Elderberry Juice

Why Did We Choose To Go Organic?

Sunday, March 14, 2010 by Jennifer C
Many people may be asking why the popularity of organic foods has risen so much recently.  Also, you may wonder why Biotta made the decision to produce only organic vegetable juice and fruit juices.  To put it simply, organic foods and drinks are 100%... organic.  In the growth, harvesting, and processing phase, things like pesticides, artificial flavors and preservatives are never used.

What does this mean for the body?  According to Weightlossandtraining.com, "So is organic food better for you? Well if you consider that decreasing your toxin burden and increasing your intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can have a significant impact on health, then it certainly is."

Going organic was never a "joining the fad" decision for Biotta.  We've been doing it since the beginning - we're a pioneer in organic farming and production.  Our  mission is to promote good health and vitality.  Being organic supports that mission.  If you are looking for more information on our products, check out our organic carrot juice, beet juice, elderberry juice, or any of our other juices today!

Note:  Biotta juices are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease.  We are not medical professionals and are not in a position to provide any medical advice.  We recommend you contact your physician for a dietary regimen specific to your needs.

The Benefits of Cutting Out Caffeine! (A multi-part series)

Saturday, March 6, 2010 by Jennifer C
This is the first part of a multi-segment series on the health benefits of cutting caffeine out of your diet.  

As you may know, all* of Biotta's organic vegetable juice, fruit juice, and blends are 100% caffeine free!  We are dedicated to providing the most healthy juice possible and we know that cutting caffeine is an easy starting point...

Fact #1: Caffeine can prevent your body from absorbing vitamins and minerals.

According to Dr. Dan Rutherford on NetDoctor.co.uk, "[Caffeine] can increase the excretion of vitamins and minerals from the body, so you won't get the full benefits of healthy foods." When you fill your diet with caffeinated drinks, you are making it more difficult for your body to use all the vitamins and minerals you ingest every day. 

Think about it, for every cup of coffee or soda you drink, you can easily be canceling out that healthy breakfast/lunch/dinner you tried to have.  And according to Dr. Rutherford, it can take up to 18 hours for caffeine to completely leave your system, meaning it is with you for the entire day.

Like I mentioned earlier, every one* of Biotta's juices is caffeine free.  For more nutrition information on our elderberry juice, beet juice, or any of our other juices, check out Products page here!

(In the next "Benefits of Cutting Out Caffeine" post- Heart Rate & Energy)

*Biotta Energy Drink does contain natural caffeine from Guarana. 

Note:  Biotta juices are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease.  We are not medical professionals and are not in a position to provide any medical advice.  We recommend you contact your physician for a dietary regimen specific to your needs.


The respiratory benefits of drinking elderberry juice!

Monday, February 22, 2010 by Jennifer C
I hate getting sick.  It seems like every winter I'm struck with it all- a cold, the flu, a sinus infection... you name it, I've had it.  And ever since I had a severe respiratory tract infection a few years ago, I've always suffered from congestion and coughs.

After reading an article from Natural-HomeRemedies, it became clear to me how easy (and delicious) it can be to attack these problems in the future: Elderberry Juice.

The benefits of elderberry juice are countless, but the respiratory related ones are fascinating.  According to Natural-HomeRemedies:

"When the juice is consumed, the anti-inflammatory properties of the juice work to reduce the amount of mucus secreted.  It drains the mucus out of the body, thereby reducing the signs of nasal congestion."

Whether you're trying to prevent getting sick or trying to get over something, elderberry juice is effective.  While other juices may claim to help against respiratory problems, Biotta's elderberry juice is the only 100% natural juice that you'll find!

Note:  Biotta juices are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease.  We are not medical professionals and are not in a position to provide any medical advice.  We recommend you contact your physician for a dietary regimen specific to your needs.




Common Flu Treatment?

Friday, February 5, 2010 by Jennifer C
The elderberry shown effective in treating Influenza B, according to a study published in the Journal of Alternative Complementary Medicine in 2004.  The study showed that 93% of flu patients given the extract were completely symptom free in two days, while those taking a placebo recovered in about six days. 

This berry, in juice form, is rich in mineral nutrients and helps to aid in relieving inflamed and blocked respiratory passages.  It has also been found to have a positive influence on the immune system.  And with no artificial ingredients, Biotta's Organic Elderberry Juice has positive benefits for your immune system, as well as great taste!

If you are looking for something new to add to your refrigerator, Elderberry Fresh Juice is a great addition.  Find out more about its benefits here!

Note:  Biotta juices are not intended to diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease.  We are not medical professionals and are not in a position to provide any medical advice.  We recommend that you contact your physician for a dietary regimen specific to your needs.

Here’s the Juice – Share Your Story

Wednesday, February 3, 2010 by Sara Cox

Biotta’s customers are loyal and often passionate about our 100% natural fruit and vegetable juices.  Not only do our juices taste terrific, many of our customers have derived real health benefits from consistently using our products. 

We’re developing a new feature on our blog, entitled Here’s the Juice – Share your Story.  If you love our products, tell us.  If our products have resulted in identifiable health benefits for you, tell your story here on our open forum. 

Maybe Biotta Beet Juice has increased your stamina or has helped lower your blood pressure.  Perhaps regularly drinking Biotta Sauerkraut Juice had helped relieve digestive problems.  Or maybe you have steered clear of the colds and flu this season, in part by drinking Biotta Elderberry Juice.

It’s easy to share your story.  Just click on the button that says “Here’s the Juice” and a form will appear where you can detail your experience with Biotta juices.  As a fan of Biotta, why not share your story and inspire others as well?

Want more information about Biotta juices?  If you’re a consumer and want to know where to find our juices, click on the beet juice icon on the right.  If you’re a retailer that already carries our juices, click the carrot juice icon to be included in our retailer directory.  If you have any other questions, just email us.



The Juice – Your Questions Answered

Friday, January 1, 2010 by Sara Cox

Every day, we field questions about our Biotta juices—ingredients, potential health benefits, our proprietary manufacturing process, distribution, etc.  We thought that, if a few people are asking these questions, then perhaps many of you would be interested in the answers as well.  When you see our blog featuring The Juice – Your Questions Answered, you’ll know we are answering consumer questions about our 100% organic juices that may be relevant to you.

QUESTION:
I see sugar as one of the ingredients of your Elderberry Juice and Breakfast Juice.  Do your juices include added sugar?

ANSWER:
Elderberry juice is the only juice where we add sugar—organic cane sugar.  We add it because the elderberry has a very strong, bitter taste without the added sugar.  Elderberry Juice has 34 g of sugar in total; 10.5 g are naturally occurring, and 23.5g are added.


Our Breakfast Juice also lists 22.5g sugar, but all of the sugar content is naturally occurring from the ingredients of the product; there is no sugar added.  Our vegetable juices also contain sugar, but they are all naturally occurring. 




Want more information about Biotta juices?  If you’re a consumer and want to know where to find our juices, click on the beet juice icon on the right.  If you’re a retailer that already carries our juices, click the carrot juice icon to be included in our retailer directory.  If you have any other questions, just email us.

Note:  Biotta juices are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease.  We are not medical professionals and are not in a position to provide any medical advice.  We recommend you contact your physician for a dietary regimen specific to your needs.

 

 

In the News – More on the Elderberry

Monday, December 28, 2009 by Sara Cox

I keep reading more and more about the benefits of elderberries.  In the Thursday, December 10 edition of the Indianapolis Star, two articles mention elderberry as an effective weapon to keep you healthy and to help you regain your health when you are ill.

In “Feeling Lousy?  These ideas may get you back in the pink,” author Shari Rudavsky talks about the research that backs up claims for therapies to try when you are ill.  One of the things she mentions is taking elderberry at the first sign of cold or flu.*

In the same issue, another article entitled “Alternatives: Experts Wary” talks about alternative therapies, what the Center for Disease Control and Prevention does and does not endorse, and what you can do to prevent and treat the flu.  The Star asked a number of local experts for their opinions.  Products with elderberry in them ranked high on the list.  That’s because, “…unlike other alternative products, elderberry has performed well in double-blind placebo-controlled studies that have shown that it can shorten the duration of the flu.  These studies, many done on a liquid extract of elderberry called Sambucol, found that elderberry worked best when taken with the onset of symptoms.”**

An article entitled “Are these fruit products as super as they claim?” looks skeptically on some of the newer, more “exotic” fruits, such as acai, goji, mangosteen, and maqui.  But, even this article admits that “…it’s a good idea to try to get more antioxidants into your diet.”***  That’s where the elderberry comes in.  “In general,” explains the article, “darker fruits and vegetables … have higher contents of …naturally occurring chemicals, called phytochemicals, that give them color.  More phytochemicals usually means a higher antioxidant content.”***

In previous posts (About the Elderberry-12/1/09 and The Benefits of Elderberry Juice-12/4/09), we’ve examined the ways elderberry juice can help boost your immune system, ease the strain on the respiratory system, and even help lower cholesterol.  Biotta’s Elderberry Juice is made from freshly gathered, sun-ripened organic elderberries and is available in an 8.4 fl. oz. recyclable glass bottle.

Want more information about Biotta juices?  If you’re a consumer and want to know where to find our juices, click on the beet juice icon on the right.  If you’re a retailer that already carries our juices, click the carrot juice icon to be included in our retailer directory.  If you have any other questions, just email us.

Note:  Biotta juices are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease.  We are not medical professionals and are not in a position to provide any medical advice.  We recommend you contact your physician for a dietary regimen specific to your needs.

*Indianapolis Star, December 10, 2009, “Feeling Lousy? These ideas may get you back in the pink”
**Indianapolis Star, December 10, 2009, “Alternatuves: Experts Wary”
***The Plain Dealer, November 24, 2009, “Are these fruit products as super as they claim?”

H1N1 is Still a Threat

Wednesday, December 23, 2009 by George Pappas

I heard on the news this morning that, although the cases of reported H1N1 flu are down right now, experts are bracing for another wave yet to come in January.  A recent article in Taste for Life magazine reviewed the common symptoms of the flu—fever, chills, cough, dry throat, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue.  Flu lasts longer than the common cold—sometimes up to 12 days or longer.*  With an increasing number of deaths being linked to this highly contagious virus, it’s a great idea to boost your immune system to help fight off this and other viruses.

Boost Your Immune System
One of the easiest and most effective ways to boost your immune system is with a healthful, balanced diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables.  Biotta juices are an all-natural way to get the recommended number of fruit and vegetable servings.  In addition, certain juices are specifically believed to boost the immune system—especially elderberry, beet, and carrot juice.

Biotta Elderberry Juice
The Taste for Life article specifically mentioned the immune-building properties of the elderberry.  “While no medicine (herbal or conventional) has yet been definitively proven to kill the H1N1 virus, a recent cell study shows that the flavonoids in elderberry bind to this virus.  Investigators add that these substances ‘compare favorably to the known anti-influenza activities of Oseltamivir (Tamiflu).’”*

Another recent study, cited in a PRWeb® press release** also cited the benefits of elderberries in boosting immunity.  Elderberries have twice the amount of antioxidants as blueberries and cranberries.  Elderberry juice also supplies vitamin C to assist in the prevention and treatment of colds; it’s been medically proven as a strong anti-viral and immune system enhancer.  Biotta’s Elderberry Juice is made from freshly gathered, sun-ripened organic elderberries and is available in an 8.4 fl. oz. recyclable glass bottle.

Want more information about Biotta juices?  If you’re a consumer and want to know where to find our juices, click on the beet juice icon on the right.  If you’re a retailer that already carries our juices, click the carrot juice icon to be included in our retailer directory.  If you have any other questions, just email us.

Note:  Biotta juices are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease.  We are not medical professionals and are not in a position to provide any medical advice.  We recommend you contact your physician for a dietary regimen specific to your needs.

*Taste for Life, (November, 2009), page 18
**PR Web® - Health News: Immune System Support is Important for Young Adults as Seasons Change, March 24, 2009.

The Benefits of Elderberry Juice

Friday, December 4, 2009 by George Pappas

In my previous post, we looked at the background of the elderberry and the different types available.  Today, we’ll examine the benefits of this remarkable juice.  For example, did you know that elderberry juice was used to treat a flu epidemic in Panama in 1995?  People with the flu who drank elderberry juice had less severe symptoms and felt that they recovered much more quickly than those who did not have the juice.*
Boosting the Immune System
One of elderberry juice’s main benefits is boosting the immune system.  It actually helps block the flu and has outstanding antiviral properties.   Because elderberry juice supplies the body with antioxidant protection, it may be effective in treating a variety of diseases that are related to a compromised immune system.  In fact, preliminary studies have shown it may be effective “against some viruses, including herpes and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).”**  Because elderberry juice has been medically proven to be a strong anti-viral and immune system enhancer, it is often recommended as part of a health maintenance program.

Preventing Upper Respiratory Infections
Elderberry juice is effective in preventing and treating upper respiratory infections.  Research shows that elderberry juice reduces excessive sinus mucous, and additional studies show that elderberry improves sinus drainage and decreases congestion.**  The natural active ingredient in elderberries can help regenerate the cilia’s filtering function; that’s why it’s a natural to help relieve colds and flu (some people even drink it to help relieve symptoms of asthma).

Fight the Flu
Research has shown that elderberry is effective in fighting at least eight strains of flu virus.  “A clinical trial of elderberry found that it cured 90 percent of flu infections in three days, which was half the time needed for recovery in participants taking a placebo.”**

Lower Cholesterol
Some research suggests that elderberry reduces high cholesterol as well.  “Early study reports that elderberry juice may decrease serum cholesterol concentrations and increase low-density lipoprotein stability.”*** 

Biotta’s Elderberry Juice is made from freshly gathered, sun-ripened organic black elderberries and is available in an 8.4 fl. oz. recyclable glass bottle.  Want more information about Biotta juices?  If you’re a consumer and want to know where to find our juices, click on the beet juice icon on the right.  If you’re a retailer that already carries our juices, click the carrot juice icon to be included in our retailer directory.  If you have any other questions, just email us.

Note:  Biotta juices are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease.  We are not medical professionals and are not in a position to provide any medical advice.  We recommend you contact your physician for a dietary regimen specific to your needs.

*http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-elderberry.html
**http://www.vitaminstuff.com/herbs-elderberry.html
***http://www.elderberries.com/2008/01/12/medlineplus-herbs-and-supplements-elder-sambucas-nigra-l/#more-42



About the Elderberry

Tuesday, December 1, 2009 by George Pappas

We’ve had quite a bit of interest about Biotta Elderberry Juice every since Dr. Oz mentioned on a recent TV show that elderberry juice can help boost your immune system.  This post and the one to follow will give you a little more background about the elderberry—the various types and benefits—and talk about some of the scientific research being done.

The History of the Elderberry
For centuries, elderberries have been used throughout Europe, North America, Asia and Africa as a folk remedy for many ailments.  The most common type of elderberry is the Sambucus Nigra, grown in temperate climate throughout Europe and North America.  Hippocrates called this plant the “medicine chest” because of all of the illnesses it could be used to treat.*

There are several species of the elderberry tree.  Most information you read and most of the research done has been about the Sambucus Nigra, which is the type of elderberry used in Biotta Elderberry Juice.  Other species include the America elder, antelope brush, blue elderberry, danewort, dwarf elder, red-fruited elder, and Sambucus formosana.** 

The Elderberry Tree
The elderberry tree grows up to 30 feet tall.  Native to Europe, it has been cultivated successfully in the Americas as well.** The tree bears beige flowers and dark purple berries in autumn.  All the parts of the tree have been used for medicinal purposes.  The leaves are often added to topical creams to treat inflammation, and the bark has been used to treat stomach ailments.***

But the flowers and berries are most often used to treat a variety of illnesses and conditions (see the following post).***  They contain flavonoids that have antioxidants and immune-boosting properties.  In fact, elderberries contain “organic pigments, tannin, amino acids, carotenoids, flavonoids, sugar, rutin, viburnic acid, vitamin A and B, and a large amount of vitamin C.”****

Elderberry Juice
Many sources suggest drinking elderberry juice to boost your immune system and improve digestion.  Since large doses can cause digestive problems in some people, it is sometimes recommended that 10 ounces of elderberry juice be consumed daily.*

Biotta Elderberry Juice
Biotta Elderberry Juice boosts your immune system and eases the strain on the respiratory system by increasing the production and performance of white blood cells and building resistance to various kinds of infections. When a person becomes ill, he/she may suffer from blocked respiratory passages.  The natural active ingredient in elderberries can help regenerate the cilia’s filtering function; that’s why it’s a natural to help relieve colds and flu (some people even drink it to help relieve symptoms of asthma).  Biotta’s Elderberry Juice is made from freshly gathered, sun-ripened organic Sambucus Nigra (black) elderberries .  Biotta’s Elderberry Juice is available in an 8.4 fl. oz. recyclable glass bottle.

Want more information about Biotta juices?  If you’re a consumer and want to know where to find our juices, click on the beet juice icon on the right.  If you’re a retailer that already carries our juices, click the carrot juice icon to be included in our retailer directory.  If you have any other questions, just email us.

Note:  Biotta juices are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease.  We are not medical professionals and are not in a position to provide any medical advice.  We recommend you contact your physician for a dietary regimen specific to your needs.

*http://www.brighthub.com/health/diet-nutrition/articles/28842.aspx
**http://www.elderberries.com/2008/01/12/medlineplus-herbs-and-supplements-elder-sambucas-nigra-l/#more-42
***http://www.vitaminstuff.com/herbs-elderberry.html
****http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-elderberry.html


The Juice – Your Questions Answered

Monday, November 23, 2009 by Sara Cox
Every day, we field questions about our Biotta juices—ingredients, potential health benefits, our proprietary manufacturing process, distribution, etc.  We thought that, if a few people are asking these questions, then perhaps many of you would be interested in the answers as well.  When you see our blog featuring The Juice, you’ll know we are answering consumer questions about our 100% organic juices that may be relevant to you.

Question: What type of tea is used in Biotta juices?

Answer: Three of our juices—Biotta Energy Drink, Breakfast Cocktail and our Elderberry Juice—contain small amounts of tea, used primarily to balance the strong or tart flavors of the fruit juices to make them more appealing.  Different teas are used for each of these juices.

Biotta Energy Drink has Paraguay Tea infusion.  Paraguay Tea comes from a “large, white-flowered shrub grows wild near streams, largely cultivated in South America for the drink obtained by infusing the leaves. The consumption in South America is vast, as it is drunk at every meal and hour.”  The tea is a diuretic and diaphoretic (an agent that produces perspiration).*

Biotta Breakfast Juice includes green tea.  Green tea originates from China and has become associated with many cultures in Asia from Japan to the Middle East.**   The Chinese have known about the medicinal benefits of green tea since ancient times. “Today, scientific research in both Asia and the west is providing hard evidence for the health benefits long associated with drinking green tea. For example, in 1994 the Journal of the National Cancer Institute published the results of an epidemiological study indicating that drinking green tea reduced the risk of esophageal cancer in Chinese men and women by nearly sixty percent. University of Purdue researchers recently concluded that a compound in green tea inhibits the growth of cancer cells. There is also research indicating that drinking green tea lowers total cholesterol levels, as well as improving the ratio of good (HDL) cholesterol to bad (LDL) cholesterol.***

Biotta Elderberry Juice contains tea extracted from the elder flower.  Elder flowers are traditionally used to treat influenza, colds, mucus, sinusitis, feverish illnesses and other upper respiratory tract problems, as well as hay fever. ****
Want more information about Biotta juices?  If you’re a consumer and want to know where to find our juices, click on the beet juice icon on the right.  If you’re a retailer that already carries our juices, click the carrot juice icon to be included in our retailer directory.  If you have any other questions, just email us.


Note:  Biotta juices are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease.  We are not medical professionals and are not in a position to provide any medical advice.  We recommend you contact your physician for a dietary regimen specific to your needs.

* http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/p/partea05.html
** http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_tea
***http://chinesefood.about.com/library/weekly/aa011400a.htm
****http://www.ageless.co.za/herb-elder-flower.htm#Properties


What’s in a Label?

Wednesday, November 11, 2009 by George Pappas
Do you ever get confused when you look at labels?  Juice labels, for instance, can sport many terms, including “fresh squeezed,” “from concentrate,” “100% pure,” “fresh frozen” and “not from concentrate.”  What do these labels tell you about the quality of the juice and exactly what you are buying?

The Food and Drug Administration offers these guidelines:

•    "100% Pure" or "100% Juice." This label guarantees that the product is 100 percent fruit juice, complete with all its nutrients. Only 100 percent juice can be labeled "juice."  If a bottle contains mixed juices, it can only be labeled "100 percent juice" if each of the juices added to the mixture is, itself, a 100 percent juice.**

•    "Cocktail," "Punch," "Drink," "Beverage," “Blend,” “Sparkler.”  If you see these labels, you know that the products are diluted, containing less than 100 percent juice. They often have added sweeteners. These products might contain as little as 10 percent or as much as 99 percent juice. The rest is water or added sweeteners. Check the label to find out how much juice such products contain. As with all labels, ingredients must be listed on the label in order of volume.**

•    "Fresh Squeezed Juice." This label means the juice has been squeezed from fresh fruit. It is not pasteurized and is usually located in the produce or dairy section of the grocery store. Be cautious about offering non-pasteurized juice to children, older adults or others with compromised immune systems.

•    "From Concentrate." This label tells you that water has been removed from whole juice to make concentrate; then water is added back to reconstitute to 100 percent juice or to diluted juice such as lemonade. When water is added back to the concentrate, the product is labeled "reconstituted" or "made from concentrate" and has the same nutrition profile as the original juice. "**

•    "Not From Concentrate." This juice has never been concentrated.

•    "Fresh Frozen." Juice with this label has been freshly squeezed, packaged and frozen without pasteurization or further processing. It is usually sold in plastic bottles in the frozen food section of the grocery store and is ready to drink after thawing.*

•    “Fortified.”  “Fruit juice is sometimes enhanced with nutrients intended to provide health benefits because juice is convenient, has good flavor, and is inherently associated with good health. Juices may be fortified with extra vitamins (such as vitamin C), minerals (such as calcium), cholesterol-lowering sterols, and, increasingly, omega-3 fatty acids. Such juices may be a good idea if they're fortified with nutrients you don't obtain enough of in your normal diet.”**

Biotta juices are 100% organic, not made from concentrate.  Since our company began in 1957, we’ve been committed to using only the finest organically grown fruits and vegetables.  Every fruit and vegetable we use is grown in chemical-free, fertilizer-free and toxic-free land—land that has been organically farmed for more than half a century.  All of our fruits and vegetables are vine/field-ripened and are selected using the highest standards in relation to flavor and content.

Biotta takes great care to protect the natural wholesomeness and taste of all our ingredients.  Instead of pressing the fruits and vegetables, which can cause some loss of nutritional value, we use a decanting process of centrifugation to pull the juice out.  Then, we pasteurize the juice at low heat levels to retain the high nutritional value, bottle our juices in recyclable glass bottles for full flavor retention, label and send.  No other company takes more care to deliver a 100% organic product. 

Here is how Biotta’s Juices stack up:

100% Juice
Beet Juice
Carrot Juice
Vegetable Juice Cocktail (in this case, the 'cocktail' denotes a blend of vegetable juices)
Bruess® Vegetable Juice
Celery Juice
Sauerkraut Juice
Potato Juice

Fruit juices are typically too tart or strong to consume at 100% juice.  Therefore, we blend our organic fruit juices with other juices as well as tea extracts to make them more palatable.

87% Juice
Energy Drink

74% Juice
Breakfast Juice

70% Juice
Elderberry Juice

Want more information about Biotta juices?  If you’re a consumer and want to know where to find our juices, click on the beet juice icon on the right.  If you’re a retailer that already carries our juices, click the carrot juice icon to be included in our retailer directory.  If you have any other questions, just email us.

Note:  Biotta juices are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease.  We are not medical professionals and are not in a position to provide any medical advice.  We recommend you contact your physician for a dietary regimen specific to your needs.

*http://extension.osu.edu/~news/story.php?id=2081
**http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/diet.fitness/06/11/cl.antioxidant.juices/index.html
 

Elderberry Juice and Your Immune System – as seen on Dr. Oz

Friday, October 23, 2009 by Sara Cox
Last week, Dr. Oz did a feature on his daily TV show (NBC) about ways to boost your immune system, with the cold and flu season knocking at our doors.  He explained that we need white blood cells and antibodies to build our immune system and win the fight against invading bacteria and germs. 


What foods did he recommend to build the immune system?  Building “Super Immunity,” as Dr. Oz called it, is easy when you include these foods in your diet.  Some of them may surprise you.

1.    Sardines: an important source of antibodies for the immune system. 

2.    Papaya Carrot juice: the carrots are high in beta-carotene, which builds white blood cells and makes your immune system more aggressive. 

3.    Miso Soup: boosts antibodies in your bloodstream. 
 
4.    Elderberry juice: Dr. Oz explained that elderberry juice actually helps block the flu and has antiviral properties that are outstanding.   European and American cultures have long used elderberry juice to boost the immune system and help relieve colds and flu.  Because elderberry juice has been medically proven to be a strong anti-viral and immune system enhancer, it is often recommended as part of a health maintenance program.
5.    Garlic

Check out the video yourself:
www.doctoroz.com/videos/boost-your-immunity

Biotta Elderberry Juice Answers the Call
With the severity of these new strains of the flu this season, why not take Dr. Oz’s suggestion and try Elderberry Juice?  Biotta Elderberry Juice is delicious—and good for you!  It boosts your immune system and eases the strain on the respiratory system.  Elderberry juice does wonders for boosting the immune system by increasing the production and performance of white blood cells and building resistant to various kinds of infections.* When a person does become ill, they may suffer from blocked respiratory passages.  The natural active ingredient in elderberries can help regenerate the cilia’s filtering function; that’s why it’s a natural to help relieve colds and flu (some people even drink it to help relieve symptoms of asthma).

Biotta’s Elderberry Juice is made from freshly gathered, sun-ripened organic elderberries.  Biotta’s Elderberry Juice is available in an 8.4 fl. oz. recyclable glass bottle.

Want more information about Biotta juices?  If you’re a consumer and want to know where to find our juices, click on the beet juice icon on the right.  If you’re a retailer that already carries our juices, click the carrot juice icon to be included in our retailer directory.  If you have any other questions, just email us.

Note:  Biotta juices are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease.  We are not medical professionals and are not in a position to provide any medical advice.  We recommend you contact your physician for a dietary regimen specific to your needs.


The Food Pyramid - One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Tuesday, September 29, 2009 by Sara Cox
We’ve all seen the food pyramid, detailing how many servings of each food group a person needs to consume in one day.  Now, even the food pyramid is changing!  In April 2005, the USDA released the MyPyramid food guidance system. Along with the new MyPyramid symbol, the system provides many options to help Americans make healthy food choices and to be active every day.

The Dietary Guidelines give science-based advice on food and physical activity choices for health. The guidelines define a healthy diet as one that:
  • Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products;
  • Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts; and
  • Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars.*

You can use these guidelines to make smart food choices, find a good balance between food and physical activity, get the most nutrition out of the calories you consume, and stay within your daily calorie needs.

MyPyramid Plan
The site will help you customize your eating plan, taking into account such things as age, sex, height, weight and amount of physical activity.  Once your plan is customized, you can read further to find out more information regarding each of the food groups: grains, vegetables, fruits, milk, meat and beans, and oils.*

Fruits and Vegetables
http://www.mypyramid.gov/pyramid/vegetables.html and http://www.mypyramid.gov/pyramid/fruits.html are sub-tier pages of the site that spell out what is included in the fruit and vegetable groups, the average recommended daily amount for each group, and what constitutes a healthy serving.  The site is easy to navigate and chockfull of worthwhile information.

Biotta – A Great Way to “Eat” Your Fruits and Vegetables
Want a great way to consume some of the recommended servings of fruits and vegetables?  Biotta organic juices.  Biotta juices are delicious, all-natural and full of vitamins, minerals and nutrients.  Our natural whole fruits and vegetables are grown organically and harvested for optimum quality, and then minimally processed to ensure great taste and high nutritional value.

We offer a wide variety of vegetable juices: Beet Juice, Carrot Juice, Celery Root Juice, Potato Juice, Sauerkraut Juice, Vegetable Juice Cocktail and Breuss® Vegetable Juice.  Fruit juices include Elderberry Juice and Breakfast Juice. 

Want more information about Biotta juices?  If you’re a consumer and want to know where to find our juices, click on the beet juice icon on the right.  If you’re a retailer that already carries our juices, click the carrot juice icon to be included in our retailer directory.  If you have any other questions, just email us.


Note:  Biotta juices are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease.  We are not medical professionals and are not in a position to provide any medical advice.  We recommend you contact your physician for a dietary regimen specific to your needs.


*http://www.mypyramid.gov/pyramid/index.html

Top 10 Ways to Avoid the Flu

Thursday, September 24, 2009 by Sara Cox
I wrote the other day about beating the flu by boosting your immune system.  Flu can be serious.  In the US, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized each year with the flu and 36,000 die!* With flu season fast approaching, it’s a great idea to follow these preventive measures to keep yourself and your loved ones healthy. 

Our Top 10 List to Avoid the Flu:

10.   Get a flu shot.  The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a yearly flu shot as an important step in protecting against seasonal influenza.

9.   Avoid close contact.  Keep your distance from people who are sick.  And, when you are not feeling well, stay away from others to protect them as well.

8.   Wash your hands often with soap and water.  If you can’t wash with soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

7.   Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  Germs are spread this way, as a person touches something that is contaminated with bacteria and then touches his/her eyes, nose or mouth.

6.   Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. 

5.   Stay home when you are sick.  Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone.  If you are coming down with the flu, you can infect others one day before symptoms begin and 5-7 days after becoming sick.

4.   Get plenty of sleep. 

3.   Be physically active.

2.   Drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious foods.*

And our number one way to avoid the flu:

1.   Drink Biotta All-Natural Fruit and Vegetable Juices!  One of the easiest and most effective ways to boost your immune system is with a healthy, balanced diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables.  Biotta juices are an all-natural way to get the recommended number of fruit and vegetable servings. 
 

These juices are especially effective in boosting the immune system and helping you avoid illness (http://blog.biottajuices.com/blog/biotta):

Want more information about Biotta juices?  If you’re a consumer and want to know where to find our juices, click on the beet juice icon on the right.  If you’re a retailer that already carries our juices, click the carrot juice icon to be included in our retailer directory.  If you have any other questions, just email us.

Note:  Biotta juices are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease.  We are not medical professionals and are not in a position to provide any medical advice.  We recommend you contact your physician for a dietary regimen specific to your needs.


*http://www.cdc.gov.flu/protect/preventing.htm
 

Cold & Flu Season is Upon Us

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 by Sara Cox
Good Nutrition and a Healthy Immune System
There’s no time like flu season to boost your immune system!  The strength of your immune system can make the difference as to whether or not you get sick when exposed to harmful viruses.  So, let’s look at what the immune system is and how you can boost yours in time for the cold and flu season.

What is the Immune System?
WebMD gives this explanation:
In simplest terms, the immune system is a balanced network of cells and organs that work together to defend you against disease. It blocks foreign proteins from getting into your body. If a few happen to sneak by your biological sentry, not to worry. With a powerful "search and destroy" task force, your body deploys a host of additional immune cell forces designed to hunt down these unwanted invaders and ultimately works to destroy them.*

The good news is that you can make a difference and strengthen your immune system through healthy habits and good nutrition.  You can bolster your body’s innate ability to manufacture antibodies that will counter harmful viruses and bacteria with which you come in contact.
 

Give Your Immune System a Boost – with Biotta

One of the easiest and most effective ways to boost your immune system is with a healthful, balanced diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables.  Biotta juices are an all-natural way to get the recommended number of fruit and vegetable servings.  In addition, certain juices are specifically believed to boost the immune system.

Biotta Beet Juice
Beet juice is fresh, crisp, smooth and refreshing—and great for you!  Beetroot juice contains betacyans, which strengthen the immune system.  Beet juice is Biotta’s most popular juice, rich with natural minerals and vitamins.  Many articles have been written about the benefits of beet juice, including some recent studies that have found that beet juice may reduce blood pressure. Beet juice also helps maintain cell functions and strengthens your body’s own natural resistance to disease.



Biotta Elderberry Juice

A recent study, cited in a PRWeb® press release** noted that some Americans, particularly young adults, are more prone to illness during the change of seasons.  In addition to other measures, the article cited the benefits of elderberries in boosting immunity.  Elderberries have twice the amount of antioxidants as blueberries and cranberries.  Elderberry juice also supplies vitamin C to assist in the prevention and treatment of colds; it’s been medically proven as a strong anti-viral and immune system enhancer.  Biotta’s Elderberry Juice is made from freshly gathered, sun-ripened organic elderberries and is available in an 8.4 fl. oz. recyclable glass bottle.

Biotta Carrot Juice
The benefits of drinking organic carrot juice are many.  Carotene is an anti-oxidant that has health benefits that may positively affect a variety of conditions and diseases, including building the immune system.  Carrot juice is also believed to balance blood acidity and blood sugar, detoxify the liver and reduce toxicity in the body, reduce the risk of heart diseases and stroke by cleansing arterial deposits, protect the respiratory system from infections, ease nasal congestion, lower cholesterol levels, and much more. Biotta’s Carrot Juice is available in 16.9 and 8.4 fl. oz. recyclable glass bottles. **



Don’t Forget
There are many other things that you can do to boost your immune system as flu season approaches.***
1.    Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
2.    Choose lean protein sources.
3.    Focus on healthful fats.
4.    Consume green tea, a rich source of antioxidants.
5.    Maintain a proper energy balance.
6.    Get plenty of rest.
7.    Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
8.    Take a multivitamin supplement.
9.    Consume friendly bacteria, including yogurt that stimulates immunity in the digestive tract.
10.    Exercise.

As cold and flu season approaches, follow these guidelines to help boost your immune system,.  And don’t forget to make Biotta juices an important part of that regimen. 

Want more information about Biotta juices?  If you’re a consumer and want to know where to find our juices, click on the beet juice icon on the right.  If you’re a retailer that already carries our juices, click the carrot juice icon to be included in our retailer directory.  If you have any other questions, just email us.


Note:  Biotta juices are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease.  We are not medical professionals and are not in a position to provide any medical advice.  We recommend you contact your physician for a dietary regimen specific to your needs.

*http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/features/using-your-immune-system-to-stay-well
**PR Web® - Health News: Immune System Support is Important for Young Adults as Seasons Change, March 24, 2009.
**http://www.juicing-for-health.com/carrot-nutrition.html
***http://www.cnn.com/2007/HEALTH/diet.fitness/11/14/cl.best.defense/index.html


Berry Delicious. Berry Healthy.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009 by George Pappas
When you can combine good and good for you, you’ve got a winner.  Biotta fruit juices fit that bill very well.  And recently, at the “Berry Health Benefits Symposium,” researchers from around the world gathered to report on health benefits of eating all kinds of berries.

Berries, it turns out, pack some powerful health benefits.  From inflammation and stress to the development of heart disease, cancer and chronic illnesses, berries are an important part of a healthy arsenal.  Britt Burton-Freeman, PhD, reported that high-fat meals trigger an inflammatory response in the body, and that berries can help block that response.*

Don’t Forget About Vegetables, Too
And the benefits are not derived solely from fruits.  Research also shows that people who eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables are healthier as they get older—that the compounds found in fruit and vegetable juices calm inflammation and reverse some signs of aging.

Berry Benefits

From cognitive memory to fighting infections, from reducing the risk of stomach ulcers to preventing urinary tract infections, the benefits of berry juices can hardly be overstated.*

That means Biotta Elderberry and Biotta Bilberry Juices are not only delicious, they are incredibly good for you.  Elderberries have twice the amount of antioxidants as blueberries and cranberries.  Elderberry juice also supplies vitamin C to assist in the prevention and treatment of colds; it’s been medically proven as a strong anti-viral and immune system enhancer.  Biotta’s Elderberry Juice is made from freshly gathered, sun-ripened organic elderberries.

Bilberries are highly praised in herbal books because they have a positive influence on the functioning of the blood vessels. Bilberries can also help relieve diarrhea.  Biotta Bilberry Juice is made from wild-grown, handpicked wood bilberries and contains an infusion extract of lemon balm that gives the juice a fresh, well-rounded flavor.

Biotta Elderberry juice is available in 8.4 fl. oz. and Biotta Bilberry Juice is available in 16.9 fl. oz. recyclable glass bottles.

Want more information about Biotta pure organic juices?  If you’re a consumer and want to know where to find our juices, click on the beet juice icon on the right.  If you’re a retailer that already carries our juices, click the carrot juice icon to be included in our retailer directory.  If you have any other questions, just email us.

* http://www.miamiherald.com/living/health/nutrition/story/1139352.html

Note:  Biotta juices are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease.  We are not medical professionals and are not in a position to provide any medical advice.  We recommend you contact your physician for a dietary regimen specific to your needs.
 

A Review from Another Satisfied Biotta Customer

Monday, August 3, 2009 by Sara Cox
We love when customers write to tell us how much they love Biotta juices.  But, when they write articles about our juices and put them on their blogs, that’s SUPER FANTASTIC!  You can check out http://www.fitandfabulouslife.com/2009/07/02/biotta-juice-review/ to read what Melinda has to say, or check out the excerpt below.

Biotta sent a variety of juices to Melinda for her to review.  Melinda is a freelance writer who hopes to have a career as a food/nutrition writer and blogger.

Here is what Melinda has to say about Biotta juices:

I loved all of the juices that Biotta sent for me to review, but my favorite was between the Vegetable Juice Cocktail and the Breakfast Juice- wowza, these were delicious!

I also liked the Beet Juice; it had a sweet flavor and you could tell that this was pure beets! I loved the Carrot Juice mixed in with my apple and cucumber juice- it kicked it up a notch!

Biotta juices have also been featured on The View.  Whoopi Goldberg, who is known to hate veggies, has fallen in love with these drinks!

I personally love that not only are Biotta juices organic but also RAW! I’m one happy girl right now.  

~Melinda

 
What better way to get the full amount of your fruits and vegetables than with 100% organic fruit and vegetable juices from Biotta?  We offer a wide variety of vegetable juices: Beet Juice, Carrot Juice, Celery Root Juice, Potato Juice, Sauerkraut Juice, Vegetable Juice Cocktail and Breuss® Vegetable Juice.  Fruit juices include Bilberry Juice, Elderberry Juice, Breakfast Juice and Energy Drink.

Want more information about Biotta pure organic juices?  If you’re a consumer and want to know where to find our juices, click on the beet juice icon on the right.  If you’re a retailer that already carries our juices, click the carrot juice icon to be included in our retailer directory.  If you have any other questions, just email us.

Note:  Biotta juices are not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent any disease.  We are not medical professionals and are not in a position to provide any medical advice.  We recommend you contact your physician for a dietary regimen specific to your needs.

Fortified/Functional Foods: Can You Have Too Much of a Good Thing?

Friday, July 17, 2009 by George Pappas
Pasta with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, normally found in fish.  Probiotics in salsa.  Soda with vitamins.  Ketchup with additives to aid in digestive wellness.  Even marshmallows infused with skin-boosting collagen.

Functional foods—also called fortified foods—refer to “designer foods or ones that have been modified to incorporate nutrients they wouldn’t normally contain for a specific health purpose.”* 

Consumer Reaction
These foods abound in our supermarkets and consumers are eating them up—literally.  In 2008, functional foods made up a $30.7 billion market, according to the research firm Packaged Facts.  And that number is predicted to grow by 40% over the next five years.**

When 1,000 consumers were surveyed by the International Food Information Council Foundation in late 2005, 83% of respondents said they were interested in learning more about foods that offer health benefits beyond basic nutrition.* 

Fortified Foods Are Not New
When was the first fortified food introduced?  In 1924, iodine was first added to salt in Michigan to help reduce the prevalence of goiter in that state.  Soon, the success of this measure led to voluntary iodization in the entire country.  And we’ve been buying milk fortified with vitamin D since the 1930s to prevent rickets. 

Are Fortified Foods Worth It?
But can you have too much of a good thing?  That’s the question that comes to the forefront when talking about fortified/functional foods.  Cynthia Sass, a spokeswoman for the American Diabetic Association, said, “The idea of a supplement or fortified food is to fill a gap, to bring a person up to the recommended intake.  If you’re already at the recommended intake, it’s not going to do anything for you.  It may work against you.”*  Exceeding recommended doses of vitamin C, for example, can cause diarrhea, upset stomach and kidney stones. 

Consider All-Natural Biotta Juices
While functional foods can be helpful, what better way to get your vitamins and minerals than the natural way?  With Biotta, you can get the full amount of your fruits and vegetables with 100% organic fruit and vegetable juices.  We offer a wide variety of vegetable juices: Beet Juice, Carrot Juice, Celery Root Juice, Potato Juice, Sauerkraut Juice, Vegetable Juice Cocktail and Breuss® Vegetable Juice.  Fruit juices include Bilberry Juice, Elderberry Juice, our Breakfast Juice Cocktail and Energy Drink. 

Want more information about Biotta’s all natural juices?  If you’re a consumer and want to know where to find our juices, click on the beet juice icon on the right.  If you’re a retailer that already carries our juices, click the carrot juice icon to be included in our retailer directory.  If you have any other questions, just email us.

*www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17722342
**http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124267976477131801.html

The pH Factor

Wednesday, July 1, 2009 by Sara Cox
Our diets are often too acidic.  Acidity can make us tired and less productive, with a reduced feeling of well-being.  High levels of acidity can lead to feelings of stress, nervousness, lack of energy, decreased concentration and a higher risk of infection.*

British Journal of Nutrition Study
A recent study in the British Journal of Nutrition showed a strong link between acidic diets and increased risk of being overweight, having elevated blood pressure, and raised cholesterol.  Acidity has also been linked to cancer, osteoporosis, chronic fatigue and even poor skin quality.**

How can you reduce acidity?
With all the adverse effects acidity can have in the body, how can we balance our internal chemistry?  The article states, “Acid is caused by stress, overly strenuous exercise, lack of rest and too much fried food, meat, cola, alcohol, sugar, dairy, coffee and more.”

Sound like your diet?  Well, you can adjust your internal chemistry by consuming more alkaline-producing fruits and vegetables.  And that’s where Biotta comes in.

Biotta can help!
What better way to get the full amount of your fruits and vegetables than with 100% organic fruit and vegetable juices from Biotta.  We offer a wide variety of vegetable juices: Beet Juice, Carrot Juice, Celery Root Juice, Potato Juice, Sauerkraut Juice, Vegetable Juice Cocktail and Breuss® Vegetable Juice.  Fruit juices include Bilberry Juice, Elderberry Juice, Breakfast Juice and Energy Drink. 









Want more information about Biotta’s all natural juices?  If you’re a consumer and want to know where to find our juices, click on the beet juice icon on the right.  If you’re a retailer that already carries our juices, click the carrot juice icon to be included in our retailer directory.  If you have any other questions, just email us.

*http://www.buzzle.com/articles/how-important-is-acid-and-alkali-balance-in-blood.html
**http”//www.leaderpost.com/Life/acid+test+life+balance/1344739/story.html