Category: philosophy

Kick the Soda and Sugary Drink Habit!

Published on by Nikken

Last year, the many reasons to reduce or eliminate added sugar from our diets were explored on NikkenActiveWellness. See Get Smart and Get Rid of Sugar and Is Sugar as Deadly as Cigarettes? What we know is right and what we do, are unfortunately not always the same. That’s why Kenzen Super Ciaga® is such an exciting new product for Nikken to launch. It’s an organic mixed superfruit concentrate that’s going to help us kick the soda habit for good! And it’s coming to you on March 1, 2018!

Here are just a few simple numbers—average calories from sugar—of commercially sold beverages1:

  • 12 oz. can of coca cola contains 140 calories from sugar at 39g
  • 8 oz. can of Rockstar Energy Drink contains 124 calories from sugar at 31g
  • 8 oz serving of Arizona Lemon Ice Tea contains 90 calories from sugar at 24g
  • 8 oz serving of Snapple Lemon Iced Tea contains 92 calories from sugar at 23g

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, in one study, people who added soda on top of their current diet ended up consuming 17% more calories than before.2 That is because liquid sugar does not cause a feeling of fullness in the same way as solid foods, making people eat more total calories. Sugar-sweetened beverages may be the most fattening aspect of the modern diet. In fact, as little as one can of soda per day has been consistently linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. To put that number in perspective, if the entire U.S. population added one can of soda to their daily diets, almost 3.5 million people might become diabetic.3

Here’s why Kenzen Super Ciaga® can be so helpful in kicking the soda habit. It’s at least three times more concentrated than CiagaV, so dilution is recommended. That means instead of drinking one ounce in a shot glass, diluting to your taste is best. We suggest that you add three to four ounces of water per ounce. Add Super Ciaga to seltzer and you have a natural soda that’s jam packed with antioxidants—from maqui berry, elderberry, blueberry, blackberry and raspberry—and so delicious you won’t miss those nasty sodas, fully sugared or even worse, made with artificial sweeteners.

New Kenzen Super Ciaga is really a perfect “mixer.” It makes the perfect companion to Kenzen Ten4® Energy Drink. The natural sweetness from the organic mixed superfruit juice concentrate gives the organic matcha green tea a different flavor and double the antioxidant punch! Active Wellness has never been easier to maintain.

 

 

1 http://www.sugarstacks.com/beverages.htm

2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10878689 

3 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/13-ways-sugary-soda-is-bad-for-you

Why Kenzen® Bergisterol™ Capsules?

Published on by Nikken

According to researchers, the bergamot fruit contains various phytochemicals, flavonoids and other health-promoting compounds.

The bergamot used in Kenzen Bergisterol capsules is harvested exclusively from the Reggio Calabria province of Italy between the months of November and March.No pesticides are used on bergamot crops destined for Kenzen Bergisterol. The outer capsule is made with organic Pullulan. Pullulan is naturally fermented from tapioca and provides a high barrier to oxygen, thereby keeping capsules dry and fresh. This also ensures that Kenzen Bergisterol capsules not only are certified organic but vegan as well.

In addition to Citrus bergamia Risso, each Kenzen Bergisterol capsule contains 60 mg of vitamin C known as Orgen-C®. This derivative of Organic Amla Extract is commonly known as Indian Gooseberry. Valued for its high amount of natural vitamin C, Indian Gooseberry also contains more than 50 co-nutrients in the form of polyphenols and bioflavonoids. Orgen-C has the added benefit of a patent-pending water extraction process that produces a concentrated form of all natural and 100% organic vitamins derived from various fruits and vegetables along with existing co-nutrients of the same botanicals.

Kenzen Bergisterol capsules are portable and convenient, especially during travel. Whereas liquid Kenzen Bergisterol could not be carried on board airplanes, the new capsules definitely can.

The recommended serving size is one capsule, giving you 250 mg of Organic Citrus Bermagia Risso Extract and 60 mg of Vitamin C. Please consult your physician prior to taking Bergisterol if you are on any medications.

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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

When Do You Need Calcium?

Published on by Nikken

Calcium is one of the most important minerals for the human body. It helps to form and maintain healthy teeth and bones. By maintaining a proper level of calcium in the body over a lifetime, we can help prevent osteoporosis.1 In addition, calcium is used throughout the body to help with blood clotting, sending and receiving nerve signals, flexing and relaxing muscles, releasing hormones and other chemicals and keeping a regular heartbeat—all important functions.

Calcium is the most abundant mineral found in the human body, but as we age, we absorb less and less calcium from our diets. This results in our bodies taking more from our bones, which can contribute to osteopenia or osteoporosis.2 How much calcium we need depends on age and gender. Adolescents, especially girls, postmenopausal women and the elderly often have a high risk of calcium deficiency.3

Recent research shows that a diet high in calcium and also high in protein and other essential nutrients can positively impact bone health by aiding in more calcium absorption. Most of these nutrients can be found in high-quality dairy products like organic whey protein, raw unpasteurized milk, organic goat cheese, and kefir.4 Other sources of calcium include green leafy vegetables, salmon and sardines, nuts, blackstrap molasses, tofu and calcium-fortified foods, such as orange juice, soy milk, cereals and seeds.

Although the calcium found in dairy is considered the most readily absorbed, these foods are not eaten by various segments of the population, including vegans and those who are lactose intolerant. When dietary calcium is not sufficient, a supplement may be needed, and there are many kinds. Some of the common calcium supplements include Calcium carbonate, Calcium citrate, Calcium gluconate, and Calcium lactate. It’s recommended that not more than 500 mg of calcium be taken at one time.5 No matter how much we take of any supplement, if it cannot be assimilated by the digestive system and used by the body’s systems, it will not support an Active Wellness lifestyle.

Kenzen® Calcium Complex stands out specifically for its high bioavailability. That means it is easily absorbed: The complex mimics the mineral composition of our bones. In addition to 400 mg of Calcium derived from whey isolates of milk, vitamins and minerals that enhance calcium absorption are added, including vitamin D, phosphorus, zinc, boron and copper. (Magnesium and potassium are found in the TruCal® blend itself and not separately listed.) Furthermore, Kenzen® Calcium Complex is produced with sensitive filters that purify and separate out the calcium-rich minerals used in the formulation from the lactose and proteins, so that it may be tolerated by virtually everyone. Nonetheless, if you are severely allergic to milk and milk byproducts, we recommend consulting your physician.

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1 https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002412.htm

2 https://www.medicine.wisc.edu/rheumatology/hansenresearchcalcium

3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4337919/

4, 5 https://draxe.com/calcium-deficiency/

Does Cold Weather Affect our Joints?

Published on by Nikken

Some of us experience a nagging discomfort in our joints during rainy days or throughout the winter months. Or, what’s bearable during warmer weather veers out of control when the temperature dives. These physical changes aren’t just part of our imaginations.

Lauren Farrell, M.S.P.T., physical therapist and clinic director of Professional Physical Therapy in New Jersey, says, “While it can happen in any part of the body, this cold-weather achiness is most common in weight-bearing joints, like the knees, hips and ankles. This is especially true for the running population, where they tend to be spending longer periods of time exercising outside in the cold.”1

Although there is scanty research to prove why this happens, experts do have some theories. According to orthopedic surgeon and founder of Manhattan Orthopedic Care, Armin Tehrany, M.D., “The research suggests that in colder weather, the body will conserve heat, and it will send more of the blood to the organs in the center of the body, like the heart or the lungs. So when that happens—the arms, legs, shoulders, knee joints—those blood vessels will constrict. Less blood flow makes those areas colder and stiffer, which can cause discomfort and pain.”2

Another trigger for achy joints is a change in barometric pressure, a measurement that refers to the weight of the surrounding air. Researchers have found that barometric pressure affects pressure inside the joints. The Arthritis Foundation reported that when pressure in the hip joints was equated with atmospheric pressure, it threw the ball of the hip joint about one-third of an inch off track.3

When barometric pressure is high, it pushes against the body from the outside and keeps the tissues from expanding. When it is low, there is less air pressure pushing against the body, allowing the tissues to expand, which puts pressure on the joints. Even though there may seem to be only a small change in pressure, people with sensitive joints can discern a difference, especially those with injuries, chronic inflammation or even scarring of the tissues.

If you are someone who has tender joints or muscles, here are some practical tips to help maintain Active Wellness:

  1. Dress warmly for the outdoors. Wear layers so you can peel them off when temperatures fluctuate. Layers also help trap in your body’s natural heat. Since heat is often lost from the extremities, wear gloves, socks and a hat.
  2. When indoors, try to keep your home warm. Use a heating pad on your joints if needed. Heat relaxes muscles and helps ease achiness.
  3. Soak in warm tubs, if possible. Hot tubs can provide great relief.
  4. Swimming in a heated pool is one of the best exercises to soothe joints. It’s not weight bearing, yet it provides great cardiovascular exercise.
  5. Inactivity causes increased stiffness of the joints, so keep physically mobile no matter how the temperature dips. Be sure to warm up to prevent stiffening of the joints and muscles. If you can’t stand being outdoors in the cold, find something to do indoors, whether it’s going to the gym or exercising to a DVD, dancing or using a treadmill or stationary bike at home.
  6. Stay hydrated. Dehydration increases sensitivity to discomforts, especially in the joints. Hence the saying, “Keep the joints lubricated.” Caffeine and alcohol are dehydrating, so the best thing to drink is water.
  7. Lose weight if you need to. In people with tender joints, especially in the knees, even a few pounds can make a difference. Weight puts a strain on the knees and joints.
  8. Check your vitamin D levels. Research shows that low levels of vitamin D might increase sensitivity to the discomforts of arthritis. Since you might not get enough vitamin D from sunshine if you tend to stay indoors during cold weather, you may need a supplement such as Kenzen® Mega Daily 4. It supplies 100% of the RDA of vitamin D as well as other beneficial vitamins, minerals and vegetable superfoods.
  9. To give your joints nutritional support, consider Kenzen® Joint with its advanced formula of a naturally occurring compound, cetyl myristoleate. This ingredient has natural surfactant and lubricant properties to help in smooth movement.*
  10. The same ingredient is found in CM Cream Complex. When applied topically, the combination of cetyl myristoleate with peppermint, aloe and menthol, provides a naturally cooling and soothing effect.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

1, 2 https://www.self.com/story/why-joints-hurt-more-cold-winter-weather

3 https://reverehealth.com/live-better/cold-weather-joints/

Stay Healthy through the Flu Season with Active Wellness

Published on by Nikken

Extreme weather conditions wreak havoc. Cold, flu, bronchitis and pneumonia lead to misery and even death. What can we do to help maintain good health with all the germs around us?

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University conducted an experiment that suggests the more restful sleep we get, the better our chances of fighting off respiratory bugs. The scientists worked with 153 healthy men and women who agreed to be quarantined and injected with cold viruses. Monitored over the next five days, those who slept less than seven hours nightly were nearly three times more likely to contract colds than those who slept eight hours or more. The researchers measured how deeply the people slept in addition to the number of hours, and the people who had better sleep quality were the ones more likely to fight off colds.1

David Katz, MD, founder of the Yale University Prevention Research Center and author of Disease-Proof: The Remarkable Truth About What Makes Us Well, explains that “our bodies need seven to eight hours of sleep in order to stimulate an immune response from our ‘natural killer cells,’ which attack viruses. Sleep is my most reliable defense against infection.”2 There’s nothing comparable to the Kenko Naturest® Mattress Topper when it comes to helping you with restful sleep!

Here are some other suggestions to help prevent or shorten colds, flus and respiratory viruses:

  • Eat protein. Douglas Kalman, PhD, RD, director of nutrition and applied clinical trials at Miami Research Associates in Florida says, “Research shows that diets too low in protein can deplete the immune system. So I make sure to get protein-rich foods throughout the day, especially fish, eggs and yogurt.” 2 Nikken makes it easy with nutritional pea protein in Kenzen Vital Balance®!
  • Drink lots of water. Paramedic Kristina Economou of Monterey, California says, “As a paramedic, I never know what germs I’ll be encountering, so I drink water constantly to flush toxins out of the lymph system.” 2
  • Use a water bottle. A kindergarten teacher in Atlanta, Georgia, Cheryl Lassister says, “I never use water fountains or the railings on stairs. They’ve got the prints of hundreds of germy hands and mouths. And they don’t get sanitized as other surfaces, like sinks. I’ll use my own water bottle!” 2 The PiMag® Sport Bottle not only serves as your personal water bottle but it also has a built in filter, so you get alkaline water without sediment!
  • Get massages regularly. A massage therapist in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Christine Nelson says she doesn’t just give massages, she gets them. She explains, “I receive massages once a month to increase my circulation, which boosts immunity by nourishing cells with more oxygen and blood. It also makes me relaxed and less stressed. When you’re less stressed, you’re less likely to be a germ magnet.” 2 When you feel like a quick massage, there’s nothing easier than the hand-held KenkoTouch® with its warming pulsation in three speeds or the MagCreator.
  • Take care of your gut. According to the National Institute of Health, approximately 70 to 80 percent of the body’s immune tissue is located within the digestive system, so boosting your immune system really requires a healthy gut.3 For efficient G.I. Tract support, Kenzen® Lactoferrin 2.0™ is both helpful and convenient!
  • Drink tea. Murray Grossnan, MD, ear, nose and throat specialist at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles, California says, “I drink hot black or green tea with lemon and honey. Drinking the tea and breathing in steam stimulates the cilia—the hair follicles in the nose—to move out germs more efficiently. Lemon thins mucus and honey is antibacterial.” 2

Wise diet and lifestyle choices can improve your health and well-being. For your well-being, Nikken provides choices in support of Active Wellness with its nutritional supplements, water and sleep products.

1 https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/dont-let-a-cold-get-you-down#1

2 http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20752945,00.html

3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2515351/ 

New Year, New Approach to Active Wellness

Published on by Nikken

Do you beat yourself up for caving into bad food cravings? Do you blame yourself for lacking will power? Understanding why you have those annoying cravings for sugar, fat, salt and so on, may be just how you can curb them!

In 2008, the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) formed the Human Microbiome Project (HMP). Microbiome is defined as “the collection of microbes or microorganisms that inhabit an environment, creating a ‘mini-ecostystem.’”1

The human microbiome, located in the gut, is made up of trillions of bacteria that send messages to the brain. This communication is known as the “brain-gut connection.” Because approximately 70 to 80 percent of the body’s immune tissue is located within the digestive system, boosting your immune system really requires a healthy gut.2

The good news is that you can actually help manage your microbiome and influence the brain-gut connection as well as strengthen your immune system. You can increase the good gut bacteria that sends the brain positive messages and decrease the bad bacteria that causes bad food cravings. In this way, “you are what you eat.”

How to manifest a positive brain-gut connection is relatively simple, but the challenge is getting started. Since good bacteria thrives on fiber and nutrient-dense food, eating that type of food consistently is the key to a healthy brain-gut connection. Good bacteria feeds on fibrous food, digests it and releases a gas up to the brain, telling it that the body is well nourished. When the brain is told that the body is well nourished, it doesn’t think there’s a need to fill in the gaps created by a lack of nutrition. It’s a healthy cycle where nutrient-dense food that is fibrous creates more good bacteria.

On the other hand, bad food leaves nutritional gaps. The gaps are what lead to those unhealthy cravings. Sugar and processed foods contain empty calories rather than useful nutrients and the bad bacteria feeds off of it! In other words, when you avoid foods that generate negative messages from the gut to the brain, you’ll minimize cravings.

Fiber does more than curb cravings. It also helps your mood. The Human Microbiome Project has shown that serotonin, the “feel-good” chemical the body generates, is actually created in the gut, not the brain. More fiber and nutrient-dense food in the gut therefore influences our emotional health as well as our physical well being.

You may be surprised how quickly a healthy gut helps the brain minimize unhealthy cravings and also helps improve your overall health. If you currently don’t eat lots of fibrous foods, integrate them into your daily regimen slowly so that your body has time to adjust. Incorporate it into each meal or snack. The fiber will give a sense of fullness to help you cut back on sugar and processed food.

  • Eat leafy greens, asparagus, any type of bean and root vegetables.
  • Try not to peel apples and pears. Well-scrubbed potato and carrot skins are also fibrous and edible.
  • Do you throw away stems? For example, broccoli stems are full of healthy fiber and taste great in soups and stir-fries. The same is true of kale and spinach stems.
  • Add variety to your diet. Be adventuresome and try vegetables you haven’t had. Or, try new ways of preparing your favorites. Many vegetables are delicious raw while others are easily steamed or sautéed.
  • Be generous in your use of garlic, onions, herbs and spices. They are also sources of fiber and add so much flavor.

The happier your microbiome, the fewer bad food cravings there’ll be. Change doesn’t happen overnight, but the important thing is to get started in helping your gut converse positively with your brain! Best of all, you will discover how delicious these nutrient-dense and fibrous foods are!

To help jumpstart your microbiome, take Kenzen® Digestion Complex 4-20 to assist in processing the additional fiber you eat. Containing a combination of ingredients that tackles fats, proteins, carbohydrates and fiber, Kenzen® Digestion Complex 4-20 supports the assimilation of all types of nutrients.* And to help your circulatory and immune systems work optimally with your gut, take Kenzen® Immunity and Kenzen® Lactoferrin 2.0!

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

1 https://www.hmpdacc.org/hmp/overview/

2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2515351/ 

 

 

 

 

New Year Message from the CEO

Published on by Nikken

Hello. To our friends and partners we offer our thanks for your support of our vision to make every home a Nikken Wellness Home. At the conclusion of a year marked by unforeseen natural disasters in so many places for so many, we wish everyone affected god speed on their recovery.

At Nikken, we remain steadfast and resolute to the core principle of living a Life in Balance as suggested by the 5 Pillars of Health®. Customers can trust products from Nikken to deliver on their benefits. Consultants can trust that Nikken offers a transparent, lucrative compensation plan that rewards building wide and deep.

The hectic world that we live in can at times be both overwhelming and frustrating. And even though we can’t completely avoid the fast pace of contemporary life, there is an alternative. In a word, Nikken. Our company is an oasis built on trust and belief in our mission to facilitate mental, physical and financial wellness. We believe the way to fulfill our mission is through retailing Wellness Homes.

Only the Nikken Wellness Home makes an Active Wellness lifestyle possible. Restful sleep, PiMag® water, exercise and natural and organic nutrition are the key components of Active Wellness. With any category of Nikken products, you can begin the process of assisting people with building their Wellness Homes. The Wellness Home premise is universal: everyone needs to sleep well, drink beneficial water and partake of healthy nutrition in order to live a Life in Balance.

When you build a Wellness Home and teach others to do the same, you create a healthy lifestyle that provides you with a livelihood. Spread the word. Educate your Consultants on how to grow their Nikken businesses by building their Wellness Homes as well as by creating repetitive orders for customers who are also learning to build their own Wellness Homes. It’s a never-ending cycle of health and prosperity.

In 2018, make it a point to be a role model for Active Wellness. Continue reaching out to new people and sponsor customers and Consultants. Continue learning by visiting our Nikken website and reading our weekly blogs on nikkenactivewellness.com. Mentor newcomers.

At Nikken, we pledge to continue to be trendsetters in the journey towards health and prosperity.

With much gratitude, I wish you Peace, Hope and Joy in the New Year!

Kurt H. Fulle                                                                                                                                          CEO & Chairman of the Board

Kurt Fulle

Keep it Simple: Make a Decision and Take Action

Published on by Nikken

The dictionary defines “resolution” as “a firm decision to do or not to do something” as well as “the action of solving a problem, dispute or contentious matter.” This might be the time of year when some of us secretly feel disappointment for the goals we did not accomplish this year. Apparently 80% of new year resolutions fail by February!1

To prevent this from happening cyclically, we have to change our mindset and embrace discipline in a Zen kind of way. In other words, keep an open mind, get rid of biases and preconceived notions, set our goals for the new year, make the commitment, create an action plan, and then act on it. If we lapse, we need to forgive ourselves and get right back on that proverbial horse.

To make the coming year your best business year yet, you need to know why you’re in business with Nikken and what you’re willing to commit to in terms of sponsoring, retailing and mentoring. What were you focused on in 2017? Was it effective? What will you focus on in 2018?

Here are some suggestions to help you make 2018 your best Nikken year yet:

  • Choose to believe in yourself and trust the company. Trust that you can do it and trust that Nikken is behind you all the way.
  • Plan your day the night before. Make your to-do list and have it prioritized.
  • Set aside a time every day to look over and manage your business on your myNikken Virtual Office. You need to know who your potential stars are and mentor them closely. You also need to encourage the forgetful ones to go on Autoship so they will never run out of product. Remember that there is Retail Autoship as well as Consultant Autoship.
  • Incorporate the Everyday Weight Management Pack into your Active Wellness lifestyle. The Pack is not just about being at the right weight. It’s about good nutrition and a digestive tract that works efficiently. You are a walking advertisement, so stay physically and mentally fit.
  • Resolve to be a role model and have a 30 to 60 second testimonial ready about how you’ve benefited from Nikken physically, mentally and financially. How can you sell anyone on product or business-building benefits if you don’t practice what you preach?
  • Make sure you’re personally retailing at least 500 points monthly. (For example, retail just one Water Pack and you’re there, or an Everyday Weight Management Pack and you’re almost there.)
  • Make it a point to follow up with your retail customers.
  • Sponsor at least three people who are each committed to retailing 500 points a month. Show them how to earn by sponsoring their own three team members.
  • A Wellness Home begins with you and what you put into your body. Build your own Wellness Home with Nikken products from the Nutrition, Water and Sleep categories. Teach your team members and new customers to do the same.

An old network marketing saying is “overanalysis is paralysis.” We tend to complicate work and life with too many ifs, ands or buts. Instead, we need to think things through, make solid decisions and follow through. There will always be good days and bad days, but the key is to stick to the plan. Speaking the right lingo is not enough, as actions make businesses grow. By taking the right actions consistently, you’ll be congratulating yourself for a year of achievement when next December comes rolling around!

1 http://www.businessinsider.com/new-years-resolutions-courses-2016-12

 

Give Your Sweet Tooth a Treat

Published on by Nikken

In 1898, the U.S. Department of Agriculture created a special department called “Agriculture Explorers.” Their goal was to travel and find new food crops to bring back to farm in the United States. David Fairchild, a botanist who helped found the program, first traveled to Baghdad to investigate dates. By the early 1900s, date palm cuttings were brought back as offshoots to grow in the U.S. Long a staple food in the Middle East as well as northern Africa, dates are now common in the warmer regions of California and Florida.

Dates are naturally sweet and have been called nature’s “candy.”1 For this reason, dates are often used as a natural replacement for sugar in desserts and pastries. Because of their sticky consistency, dried dates are ideal for holding together nuts, oats and other high-fiber grains commonly found in energy bars. In fact, dates themselves contain lots of insoluble and soluble fiber, which helps to clean out the gastrointestinal system. Dates are therefore praised for promoting digestive health.

Very high in its mineral content, dates are rich in potassium, copper, manganese, and magnesium.2 Potassium is one of the prime ingredients in promoting a healthy and responsive nervous system, and it also helps improve the speed and alertness of brain activity. 3 Magnesium is known for its anti-inflammatory benefits as well as its ability to help lower blood pressure together with potassium. 2 High in iron content, dates are often recommended for those suffering from low blood iron and/or fatigue. The significant amounts of minerals found in dates also make them a superfood for strengthening and maintaining bone health.

Dates are a good source of phytochemicals, such as phenols and carotenoids, and contain vitamins A, B1, B2, niacin and traces of vitamin C.1 Known to help boost energy levels within a half hour of consumption, they are recommended as snacks for athletes and active people. It’s even said that “a date a day will help you maintain eye health all your life.” 3  

Most dates grown in the U.S. have a USDA total ORAC value of 3895, which makes them high in natural antioxidants. Even better, dates are high in anthocyanins, natural flavonoids that give fruit their blue and red coloring. Anthocyanins are nine times more bioavailable than other flavonoids.4

1 Ahluwalia, Sudhir, “Formulating with Dates,” Snacks & Bars: Convenience Without Compromise, October 2017 digital magazine.

2 http://naturalsociety.com/health-benefits-of-dates-7-reasons-eat-date-fruit/

3 https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-dates.html

4 https://healthyfocus.org/12-health-benefits-of-dates/

10 Health Trends for 2018

Published on by Nikken

As we approach the end of 2017, it’s the perfect time to assess some of the health trends for 2018. Here are 10 that dovetail with the Nikken focus on Active Wellness.

1          Less sugar consumption. A recent survey found that 12% fewer adults and 19% fewer children have a sugary beverage like soda or juice on any given day compared to data from 2003.1 See our blog from January 17, 2017

2          Matcha tea. The powdered tea dates back to the 10th century, when Zen Buddhists found that the tea brought them a sense of clarity, focus, energy, and a feeling of well-being. In addition, matcha creates that feeling of being awake but calm. That’s because L-theanine helps lead to relaxation without drowsiness. L-theanine also helps produce dopamine and serotonin, which enhance mood, improve memory, and boost concentration.2 Kenzen Ten4® Energy Drink Mix, made with the highest quality of organic matcha tea leaves, launched in 2014.

3          Increase in water intake. People are learning to drink more water to stay hydrated throughout the day. Dehydration can cause dizziness, headache, sleepiness and cramping. To help increase water consumption, you can stir in lemon, orange or other sliced/chopped fruit, add mulled herbs for a natural flavor boost, and drink a whole glass of water at each meal.

4          Flexitarian diet. The focus is on incorporating more plant-based food into the diet without completely forgoing meat. Gradually replace some meat and seafood with vegetable proteins. With Kenzen nutritional supplements and the Everyday Weight Management program, it’s easy to focus on a plant-based diet that includes apportioned lean meats.

5     Adaptogenic herbs and spices to help reduce inflammation.3 Inflammation and chronic stress are so talked about now that natural ways to help address them have taken center stage. Adding herbs and spices is a great way to flavor food and increase intake of antioxidants. Nikken nutritional supplements are formulated with adaptogens:

  • Kenzen® Cleanse and Detox has ashwaganda, shisandra, turmeric extract, bupleurum extract and milk thistle—all organic.
  • Kenzen® Clarity has turmeric, ashwagandha , gingko leaf, bacopa leaf and lion’s mane mushroom—all organic.
  • Kenzen® Lactoferrin 2.0™ has turmeric, rhodiola, ginger and inulin, all organic.
  • Kenzen® Immunity has 14 species of mushrooms, all adaptogenic and grown under laboratory conditions.

6   Temperature regulating fabric. Large companies have begun touting the benefits of wearing clothes or support garments that keep you both warm and cool. Nikken is one of the few companies that incorporates ceramic-reflective fibers in sleep products and support wraps to help release heat and maintain a comfortable temperature.

7     Fermented food and beverages. “If you’re consuming a diet rich in fermented foods, you’re essentially bathing your GI tract in healthy, food-related organisms,” says food scientist Robert Hutkins, PhD, a professor at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln whose lab focuses on the link between fermented foods and human health.4 Kenzen® Clarity contains 100% organic ingredients that are fermented to increase the macro- and micro-nutrients while breaking down food that is difficult to process.

8     Consumption of pulses. Pulses refer to the dry seeds of edible legumes, such as peas, beans, lentils and chickpeas. High in protein and fiber while low in fat, pulses are nutrient-dense and help you stay on a plant-focused diet. The primary ingredient in Kenzen Vital Balance® is organic pea protein.

9     “Smart” beds and pillows to help you sleep better. Sleep products have been “numbered,” “angled” and made with memory foam and contouring husks. Ask anyone who has experienced a Kenko Sleep System and you’ll never want to sleep on anything else.

10     Monk fruit. Known as luo han guo in China, where it grows naturally, the Chinese have eaten it for millennia. Now the world has discovered monk fruit as a natural sweetener with zero calories. This expensive ingredient is prominent in both vanilla and chocolate flavors of Kenzen Vital Balance® Meal Replacement Mix. Read all about it in our blog.