Green Coffee Bean Extract: The Plexus Slim® Ingredient With a Polyphenol Twist

GREEN MEANS GO.

And, speaking of green…We’re talking about the health benefits of green coffee bean extract. Green coffee extract is part of the blend in Slim. What makes green coffee such a valuable polyphenol? The quick answer: its chlorogenic acid content (CGA).

CGA has tons of health benefits . Let’s dive deeper into polyphenols and the advantages of chlorogenic acid. And, of course, how they come together in Slim to a healthy glucose metabolism and have you on your way to a healthier, happier you!*

THE LOWDOWN ON THE UPSIDE OF POLYPHENOLS

Polyphenols are easy for your body to ingest because polyphenols derive from natural compounds commonly found in plants—think: fruits, veggies, cereals, tea, wine, and—yes—green coffee bean extract.

Classified as flavonoids or nonflavonoids, compounds of polyphenols, when ingested, are interpreted by your body as xenobiotics.

WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? WE HOPED YOU’D ASK!

POLYPHENOLS PROMOTE BODY BALANCE

Centuries of alterations in diet and environment have naturally caused our human gastrointestinal systems to become unbalanced. Lack of balance can lead to a disturbance in your gut microbiota and adverse conditions affecting digestive, immune, and metabolism health. Gut what? Gut microbiota, refers to the trillions of microorganisms that reside in your GI tract—bacteria, fungi, viruses, and archaea.

The good news is that because polyphenols are plant-based, they’re all-natural and can be found in many accessible foodstuffs, including:

• Wild blueberries
• Cranberry extract
• Concord grape extract
• Plums
• Peaches
• Cherries
• Dry Legumes

BACK TO GREEN COFFEE BEAN EXTRACT

What makes Slim so desirable—in addition to the delicious raspberry-lemon-watermelon flavor, 5 teeny-tiny calories, and the absence of any additives or preservatives—is the presence of polyphenols in a special blend of green coffee bean extract containing 50 percent chlorogenic acid.

The popularity and potency of green coffee bean extract are largely due to the higher chlorogenic acid content. Because green coffee beans aren’t roasted, they retain much more chlorogenic acid than other forms of polyphenols. And, as an added benefit, the caffeine in Slim is so minor, that it’s negligible.

WHY IS IT BENEFICIAL TO INGEST HIGH LEVELS OF CHLOROGENIC ACID?

Plus, the metabolic impact results in weight loss, in addition to promoting overall optimal health. Our clinical studies demonstrate that you can expect weight loss of up to 5.4 pounds within 60 days when taking Plexus Slim and partaking in a Mediterranean Diet.◊*

KEEP UP THE GOOD HEALTH

By regularly taking Slim and subscribing to a phenol-rich diet, not only can you support positive gut microbiota outcomes, you can strive to “greenlight” your way to better overall health.*

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2835915/

https://plexusslim.com/

*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.

◊Participants in an independent, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, human clinical study, who used one pack of Slim twice a day lost an average of 5.45 pounds in 8 weeks, while the placebo group lost an average of 3.12 pounds. There was a trend to weight decrease with Slim group (p=0.059).

5 Health Benefits of Kissing to Get Excited About!

There’s nothing like a great kiss, right?

(Actually, there’s nothing like a terrible kiss, either…but let’s keep this positive.)

A great kiss can be the start of something beautiful—the innocent beginning to a new relationship or the symbol of a brand-new marriage. But kissing can also be more than just a bonding experience (pun intended).

In fact, there are actual health benefits of kissing that just might surprise you! Here are our five favorite health benefits of kissing!

1. Happy hormones

While many of us associate hormones with mood swings and acne, there are also hormones that have positive effects on your health and happiness—and kissing brings those happy hormones to the surface.

Among these is the top happiness booster serotonin, which can help with stress and anxiety, and oxytocin—the hormone that gives you that feeling of a love connection toward your kissing partner.¹

2. Fight cavities

Okay, so it’s not going to replace your six-month cleaning any time soon, but the extra saliva generated in your mouth from a kiss (especially a long, wet one) can actually help keep plaque and bacteria at bay in your mouth.

Of course, keep in mind that you’re also, you know, swapping spit with someone else, so it doesn’t hurt to have confidence in their brushing and flossing habits as well.²

3. Stronger facial muscles

We may not be experts on every piece of exercise equipment ever made, but…we’ve never seen a machine at the gym specifically designed to tone the muscles on your face. Thankfully, all you need to give your face a good workout is someone to kiss!

A good smooching session could work as many as 30 facial muscles, helping to tone, tighten, and firm your face. Bonus: kissing can burn calories too, although it pales in comparison to a good cardio workout. Worth a try, right?³

4. Boost your immune system

Your mouth is home to hundreds of bacteria…and so is your partner’s. By allowing new bacteria into your mouth, you’re widening the spectrum of bacteria in your body.

This can be beneficial since some of this bacteria is actually helpful and since exposing your system to different kinds of bacteria can boost your immune system.⁴

5. Calm down

Kissing quiets your mind and helps you to feel more present and alive. It might also work to help lower your blood pressure, since it directs blood towards your face, lowering demand for the rest of the body.³

So, the next time you’re looking for a little health boost, go in for the kiss!

References

¹http://www.foxnews.com/printer_friendly_wires/2009Feb13/0,4675,SCIRomanceUnraveled,00.html

² https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18942596

³ http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/14/health/upwave-kissing/

⁴ http://www.webmd.com/sex-relationships/features/kissing-benefits

When is the Best Time to Work Out? Benefits of A.M. vs. P.M.

Less stress, better sleep, more energy, weight loss, and improved performance at work or in the classroom.¹ There’s no denying that working out has some seriously sweet perks. But did you know the benefits you get from exercising can differ depending on the time of day you’re hitting the gym?

But when is the best time to work out?

Whether it’s at the crack of dawn or a stop on your way home from the office, the time of day you spend exercising can make a difference. Are you looking to get toned faster? Do you need additional focus or energy at the office? How do you best handle stress? Believe it or not, the time of day you’re at the gym can greatly impact how you answer these questions.

Don’t get us wrong, exercise performed at any time of the day is great—it’s all about finding what works best for you and your needs. Here are five reasons why you may consider choosing to work out in the morning. And, five reasons an evening exercise may be best.

References

¹ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/aerobic-exercise/art-20045541?pg=2

4 Simple Exercises to Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a hot topic in the health and wellness world. And, for good reason. As the world gets crazier, busier, and messier, people are looking for ways to stay…well, sane.

The ability to practice mindfulness is extremely beneficial to your sanity.

Mindfulness, at the most basic level, is the state of being fully present and aware—of yourself, your surroundings, your feelings, and your actions—without becoming overwhelmed, irritated, or burdened.

Sound easy? Sorry, but it’s not. Mindfulness takes a lot of practice, and it can be really tough to get to a point where you can be “mindful” at the drop of a hat.

However, as you go along your journey towards mindfulness, there are a few things you can do to boost your efforts

Here are some of our favorite activities that might help you boost mindfulness.

Power down.

Few things get your mind overworked faster than technology.

The lights, the sounds, the constant influx of information: it all adds up to “trying to keep up” rather than “being present in the moment.” This is why it can be helpful to spend deliberate time away from your phone, computer, tablet, or television.

By giving your mind a rest from all the buzz (both literal and figurative), you’re opening the way for your mind to become more present and aware.

Observe.

Part of mindfulness is being aware of what is around you.

Practice this by taking time to actively observe the things you see, hear, smell, and feel around you. Try to go deeper than just surface level observations.

Notice the little things: the background noises, the quality of the light, the temperature. Write these things down, and try not to attach any judgement to them (e.g. don’t say “It’s a little too cold” or “I don’t like that smell.”). Stick to strict observation, and remove your own feelings from the equation.

Be still.

Sometimes, the best activity you can do…is no activity at all.

Keeping still can help you become more mindful of yourself—specifically, your body (your physical state), and your thoughts.

Take a few minutes to do a physical scan. Are any parts of your body uncomfortable? Which ones come to your attention right away? Notice the things you don’t usually notice: your breath, your heartbeat, your pulse.

When thoughts come into your mind, acknowledge them, and then move on from them. Try not to entertain them or “chase” them; just observe them, and let them go.

Clean your house.

Yes, really. Sometimes mundane chores, like cleaning or doing the dishes, can become rote and automatic. Ironically, this makes these activities great opportunities for boosting mindfulness, as you’ll be able to easily get the job done while making new observations.

Notice how your clean sheets smell and feel, and how it looks as you stretch them over your mattress. Really feel the water run over your hands as you wash the dishes, and notice the sounds the suds make.

Reaching a new level of awareness during everyday tasks can make you more mindful overall.

The list of positive effects of mindfulness is growing every day. Try one of these activities and see how being mindful can help you feel more present, calm, and happy.

> What are some ways you practice mindfulness? Tell us on Facebook!

> Having trouble focusing on your work? Here are 5 natural ways to improve concentration.

4 Leafy Green Vegetables with Incredible Health & Beauty Benefits

As the legend goes, the Fountain of Youth has the power to make you young if you drink and bathe in it. The famous Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon searched the New World during the 16^thCentury and never discovered it.

Like most myths, this story may have some basis in reality—if you replace the water with leafy green vegetables.

Leafy greens provide us with a variety of vitamins, nutrients, and things that promote the health attributes associated with youth. It seems your Fountain of Youth can be found in the produce aisle of the supermarket or the raised garden in your backyard.

Here’s a list of our top four youth-creating veggies and their benefits.

Cilantro

A popular herb in Puerto Rico, cilantro delivers powerful aging protection. Its high level of antioxidants helps resist cell damage caused by free radicals. These harmful free radicals are believed to factor into a variety of troublesome—and aging—health conditions.¹

Mustard Greens

Like cilantro, mustard greens provide antioxidants. But they can also help cleanse the liver and lower bad cholesterol by allowing the liver to balance its production of bile acids and cholesterol.²The end result? Mustard greens help to support healthy cholesterol levels—resulting in less plaque buildup in your heart and major arteries.

In other words, this leafy green helps keep the cardiovascular system flowing.

Dandelion Greens

That “weed” growing in your lawn is well-suited for the dinner table.

Dandelion greens are loaded with key elements to promote good eyesight. Two of the main nutrients needed for vision excellence are lutein and zeaxanthin. And, dandelions deliver big time. They help the eyes filter sharp light that can damage tissue.³

While glasses may not just be a sign of old age, eyesight tends to diminish as we get older.

Kale

This leafy green has been trending as a “superfood” in recent years—and, for good reason. Rich in vitamins and nutrients, kale delivers tremendous overall health benefits.

For those that desire to capture the exterior beauty promised by the Fountain of Youth, kale may be the closest thing. It provides nutrients that augment things many people pay for at spas and salons.

• Skin: Kale enjoys high levels of Vitamin K that keep the skin taut and reduce unsightly dark circles under the eyes. It also carries lutein necessary to increase collagen for skin strength and Vitamin A that helps repair damage. ⁴
• Hair: Kale’s omegas-3 and 6 help maintain a healthy scalp, free from flaking and dandruff. It also aids in healthy hair growth. ⁴

Bonus: Bone Boosters

Many fresh garden greens are rich in calcium and strengthen bones.

The recommended daily allowance of calcium for women between the ages of 19 and 50 is 1,000 milligrams. After 50, women should take in 1,200 milligrams.⁵

Those are difficult health numbers to hit. While milk and yogurts are often primary calcium sources, leafy greens are a terrific women’s health supplement. A large salad that includes vegetables such as collard greens, kale, arugula, and spinach can supply hundreds of milligrams to your calcium cause. ⁶

We all want to stay healthy, fit, and enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle. Fortunately, we don’t have to become world explorers to look and feel good. We can plant our own little Fountain of Youth.

> Did you know there’s a relationship between food color and nutrition? Learn more about your food here.

> Discover the Lean & Green Protein Shake everyone’s raving about…

References

1 http://www.webmd.com/alzheimers/news/20020625/antioxidants-fight-alzheimers#1

2 https://draxe.com/mustard-greens-nutrition/

3 http://www.livestrong.com/article/408645-the-health-benefits-of-eating-dandelion-greens/

4 http://stylecaster.com/beauty/kale-beauty-benefits/

5 http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/calcium-supplements/art-20047097

6 https://www.healthaliciousness.com/articles/high-calcium-vegetables.php