels to ensure you are making the most nutritious selections.

Superfoods – While there is no of superfoods, these are foods that are nutritional powerhouses and pack large amounts of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. Blueberries, acai, goji, mangosteen and green tea are all considered superfoods.

 Wellness – If we think we are healthy, then what does it mean to be well? My favorite definition is from Dr. Bill Hettler, MD, Co-founder of the National Wellness Institute, “Achieving wellness is about finding balance in the six equal areas of your life: physical, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, social and occupational.” A high level of wellness is crucial to living a healthy life. Everything we do feeds our well-being. Wellness is what we strive to do here at PURE as we deliver Whole Health.

 

Target your ability to focus

Your coworker is asking you a question, your kids want your attention, you’re late for an appointment, the 6:00 news is on, a text message just came through, what next?

Bothered by distractions? The world is full of them which makes it easy to lose your focus. I know I’m guilty of trying to do multiple things at once, even though I know how unproductive it is. Julie Morgenstern, author of Time Management from the Inside Out, says, “It has been scientifically demonstrated that the brain cannot effectively or efficiently switch between tasks, so you lose time. It takes four times longer to recognize new things so you’re not saving time; multitasking costs time. You also lose time because you often make mistakes.”1

Do you have a hard time remembering what was discussed at yesterday’s meeting? Are you repeatedly late for appointments? How can we fine-tune our focus, sharpen our concentration and improve our memory?

Fine-tune your focus

  • Do one thing. Staying focused can only happen when we say ‘yes’ to one thing and ‘no’ to everything else. Eliminating things or tasks can help improve your focus. Remember, you can always do the ‘other things’ later.
  • Commit yourself. Another way to stay focused is to stay committed. It’s not what you’re doing, or the result, that matters; rather, being committed to the process is what matters.2 If there’s no commitment, you’ll never see those results.
  • Leverage your energy. A third way to increase focus is to work when your energy is greatest. Is there a time of day when you’re more alert? For instance, I like to write in the morning hours because that’s when my mind is the freshest and I know I’ll be more productive. Don’t waste your mental energy.

Sharpen your concentration

  • Involve all your senses. Read aloud while you are reading something. Write down notes while you are listening to someone talk.
  • Pay attention. Simple as that. But you need to get enough sleep and eat right so you can pay attention.
  • Don’t just listen, understand. If learning something complex, make sure you really understand it first and did not just memorize it. Summarize the information in your own words and try to explain it to someone else.

Improve your memory

  • Other than focusing, how are you with remembering things? There’s nothing better for a sharp memory than a well-balanced diet and exercise. Certain activities can help sharpen your memory, too. Things like Soduko and word games, recalling lists, taking a class, and learning a language or a new sport. Anything that challenges your mind can boost your memory.

Supplement with products by PURE

  • Clear the morning fog, energize your daily workout, or avoid the mid-afternoon slump with ENERGY. This energy drink is packed with antioxidants, botanicals and natural sources of caffeine, and is the perfect alternative to sugar-laden, artificially sweetened energy drinks on the market.
  • GPS Energize provides antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, delivering nutritive support to your workouts and activities.
  • For sustained energy, elevated mood and enhanced mental focus, try Matcha Vegan Shake plant-based protein shake. It combines premium, ceremonial matcha with sacha inchi and chlorella for a nourishing drink that also helps support weight management.*
  • If you enjoy coffee, PURE Café and PURE Perk both increase energy, support mental clarity and suppress appetite.* PURE Cafe has a delicious, mocha flavor whereas PURE Perk is a dark roast coffee that may promote the release of dopamine, a brain neurotransmitter. It also contains PEA (phenylethylamine HCl) that supports the production of feel-good neurotransmitters and acts as a stimulant.*

Take these ideas and incorporate them into your day-to-day routines. You can reclaim your focus and memory.

 

1 https://www.amazon.com/Time-Management-Inside-Out-Second/dp/0805075909/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=Julie+morgenstern&qid=1565814886&s=gateway&sr=8-4

2https://jamesclear.com/focus

Target joint health with PURE

Imagine for a second that we don’t have cartilage between our bones. Painful, right? Your bones sure wouldn’t last long from rubbing together every time you walked, bent, reached, sat, stretched, jumped, etc. The joints do a lot for our body, but it’s easy to take them for granted. We move about every day without giving them a second thought. Are you doing all you can to care for them?

Our every move is possible because of our joints; both movable and rigid. Movable joints, called synovial joints, are found in our knees, hips and shoulders. Slightly movable joints, called cartilaginous joints, are found in our spine and ribs. Rigid or immovable joints, called fibrous joints, are found in our skull. Joints lie between bones with cartilage where the bones come together, facilitating smooth movement. 1

Exercise and a healthy diet are two of the most important things you can do to keep your joints healthy. Exercising regularly helps keep the muscles around your joints strong. Children and teenagers should get 60 minutes or more of physical activity each day.2 When exercising or playing sports, wear protection to avoid joint injury. Watch what you eat. Excess weight on the body can put pressure on joints. Eating a balanced diet is key.

Joint facts:

  • Do you ever feel joint pain before a thunderstorm? Joints contain sensory nerves called “baro-receptors” that react to atmospheric changes in the barometric pressure. 3 Didn’t know you were a weatherman, did you?
  • Babies are born with a cartilage plate that turns to bone and then into a kneecap somewhere between the ages of 3 and 5. 3
  • Cartilage is up to 80 percent water by weight. 4
  • Because cartilage is filled with negatively charged chondroitin molecules, it resists being pushed together. This gives it its incredible cushioning power!4

Stay loose and limber with products by PURE

Mila, Organic Sulfur, Daily Build and Mangosteen all help support joint health and, therefore, are an important part of your daily regimen.

  • Mila contains calcium and is a good source of magnesium and phosphorous, both important nutrients for bone health. It also contains 3 grams of ALA omega-3 fatty acid which plays a crucial role in normal growth and development.* Enjoy Mila sprinkled on cereal, smoothies and ice cream. Bake and cook with this versatile ingredient!
  • Organic Sulfur contains MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), a dietary form of sulfur, that helps make collagen, the supportive protein of tendons, cartilage, connective tissue and bone. So, it may help improve flexibility and mobility by promoting joint function and health.* It’s important to note that the body cannot make sulfur on its own; it must be obtained from a variety of foods or through supplementation.
  • Daily Build is a comprehensive multivitamin that benefits the whole body with 23 essential vitamins and minerals, vegetable extracts, antioxidants, phytonutrients, amino acids, trace minerals, neuro-protectors, cell defenders, and a host of other body-beneficial ingredients to support immune, nervous system, cardiovascular health and more.*
  • Mangosteen contains xanthones, powerful phytonutrients, that may support healthy joint function, among other things.*

Add these four products by PURE to your daily regimen today and feel the difference.

What other health goals are you targeting? Read our other blog posts on Targeted Needs.

1 https://www.thoughtco.com/types-of-joints-in-the-body-4173736

2 https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/physicalactivity/guidelines.htm

3 https://www.thejoint.com/texas/mckinney/mckinney-marketplace-28072/fun-facts-about-your-joints

4 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5585083/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5585083/

Back to school with Mila

With summer almost over, you’ve likely started to shop for back-to-school items, including supplies, clothes, and backpacks. Healthy snacks should be part of those items. Although you and your kids may celebrate (or groan) the thought of returning to school, there are many ways to get your kids into a healthy routine before that bus comes around the corner.

In my opinion, there’s one place where you can alleviate the back-to-school blues and that’s in the kitchen. While your kids may balk at the idea of eating something new or different, getting their input on food choices, and allowing them to get their hands a bit messy, gives them power over their choices. So, get them involved in the meal planning.

Mila plays well with others

As a prized superfood, Mila® micro-sliced chia seeds can be easily added into their favorite foods or recipes.  As a staple in the Mayan and Aztec cultures, this gluten-free, trans fat-free, sugar-free, and plant-based source of protein and fiber can be a staple in your kitchen.

  • What could be more fun and kid friendly than chicken strips? Skip the fried chicken and make chicken tenders with a twist. Have your kids mix about a quarter cup of Mila to the breading mixture and you’ll have a crunchy alternative to the popular fried chicken.
  • Add chia seeds to your whole wheat muffin batter for a quick, last minute breakfast or afternoon snack. Using fresh or frozen berries, you can freeze these muffins and then put them into your kid’s lunch bags to thaw. They are a great alternative to a traditional high-fat muffin.
  • Create a more fiber- and protein-rich breakfast by adding a scoop of Mila to homemade granola. Most pre-made granolas are high in sugar and calories and low in fiber. Create your own with dried fruit, nuts, oats, a dash of sweetener, like honey, and Mila!
  • Spaghetti and meatballs were a weekly staple in my youth. Mila gels and expands when added to liquid, so it’s a great binder in place of eggs in your homemade meatball recipes.
  • Frozen fruit and spinach are great to have on hand for morning smoothies. Combine your favorite fruits, such as strawberries, bananas, and peaches for a taste of summer! Add in a tablespoon of Mila to boost the nutrient content.
  • For dessert, make some healthy ice pops with Mila to beat the summer heat! Your child will never know they’re healthy! Try using fresh mango, soaked Mila and coconut milk. Let two tablespoons of Mila soak in ¼ cup of water overnight so they are ready to go! The next day, blend the mixture with one can of coconut milk and fresh mango (frozen works fine too).  Pour into your ice pop mold or ice cube tray and freeze!
  • Create a healthy, high fiber dessert! Combine five tablespoons of Mila with two cups almond, soy, or other milk, and ½ tsp. vanilla extract in a sealed container and let the Mila go to work! Let it sit in the fridge for at least two hours. Once it gels, top with your favorite nuts and fruit! Again, let your kids create their own healthy masterpiece!

You can top just about anything with Mila — yogurt, oatmeal, eggs, salad, pasta, cereal — the options are endless! Just remember to start your child with a ½ tablespoon.

With three grams of protein, five grams of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and calcium, Mila is definitely a super food for super kids!

Read more about Mila here: https://shop.livepure.com/mila/dt/GP00231. Order yours today by visiting livepure.com.

Let us know on Facebook how you  consume your Mila for!

You say vegetarian, I say flexitarian

Flexible — it’s what makes the Flexitarian Diet unique.

If plants make up most of your diet, but you love a hamburger now and then, the flexitarian diet might be the perfect “plate” for you.  The name flexitarian is a blend of “flexible” and “vegetarian”. It is heavy on fruits and vegetables yet allows meat and other animal products when you have a craving.  It’s about adding all five food groups to your diet.

You’ve probably noticed more restaurants incorporating plant-based options to their menus, like that specialty hamburger made with pea protein, coconut oil and other ingredients. Flexitarians generally look for plant-based protein options, but since they enjoy meat, they also look for that sensory experience.

Benefits of the Flexitarian Diet:

  • It’s flexible, ha! Recipes are easy to come by and there is very little meal preparation involved. Plus, you can enjoy eating out and you can have alcohol, if you desire. When eating out, you’ll still want to steer clear of anything fried, crispy, breaded or sautéed. Instead choose meals that are boiled, baked, grilled, roasted or steamed.
  • Want to become a vegetarian? Let’s say you have eaten meat for many years and are interested in becoming a full-blown vegetarian. The flexitarian diet may be a great way for you to do this. The diet cuts down on meat but does not eliminate it.
  • Eating more plants and less meat will help you lose weight, but also lower heart disease, diabetes and more.
  • The Flexitarian Diet was ranked #3 in best diets overall, and #2 in easiest to follow in the U.S. News Best Diet Rankings.1
  • Flexitarians tend to weigh less than meat eaters. Of course, it depends on how often you choose to eat meat.
  • Lower bad cholesterol levels and likely lower blood pressure and improve heart health. 2
  • Registered dietitian nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner, the author of The Flexitarian Diet, says “…flexitarianism isn’t about the amount of meat you cut out—it’s about how many plant-based foods you add. As you add more plant-based foods, you’ll “crowd out” the meats.”3

Incorporate PURE into your diet.

Eat more Greens, a tried-and-true staple of a healthy, nutritious and balanced diet and lifestyle. Adding one scoop every day to your favorite 100% fruit juice or smoothie gives you a range of nutrients your body needs.

Matcha Vegan Shake contains 19-20 grams of protein – a significant amount. Not only is this a great meal replacement, but it can be used between meals as well. It helps boost energy while it calms, it suppresses the appetite, and it even boosts creativity!*

Do you consider yourself a flexitarian? What has your experience been like? Share with us!

1 https://health.usnews.com/best-diet/flexitarian-diet

2 https://annals.org/aim/fullarticle/718395/improving-cholesterol-levels-low-fat-diet-high-plant-based-foods

3 https://dawnjacksonblatner.com/books/the-flexitarian-diet/

Six products enter the PUREGen Africa market in Nigeria

PUREGen Africa, PURE’s entity in Africa, announced the approval and licensure of six products by PURE to the Nigeria market — Daily Build Capsules, Daily Build Liquid, Cleanse, Organic Sulfur, SleepTrim and Mila — by the National Agency for Food & Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

These six products, some of PURE’s best sellers, will help serve an area with an estimated population of 200 million and a health-conscious, growing middle class. A recent University of Lagos study showed that eighty-six percent of Nigerian students use dietary supplements, a booming market and dynamic opportunity for PURE.

“We are truly excited that PURE is leading the way in Africa by providing world-class products and economic prosperity to individuals and families across the land. PURE is committed to Nigeria and we are very confident that we will continue to partner with our distributors, the community and government agencies in the country to build a prosperous economy for all stakeholders.” – Ben Peter, PURE’s Vice President of Business Development of EMEA

The official launch of products by PURE in the Nigerian market is slated for September 2019; however, PURE Independent Business Owners and Preferred Customers can purchase and pickup products immediately at the Nigeria office. The Nigeria office also offers free shipping of products throughout the country.

People interested in learning more about the products and opportunity in Nigeria can participate in seminars at Nigeria’s main office on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The Nigeria office regularly hosts Super Saturday meetings as well as meetings every Monday in Lagos , Abuja, Onitcha, Enugu, Port Harcourt and Calabar.

PUREGen Africa, Nigeria is located at 104 Obafemi Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria. Their email is nigeria@livepure.com and their phone is 08054462009 or 01800048114.

Target heart health

We reference the heart in so many aspects of our lives that it sounds as though it must be the center of our universe or at least our most important organ.

  • “That was really a heartfelt message,”
  • “Amazing performance, he really played his heart out of that game,”
  • “I think you should really take this suggestion to heart,”
  • “Every time I hear that song it breaks my heart,”
  • “That is not a journey for the faint of heart,”
  • “Cross my heart, this is a blog that you should take to heart, especially if you’re young at heart.”

You don’t ever hear those types of references to the liver, or the brain, or the lungs, and you can bet that the spleen will forever be ignored in this regard — yet these are vital organs, too.  So why is there such a focus and emphasis on the heart?

Maybe it’s the fact that our heart is continuously beating, providing a constant reminder that it is dutifully doing its job — pumping oxygen, nutrients, and other vital biochemicals through our blood vessels to the trillions of cells of the body where these compounds are constantly needed, while also removing cellular waste products that must be eliminated from the body. Not a small task to ask of a muscular organ that beats approximately 108,000 times per day to do its job, (that’s 39 million beats each year!)

An organ that, on average, weighs just eight to twelve ounces and yet pumps about two thousand gallons of blood throughout the body each and every day. So, maybe the heart does deserve all the reverence that it gets.  For certain, without a healthy, fully functional heart, one is compromised in terms of their activities, their vitality, and their longevity.  That is truly the heart of the matter.

Heart Facts

  • The circulatory system is comprised of the heart (which is about the size of your fist), approximately 60,000 miles* of blood vessels (arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, veins, and sinuses), and the lymphatic system (through which lymph and digested fats flow).3 (*Equivalent to 97,000 kilometers.)
  • The heart is comprised of four chambers, the right and left atria and the right and left ventricles. The atrium and ventricle on both sides are separated and controlled by valves which open and close, keeping blood moving in the correct direction and preventing backflow. Normal blood flow occurs in a cyclical manner going from the body to the heart, from the heart to the lungs, from the lungs back to the heart, and from the heart back to the body.4, 5 
  • The aorta, which carries blood out of the heart into general circulation throughout the body, is the circulatory system’s largest artery. It is about the size of a garden hose.4
  • Some capillaries, the smallest of blood vessels, are about 1/10th the diameter of a human hair and can only carry blood cells in single file. 4
  • The heart muscle produces twice the power of the leg muscles of a sprinter.5
  • Pumping of the heart, or the heartbeat, is the result of alternating contraction and relaxation of the heart muscle (myocardium). The heart muscle contractions are caused by electrical impulses produced by two structures within the heart (the sinoatrial node and the atrioventricular node). 6
  • Besides being a good indicator of your fitness level, Resting Heart Rate (RHR) can provide information as to how well your heart muscle is functioning and the likelihood of a normal or a reduced lifespan. Normal RHR is between 60 to 100 beats per minute, with rates at the lower end of this range indicating a reduced risk for developing cardiovascular disease.7
  • Among the nutrients and nutrient-rich foods recommended by The Cleveland Clinic — one of the foremost authorities on heart health and cardiovascular care are omega-3 fatty acids (think fish, chia seed, flaxseed), berries (for phytonutrients and fiber), legumes (think beans and soy for their fiber, minerals, B-vitamins), red/orange/yellow vegetables (carotenoids and fiber), green veggies (minerals, vitamins, phytonutrients), topped off with red wine and dark chocolate (antioxidants).8

PURE catalogs an array of products that provides the robust nutrient profile that the heart requires as well as specialty ingredients that science has shown to be highly supportive of excellent cardiovascular health.  GPS Reset provides nutrients that support the natural release of HGH (Human Growth Hormone) from the pituitary gland while enhancing the benefits of exercise on fitness and body composition (fat vs. lean).  HGH helps build, maintain, and repair healthy tissue in organs and muscle, promoting better overall health and metabolism.  GPS Circulate supplies nutrients that assist in the maintenance of blood vessel elasticity, facilitating proper blood flow and thereby reducing the workload of the heart.  Acai and Goji Superfruits are excellent sources of antioxidants that protect the circulatory system from errant oxidative damage caused by exercise, illness, environmental toxins, etc.  These two berries provide anthocyanin and carotenoid antioxidants, respectively.

CalciuMK+ delivers Vitamin D3 (ergocalciferol) and Vitamin K2-MK7, two nutrients that significantly support good cardiovascular health.  Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to increased risk of cardiovascular disease including hypertension, heart failure, and ischemic heart disease.  Vitamin K2-MK7 has been shown to direct calcium to the bone rather than allowing it to be deposited in soft tissues, such as blood vessels, where it can cause serious health problems.  Daily Build supplies the full spectrum of vitamins and minerals needed for proper metabolism, including energy production, immune function, tissue building and repair, and maintenance of healthy blood lipid (fats) levels.  Mila, PURE’s exclusive chia seed product, is a superior source of omega-3 fatty acid (alpha-linolenic acid) one of the Cleveland Clinic’s top recommendations for a heart healthy diet.  In addition, Mila supplies fiber for good cardiovascular and digestive health.  Daily Detox, Fusion, and Greens are some additional products to also consider when following a diet and lifestyle that tells your heart “I [Heart] you.”

By Richard Scheckenbach. Richard received his baccalaureate degree from the UCLA with Bacteriology as his major field of study. He pursued his doctoral studies in Microbiology/Biochemistry at Oregon State University. Areas of expertise include product research and development, proprietary formulation, market assessment, product promotion, FDA and FTC compliance and nutritional biochemistry. Rich is also a PURE Wellness Advisory Board member.*

https://omrf.org/2011/07/26/exercise-heartbeats/

2 https://healthblog.uofmhealth.org/heart-health/anatomy-of-a-human-heart

 3 Taber’s Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, F. A. Davis Company, Philadelphia PA

4https://www.unitypoint.org/livewell/article.aspx?ed-20b07ab0-e855-49c6-9ee2-91247e52d5cc

5https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/congenital-heart-defects/about-congenital-heart-defects/how-the-healthy-heart-works

6 https://www.britannica.com/science/heart

7https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/resting-heart-rate-can-reflect-current-future-health-201606179806

8 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/12-heart-healthy-foods-to-work-into-your-diet/

By Richard Sheckenbach, a PURE Wellness Advisory Board Member. Wellness Advisory Board members are compensated for their role on the Wellness Advisory Board, in addition to serving as a Wellness Advisory Board Member, Richard Scheckenbach is also a PURE Independent Business Owner.

Apollo 11 — it took a village

For me, it was a weekend of nostalgia watching the National Archives film footage of Apollo 11. Born in 1969, I felt American pride for this most celebrated mission. I had goosebumps experiencing this most celebrated mission while listening to the people who worked Mission Control. I could almost feel their nail-biting and uneasiness during that unprecedented day.

Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins are American icons, as were the hundreds of thousands of people working behind the scenes that made this mission possible. The sheer amount of manpower it took to achieve such a remarkable feat of technological innovation was breathtaking! It really did take a village to support the astronauts and make this moment in history.

Think about your PURE business and what it takes to build your community. There is so much we can learn from the Apollo 11 mission that can be applied to our own personal missions.

Be ambitious — Talk about a strong desire to achieve something! The years of training and planning and learning these astronauts went through could not have happened without an incredible desire, determination and longing to achieve success, and they did! Focus on your dreams. What is your purpose, destiny and legacy? Share the products and opportunity with people in your own backyard. Be hungry and the doors to success will open.

“Don’t merely make a living; make a life. Launch out farther than
you’ve ever gone before.” – Buzz Aldrin

Value teamwork — As Armstrong and Aldrin took those famous first steps, Collins was orbiting the moon waiting for his friends’ return. He was part of the larger effort. Everyone had an important job to do and they all worked in alignment. Anchor your business with a strong foundation. Be that person whom you want to attract. Check in frequently with your team members to offer support, educate them and make sure everything is running smoothly.

“We had hundreds of thousands of people all dedicated to doing the perfect job,
and I think they did about as well as anyone could ever have expected.”
– Neil Armstrong

Have confidence — From takeoff, to the precarious moon landing to re-entry, these astronauts had nerves of steel. They believed in themselves and their ability to succeed. They had confidence in the technology and the people behind them. Dare to believe big! Remember that you are strong and capable. Disbelief is negative power whereas belief is positive power.

“Mars is there, waiting to be reached.” – Buzz Aldrin

Learn from your mistakes — It took the failure of Apollo 1, and other errors, to achieve Apollo 11 success. You will make mistakes, and that’s okay. See a learning opportunity in all things. Be sure to listen to your mentor; they’ve been in your footsteps and have made the mistakes before. They are aware of the situations that can trip you up. Attend UNITE where you’ll get valuable training. As a leader, you can empower your team to make better decisions and become the solutions to the problems.

“I think we’re going to the moon because it’s in the nature of the human being to face challenges. It’s by the nature of his deep inner soul…we’re required to do these things just as salmon swim upstream.” – Neil Armstrong

Planning and Communication. You are in the business of growing and developing the skills of your people. Write down the results you want to achieve. Use the tools you have at your disposal and always schedule the next step. Author Judith Glaser said, “Conversations are the power that launches transformational products into the world.” Go out there are start those conversations. That first handshake, greeting, email and call can set the stage for a lifetime!

“We are off! And do we know it, not just because the world is yelling “Lift-off”
in our ears, but because the seats of our pants tell us so! Trust your instruments, not your body, the modern pilot is always told, but this beast is best felt.
Shake, rattle and roll!” – Michael Collins

Recognize each other — At every opportunity the astronauts recognized the efforts of their teammates back on earth. Acknowledge your team’s hard work. Fuel their continued work.

“I guess we all like to be recognized not for one piece of fireworks, but for the ledger of our daily work.” – Neil Armstrong

Just as Apollo 11 mission is an event that is stamped in our minds, so too is the legacy you’ll leave with your PURE business. Go the distance and make that difference.

You have the ability to do more than you can imagine!