Coconut water matches sports drinks?

If you’re thinking about grabbing a bottle of Powerade or Gatorade after a workout, try drinking coconut water instead. According to a study that involved rehydrating men after a 60-minue workout, pure coconut water was just as effective as coconut water from concentrate and a sport drink containing carbohydrates and electrolytes. With sales above $450 million worldwide, coconut water is one of the fastest growing new categories in sports beverages according to New Nutrition Business. The popularity of coconut water can be attributed to having the same isotonic benefits as sports drinks, but they are a natural product with no additives of any kind, including sweeteners. They are also a great source of calcium, magnesium, and potassium. However, it should be noted that this study was funded by VitaCoco Company who sells 100% pure coconut water. Remember to always see who’s funding the study before you make your own conclusions!

Check out this article at:

http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/Research/Coconut-water-matches-carb-electrolyte-sports-beverage-for-rehydration-Study

From Jessica P

Feeling blue? Try these mood-boosting foods!

Even though we haven’t had the typical Canadian season filled with short, cold and snowy days, the winter months still seem to come with a change in our mood to more of an anxious, agitated, sluggish or sad state. To combat this, maybe try a natural alternative like some of these delicious food items that will make you feel better and boost your brain activity!

Mussels: Loaded with the brain protecting vitamin B12, which can keep your mind sharp as you age. Mussels also contain trace nutrients like zinc, iodine and selenium that affect your thyroid, the master mood regulator.

Swiss Chard: This green vegetable is filled with magnesium, which is essential for biochemical reactions that occur in the brain to boost energy levels and could potentially aid in depression.

Blue Potatoes: Not a common vegetable, but the blue colour is due to the amount of anthocyanins (antioxidants that are in blueberries too!) that have neuro-protective benefits including improving short-term memory and enhancing your mood.  The potato skin also contains iodine, which again, helps to regulate the thyroid.

Asparagus: Contains loads of tryptophan, which is the basis for serotonin, the primary mood-regulating neurotransmitter. Asparagus also contains folate which can help combat against depression. And for those who enjoy drinking alcohol, the enzymes found in asparagus can also act as a hangover aid and effectively break down alcohol in your system.

Check out this website for the full list of foods! 

http://todayhealth.today.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/02/06/10312402-happiness-may-be-a-bite-away-with-11-mood-boosting-foods

- Kendra!