Vitamin C – The Master Nutrient

Posted on May 15, 2012 by Christopher Daniels

Ascorbic Acid is considered by nutrition scientists to be the single most important vitamin required for human health. Almost all organisms can synthesize their own Vitamin C from glucose, with the exception of a small group of mammals that includes monkeys, apes and humans.

According to the Linus Pauling Institute, Vitamin C is involved in at least 8 enzymatic reactions and 6 life-sustaining systems, including:

1. Energy Production.

Without Vitamin C, the body cannot synthesize the amino acid Carnitine, which transports fat into mitochindria for conversion to adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the universal energy molecule.

2. Antioxidant Network.

Vitamin C not only neutralizes free radicals, but regenerates other antioxidants such as Vitamin E, preventing oxidative stress and protecting cells and vital organs.

3. Collagen Synthesis.

Vitamin C is an essential component of connective tissue and regenerates healthy blood, skin, tendons, ligaments and bone. Inadequate Vitamin C intake results in Advanced  Glycation End-products (AGE’s) causing structural weakness, inflammation and disease.

4. Brain Chemistry.

An important component of neurotransmitter production, Vitamin C converts dopamine to epinephrine and tryptophan to serotonin, promoting the proper balance of chemicals in the brain and central nervous system.

5. Immunity.

Vitamin C stimulates the genesis and function of white blood cells, increasing phagocytosis and interferon production and enhancing antibody mobility.

6. Cardiovascular System.

Vitamin C naturally promotes the vasodilation of blood vessels and results in muscular relaxation. It plays a role in the metabolization of cholesterol to bile acids, which in turn absorbs dietary fat and is another important step in the energy production process.

As an essential component of so many life-sustaining functions, it is important that we consume the highest quality Ascorbic Acid available, especially from fresh fruits and vegetables.

Most commercially-produced Vitamin C is created from sugar in either a chemical cocktail called the Reichstein Process, or by genetically-modified bacteria and/or yeast fermentation.  Acetone, perchloric acid and benzene are just 3 of the toxic pollutants used to isolate Vitamin C, 80% of which originates in chemical factories in China.

By far the best source of natural Vitamin C is the Camu Camu Berry from the Brazilian Amazon.  Just one cup of fresh Camu Berries contain 2520mg of Vitamin C, or 4251% of the recommended Daily Value, and provides Ascorbic Acid organically-bound to over 70 synergistic phytonutrients and antioxidants.

Made with 1/2oz of fresh Camu Berry puree, providing more than 432mg (719% dv) of Vitamin C and a Total ORAC score of 62,588 per 4oz serving, the Camu Kaze Energy Shot is a delicious and refreshing way to increase your natural and organic Vitamin C intake daily.

Up next:  An explanation of the 3 flavors of Camu Kaze and their functional ingredients, including, Green Tea, Coconut Water and a powerful Herbal Adaptogen blend from Siberia that increases resistance to stress.

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Camu Camu – The Nutraceutical Superfruit

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Christopher Daniels

Camu Camu, botanical name Myrciaria dubia, is a large purple-red berry native to the Amazon Rainforest of Brazil. Camu contains over 70 synergistic vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants, including:

  1. The highest concentration of natural, organic Vitamin C.
  2. Vitamin B Complex (Thiamine, Niacin, Riboflavin)
  3. Electrolytes (Calcium, Potassium)
  4. Amino Acids (Arginine, Glutamine, Serine, Leucine, Phenylalanine)

The important key nutrients in Camu help to support Energy Production, Immune Function, Brain Chemistry, Healthy Aging and Alkalinity.

Greens Plus sources  only 100% pure Camu, organically grown and wild-harvested by hand along the Amazon’s Rio Negro River, where it is highly-prized for its natural healing properties.

CamuPure is exported by Amazon Origins founder Jeff Moats, who has been working with local farmer cooperatives and insuring fair-trade practices for over 20 years. His personal story is a true testament to the amazing healing power of the Camu Superfruit.

In April of 2011, Jeff was inlvolved in a nearly-fatal scooter accident when he suffered a serious head injury. Jeff had passed out while driving his scooter and hit a mailbox at 30 miles per hour, resulting in multiple fractures of his skull and significant brain damage.

WARNING: The slide below contains Graphic Images. Viewer discretion is advised.

Jeff endured 3 hours of surgery, lost 4oz of brain matter, and now has 10 permanent titanium plates protecting a 6 in hole in his skull. He was subsequently diagnosed with chronic migraines and seizures. After three weeks of severe neurological pain, in spite of the high-dose pharmaceuticals he was on, Jeff began taking CamuPure everyday in the hope that it would reduce inflammation and speed healing.

Due to its High-ORAC antioxidant and natural Vitamin C content, Camu’s nutrients went straight to work on his injuries. Within a few days he began to heal rapidly and has been pain and seizure-free ever since.

Coming Soon: Vitamin C – The Master Nutrient. We will explore the best sources of Organic Vitamin C, its important life-sustaining functions, and how it speeds healing.

 

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Introducing Camu Kaze – The 1st Organic Energy Shot with Camu Camu!

Posted on April 17, 2012 by Christopher Daniels

The Original Superfood CompanyTM expands into Liquid Supplements with the first Certified Organic Energy Shot containing Camu Camu Berry from Brazil.

Don’t be fooled by Energy Shots full of synthetic vitamins, nervous stimulants and artificial sweeteners. Greens+ Organics Camu Kazē contains the powerful Amazon Superfruit Camu Camu with select functional ingredients to provide a 100% natural energy boost. Camu Kazē boosts energy without stimulants by working at the cellular level, neutralizing free radicals and providing important nutrients such as Calcium, Potassium, and B Vitamins required for proper metabolism, energy production, and mood support.

The key ingredient in Camu Kazē is CamuPureTM, Amazon Origins’ proprietary Brazilian Camu Berry. CamuPure is organically-grown and wild-harvested by hand by local farmers along the Amazon’s Rio Negro River, meticulously cleaned and carefully processed to preserve nutrients, then shipped freshly frozen to Greens Plus in the United States.

“Greens Plus has selected CamuPure for its premium quality and superior nutrient content,” said Ryan Deauville, President. “It contains the highest natural concentration of Vitamin C, with 22% Ascorbic Acid and over 70 synergistic antioxidants, essential
minerals and amino acids, including Beta Carotene, Alanine, Phenylalanine, Serine,
Phosphorus and Ellagic, Citric and Malic Acids. These synergistic phytonutrients
combine in Camu Kazē to deliver a massive 62,588 Total ORAC per shot!”

Available in 3 delicious flavors: Pineapple Green Tea, Coconut Water and Wild Berry Adaptogen, each shot contains 12 mls of CamuPure. In addition, Pineapple Green
Tea is loaded with Antioxidants and 100% dv of B Vitamins, Coconut Water
delivers Essential Minerals & Electrolytes for hydration, and Wild Berry Adaptogen contains powerful Herbal Extracts, called Adaptogens that help the body manage stress.

Camu Kazē Energy Shots are perfect for athletes seeking an edge, students, travelers, and children of all ages. Available in 4oz amber glass bottles and 9 count boxes with a MSRP of $3.99 per shot.

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Ryan Deauville Runs First Spartan Race of 2012

Posted on February 7, 2012 by Christopher Daniels

Ryan Deauville, President of Greens Plus, participated in the 2012 Spartan Race Series season-opening event January 28 in the SoCal Super Spartan at Vail Lake Resort in Temecula, Calif. It was the first Spartan Race for Deauville, 25, an avid CrossFit enthusiast and son of Greens Plus co-founders Lani and Jude Deauville  The following is a Q&A with Deauville about his experiences in the event.

Ryan at the First Obstacle

Q: Did you have any idea exactly what you were getting yourself into when you signed up to compete in the season-opening round of the 2012 Spartan Race Series?

Ryan Deauville: “I tried not to think about it (laughs). I actually had a pretty good idea so I was ready for it.

Q: Was there any specific training you did leading up to the event?

RD: It was a mix of my normal CrossFit routine with some longer cardio, longer runs … five miles with simpe body weight exercises, such as pull ups and push ups, mixed in.

Q: Was there ever a time in the Super Spartan when you wanted to quit?

RD: You really didn’t have a choice when you got out there on the course. The only time you would have really been able to quit was at the midway point back at the start/finish line. I think most people that would consider quitting at the midway point would probably never jump into doing something like the Spartan Race to begin with. There’s enough intensity just signing on to do it that you pretty much know what you’re getting into. You mentally prepare for it … it’s not really an option to quit. It’s actually fun once you get into it. It would be different if I was running eight-and-a-half miles to run eight-and-a-half miles. This race is fun. The obstacles are cool. There were five or six hundred competitors every heat so you were constantly among people who were struggling but would take the time to pat you on the back or tell you “Good job. Keep it up.” It was a great group of people that provided lots of motivation.

The Rope Obstacle, Vail Lake

Q: Was there a moment that sticks out in your mind? 

RD: Not too far after the midway point, in the fifth or sixth mile, you reach the top of a hill, look up and see a trail of people just walking up what I would call a mountain. It was a little intimidating … you get up one hill and think you’re at the top and then, all of a sudden, you get a chance to take a peak at the course ahead and see a trail of people moving very slowly up this bigger hill. I’m on my sixth mile and I’m dying … my legs are killing me because my training didn’t include any hills so it was a quick ego check. That was definitely the most difficult part of the course because we were already so far into the race and getting up that hill was so intense. It wasn’t quick, either. It had to have been at least a good half-mile climb up. At one point, I was on all fours trying to get to the top. 

Q: How does the Spartan Race Series fit the Greens Plus consumer?RD: It’s something completely different than what we’ve done in the past at Greens Plus. When we talked to the people at Spartan Race about the opportunity for Greens Plus to be involved, we asked them who their core market was. They talked about people who CrossFit and triathletes being the base of their clientele. And those are the types of people we’re trying to reach. We’ve worked with elite athletes and we know they’re looking for the best nutrition possible to reach their maximum performance. They’re eating healthy, trying to eat enough fruits, vegetables and protein. Greens Plus falls right in line with that because the ingredients in our products are the key ingredients to living a healthy lifestyle. There are other races that have some difficulty but people mainly do for fun and a good time. We wanted to take our message to the next level, where people are having fun but are more competitive in what they do. The Spartan Race Series is the perfect platform for the competitive part of our message.

Being at the race, I found out that the majority of people were stoked that we were there and wanted to learn more about the performance benefits of Greens Plus. We’ve been around for 25 years so we see this is a great opportunity for us to reach a whole new audience through our involvement with the Spartan Race. This new base of consumers knows what’s good for them and what’s not. They can look at the label and know immediately that this is the good stuff. 

Q: Do you plan to participate in any more Spartan Race Series events this year?

 RD: I plan to run both days in Miami (Feb. 25-26) and a few others. I’m also looking at one at a ski resort in New York that’s about an hour north of New York City in Tuxedo. I’m definitely going to get out to a few more. We’re hoping to have Chris Obertlik run all of the U.S. races on behalf of Greens Plus so we can follow along on his journey through his blog entries on blog.greensplus.com.

Q: Any final thoughts?

RD: Our goal is to showcase Greens Plus as a lifestyle and much more than just a product. That’s fun. It was great for me to compete in the race and then stand at the booth, covered in mud and sweat, and talk to the people about our product. I’m not just some joe off the street trying to push a product. It’s a different connection and it should be a great benefit.

Flying the Banner

 After competing and seeing the reaction Greens Plus received at the first event, I’m a thousand times more energized about the whole program … and I was already like a little kid at Christmas. It’s going to be a fun year with the Spartan Race Series. It’s a growing series run by a great group of people so I see it as a really cool opportunity for Greens Plus. Stay tuned

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Greens Plus Becomes Official Energy Bar Sponsor of Spartan Race!

Posted on November 22, 2011 by Christopher Daniels

The Original Superfood Company joins forces with the global leader of Obstacle Racing.

Why Spartan? Because the Spartans were tough as nails. Because we all thrive under the pressure of survival of the fittest. Their goal is simple… to get you off your couch, throw you in the mud and trails, and feed you the toughest endurance event of your life. And Greens Plus will be there to help push you through it, with the most nutrient-dense Energy Bars on the planet.

Greens Plus will attend each of the 32 Spartan Race events in the United States in 2012, with a selection of nutritional products on hand to assist racers in achieving their personal goals.

For more information on Spartan Race and to sign up for the nearest event, visit www.spartanrace.com or contact Greens Plus at 1-800-643-1210 and online at www.greensplus.com

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The Anti-Aging Superfood

Posted on November 10, 2011 by Christopher Daniels

As we age, our bodies start to slow down and succumb to the inevitable effects of gravity. Our health becomes priceless, and we spend the rest of our lives searching for that medicinal pill or magic potion that promises to preserve it.

To help us better understand the importance of health and its effect on us as we age, the National Center for Health Statistics published findings that show the chances of suffering from one of the major chronic diseases: Arthritis, Diabetes, Cancer and Heart Disease, exponentially increases with age. 

Aging and Disease

The Aging Process - 4 Key Factors

But what is Aging? Scientists today believe there are 4 Key Factors in the Aging Process. They are:

1. Free Radicals

2. Methylation

3. Glycation

4. Hormones

As cellular waste and environmental toxins build up, Free Radicals damage our DNA. This damage prevents the Methylation of homocysteine and greatly reduces biological efficiency. 

As metabolism slows down, the stress Hormone cortisol increases blood sugar and the resulting Glycation produces weak connection tissue, inflammation and disease. 

Superfoods Slow the Aging Process

Luckily, Superfoods have been scientifically proven to slow the aging process. In fact, Mother Nature has provided an antidote for each of the 4 Factors, and these antidotes are readily available and easily consumed in the nutrient-rich Superfoods contained in Greens Plus. They are:

1. Antioxidants

2. Methyl Donors

3. AGE Inhibitors

4. Adaptogens

Consuming these nutrients can significantly enhance our ability to live a long, healthy life. And that’s what The Power of the PLUS is all about.

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Spartan Race, Staten Island, New York

Posted on October 27, 2011 by Christopher Daniels

October 24, 2011

Chris Obertlik, Team Greens+ Athlete, recently competed in the Super Spartan Race on Staten Island in New York and finished 17th out of a field of 7500.

Chris takes on the Spartan Rope Challenge

Spartan is the King of Adventure Races, containing gruelling obstacles in mud, water, extreme weather conditions, on unruly trails and on courses with even more mind blowing mental and physical challenges than you can imagine. With 3 mile, 8 mile or 13 mile runs, Spartan Race caters to every type of person from the extreme athlete to the weekend warriors who just want an adrenaline rush. These events challenge any person to push themselves past their own limits and give an individual a true testament of what they can accomplish if they JUST DONT QUIT.

Spartan Mud Bath

Chris says, “I have seen these races change friends and family members work ethics, life philosophies, goals, and how they approach teamwork once they complete a race. It opens up new paths and new challenges that you flat out did not know existed… are you looking to take the next step? try something new? bored? want to have fun?….want to have the greatest feeling in the world….”a sense of true accomplishment”….take it upon yourself to compete in a Spartan Race. You’ll be glad you did.”

At the Finish Line

Spartan Races are coming to:

Malibu, California – November 19

Dallas, Texas – December 3

Temecula, California – January 28

Chandler, Arizona – February 11

Miami, Flroida – February 25

Learn more at www.spartanrace.com

Chris is currently preparing to compete in The 2011 World’s Toughest Mudder, a 24 hour, 2 day race with only one goal: find the toughest man or woman on the planet. When the mud settles on December 18 in Englishtown, NJ, one person will have destroyed over 150,000 Tough Mudders, the top 5% of competitors in the world, for the right to call him or herself the best!

Follow the action at http://toughmudder.com/events/worlds-toughest-mudder-series-finals/

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Greens Plus and the New USDA MyPlate

Posted on October 3, 2011 by Christopher Daniels

October 3, 2011

This past summer the USDA replaced the aging Food Pyramid with the new and up-to-date nutritional information contained in MyPlate, a simple to use, easy to understand graphic designed for making healthy eating choices.

Nutrition experts praised it for its simplicity and for emphasizing the importance of key food groups, such as fruits and vegetables, but also noted the absence of specific information about what to eat within each group and, importantly, what to avoid.

The Harvard Healthy Eating Plate

Essential Nutrients from All 6 Food Groups

In September, researchers at Harvard University unveiled a modified version, called the Healthy Eating Plate, to address these shortcomings. Along with recommending a large variety of Fruits and Vegetables of many different colors, the Harvard scientists also added Water and Healthy Oils as Food Groups, explaining that Americans do not consume enough of them every day.

The Dietary Food Spectrum

In addition, Whole Grains were specified as the preferred choice, like brown rice and whole wheat bread, instead of white rice and refined flours. Healthy Protein choices were also highlighted, recommending fish, poultry, beans and nuts over red meat, and avoiding bacon, cold cuts and processed meats containing cancer-causing chemicals.

So how does Greens Plus fit into the new USDA MyPlate?

The premium-quality Superfoods in Greens Plus deliver essential nutrients from all 6 Food Groups and provide every color in the Dietary Food Spectrum.

Nutrient Equivalency per Serving

In fact, Greens Plus contains the nutrient equivalency of many pounds of fresh produce, all for a fraction of the price.

Convenient and easy-to-use, just 3 teaspoons of Greens Plus, mixed in cold water or your favorite juice, provides you and your family the foundation of a healthy diet. And that’s what The Power of the PLUS is all about.

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Brands Hatch Raceway, London, England

Posted on September 21, 2011 by admin

Neil Primrose, drummer for the band Travis and LeMans racecar driver, recently competed in the Euro Martini Trophy Championship at Brands Hatch Raceway, as seen in these photos driving the Greens+ sponsored Lola T212. 

Neil Primrose - Brands Hatch Raceway

One of the world’s most iconic motor racing venues, Brands Hatch plays host to some of the most prestigious events in motorsports, including the British Superbike and Formula Two Championship. Brands Hatch is located 20 miles outside central London.

First built in 1971 by the UK’s first manufacturer of racing vehicles, the Lola T212 has consistently placed in top competitions. It sports a monocoque chassis, where the shell of the car carries the stress loads instead of an internal frame, and a four-cylinder Ford engine mounted in the rear.

Greens+ Sponsored Lola T212

Neil finished fifth in the race and is preparing his team to take on the grueling LeMans Endurance Classic early next year. In between races, Neil has been jamming with his band, Travis, and recording material for a new album.

Travis - The Invisible Band (Neil Primrose second from right)

 
Voted the Best British Group of 2001 following the release of the critically-acclaimed The Invisible Band, you can check out videos for the #1 singles ‘Sing’ and ‘Side’ here, and purchase on iTunes.
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Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Posted on July 7, 2011 by admin

The Landing Zone

Pete Allum, 19 time UK national skydiving champion, 5 time Italian national champion and member of Team Greens+, attended the Dubai Skydiving World Cup in January in the United Arab Emirates. Held at an elite venue next to Palm Island, an artificial archipelago built in the Persian Gulf, the competition boasted the largest ever field of competitors in world skydiving.

Palm Island

Pete Allum

Unlike most skydiving competitions, jumps were performed from helicopters instead of airplanes, significantly reducing the time it takes to reach jumping altitude (14,000 ft) and giving skydivers an unparalleled view of what some call the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’.
Pete competed in Canopy Piloting and coached a Formation Skydiving team. Based at Skydive Empuriabrava on the Costa Brava, Spain, Pete Allum (innerrythmcoaching.com) has successfully completed more than 27,000 jumps from perfectly good airplanes and will also be attending the World Skydiving Championship in Dubai next year.

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