Sip and "C": O.J.-based power drinks for summer

Summer's here, and there's no reason why staying healthy and hydrated shouldn't be fun. Beat heat-induced sluggishness with these fresh and fruity power drinks. All three have an orange juice base, which means they are rich in vitamin C, fiber, folate, vitamin B1 (thiamin), potassium, vitamin A and calcium. According to WebMD, regular shots of O.J. can help fight cholesterol and control blood pressure - and who doesn't want that? So head to the kitchen, throw one of these babies together, pour it into a wine glass and drink to your health! 


Açai Ya! 
1/2 C Sambazon organic Açaí (available at Costco)
1/2 C of orange juice


Health benefits:
This particular brand of Açaí juice is rich in antioxidants, healthy omegas, fiber and protein. "Some studies show that Açaí fruit pulp has a very high antioxidant capacity with even more antioxidant content than cranberry, raspberry, blackberry, strawberry or blueberry. Studies are ongoing, though, and the jury is still out." –WebMD



Just Beet It
1/4 C red beet juice  
1/4 C carrot juice 
1/2 C orange juice 


If you don't have a juicer, simply use a blender and then strain the juice using a thin cloth. Be sure to wash, peel and chop vegetables before blending.


Health benefits:
Red beets have high levels of carotenoid, are an excellent source of folic acid and magnese, and are loaded with antioxidants. "Researchers believe the red pigment (called betacyanin) in beets could protect against development of cancerous cells and might play a role in reducing the inflammation associated with heart disease." –WebMD


Carrots are the richest vegetable source of vitamin A, with high levels of vitamin K and vitamin C. "The latest research on carrots shows these sweet, crunchy veggies may help control blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing diabetes. They're also a top cholesterol-fighting food, thanks to ample amounts of soluble fiber — the kind found in oats." –WebMD


Taken for Pomegranate 
1/2 C pomegranate juice
1/2 C orange juice


Health Benefits:
"Pomegranate juice is anti-inflammatory and rich in antioxidants. It contains some of the same polyphenols found in tea, as well as isoflavones found in soy, plus ellagic acid found in berries, which is believed to play a role in cancer cell death." –Dr. Weil


"A recent study by UCLA researcher Allan Pantuck, MD, and colleagues found that drinking only eight ounces of pomegranate juice a day had a significant effect on levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which is widely used as a gauge of prostate health.  High PSA levels are a red flag for prostate cancer." –Harry Fisch, MD on www.doctoroz.com


"Eating pomegranates or drinking pomegranate juice may help prevent and slow the growth of some types of breast cancer. A new study shows a group of phytochemicals called ellagitannins found in abundance in pomegranates inhibited the growth of estrogen-responsive breast cancer in laboratory tests." –WebMD

Moisturizing in the Desert: Say no to snake skin!

Arizona is not the best place for my skin. In fact, I don't think the desert is a ,place for humans in general. But I landed here after the Northridge earthquake in 2004, and I have learned to like it.

Body and facial moisturizers designed for the general public are not always efficient against the desert’s dry air. Before I decided to go green, I’ve tried big brands like Lancome and drugstore brands such as Nivea and Neutrogena. But when I passed the age of 30, it seemed like my skin was getting dry faster than usual. I could see it dying, and I needed to find products that kept my skin moisturized without injecting it with chemicals.

Lucky for me, Dr. Andrew Weil, who happens to be an Arizona native, has come up with a line of facial treatments for Origins. I’ve been a fan of Dr. Weil’s integrative medicine for a long time, even read some of his books, so I decided to try his products. I can honestly tell you that they are the best I’ve ever used.

Rhodiola: The creams are thick and luxurious. They leave my skin looking healthy and smooth, without any excess oil. The smell took a little time to get used to. Unlike the perfume-y chemicals added to most products, Dr. Weil's products are plant-based and smell more like medicine. However, the smell vanishes after the product gets absorbed into the skin, so no one will notice it but you.

In the morning I apply the Plantidote™ Mega-Mushroom Face Serum, followed by the Plantidote™ Mega-Mushroom Face Cream, and the Plantidote™ Mega-Mushroom Eye Serum, followed by Origins Youthtopia™ Firming eye cream (Dr. Weil doesn’t have an eye cream yet). At night I apply the same serums and eye cream from above, but change the facial cream to the Night Health™offered by Dr. Weil.

When removing makeup, I use the Plantidote™ Mega-Mushroom Eye Makeup Remover Pads with Therapeutic Benefits. I figured that what’s good for my eyes is good for my face. These pads are very gentle and soothing; however, if you use a lot of makeup you might find them too soft and should try his Plantidote™ Mega-Mushroom Face Cleanser. I use mineral-based makeup, which is very light and easy to remove.

For my body, I use The Way of the Bath™ Matcha Tea Body Lotion, it feels like I just came home from the spa. In fact, if you really want to pamper yourself try The Way of the Bath™ Matcha Tea Body Soak and The Way of the Bath™ Matcha Tea Body Scrub. I absolutely love them, and they smell wonderful.

For more information go to www.origins.com. If you try out these products, I would love to hear what you think! ~J.S.