Keys to Healthy Living (Part II)

Monday, June 7, 2010 by Mitch B
My last segment in this series ties in very well with this one.  Last time, I discussed the importance of adding water to your diet already full of healthy food and drinks.  This segment's key to healthy living- Getting Active!

Regular physical activity is essential to keeping the body at a healthy state.  "With regular exercise, fat deposits and excessive sugar levels in the body are reduced. The aftermath of this is that organs in the body like the heart, the kidney and liver are kept in good working condition. Thus, to live long, regular exercise as well as good eating patterns are needed"**

Making small decisions at first, like taking the stairs or parking further away from the store, will help you build up to a physically active routine.  

Fresh juices can become extremely helpful when trying to maintain a physically active life.  The Biotta Breakfast Blend gives you the perfect burst of energy you need in the morning, and celery juice has been given a very strong reputation of being a way to remain hydrated when active.

One post I wrote focused on the benefits of beet juice for athletes because of the way it helps the body gain oxygen and not tire easily.

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.businessdayonline.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=7390:regular-exercise-key-to-healthy-living-longevity&catid=126:health

Can't Decide on Breakfast? BLEND It Together!

Monday, May 10, 2010 by Mitch B
 Our Breakfast Blend is one of our favorite products! It serves so many health purposes and provided the body with so many nutrients!  The Breakfast Blend contains juice from various fruits that are all packed full of health benefits... Below are a few!

Orange JuiceVarious medical studies show that orange juice may help lower both cholesterol levels and blood pressure levels, which are two very common problems among middle aged men and women.

Grape Juice- For best results in boosting the level of iron, drink grape juice.

Banana PureeBecause of the abundance of vitamins and minerals, bananas are a great source of natural energy. Eating only two bananas will give you enough energy to exercise or workout for an hour and a half. 

So there you have it... Just a quick look into some of the health benefits of the juices included in our Breakfast Blend, one of our many organic fresh juices offered by Biotta Juice!  Here at Biotta, we are always dedicated to providing the healthiest juice possible!

For more information about our Breakfast Blend or any of our other heart healthy juice, just check out the website!
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

The Benefits of Cutting Out Caffeine (Part IV)

Thursday, March 25, 2010 by Mitch B
Over the past few posts, I have focused on everything from caffeine and its effect on your heart health and skin health.  The more research I do into caffeine, the more I see how much your body can benefit from eliminating it from your diet, or at least reducing intake.

Today's focus is something that occasionally gets overlooked- Caffeine Addiction.

Many times you'll hear people claim that they "Can't function until I've had my coffee!"  This usually comes off jokingly, but the health implications are not a joke.  Not only are people causing damage to the body through the caffeine, but the withdraw can also take a major toll on the body when caffeine is not ingested.

According to MedicineNet.com, "A review and analysis of the effects of caffeine abstinence in humans claims that the withdrawal symptoms experienced are proof of physical dependence. These symptoms include headache, tiredness/fatigue, decreased energy/activeness, decreased alertness/attentiveness, drowsiness/sleepiness, decreased contentedness/well-being, depressed mood, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and felling muzzy/foggy/not clearheaded."

The article also claims that these effects start about 12 hours after your last caffeinated drink and can last up to 50 hours!

It's safe to say that anything that causes that much dependence on the body is not good for it.  This is exactly why Biotta has always been dedicated to providing caffeine-free, organic vegetable juices and fruit juices.  

If you're looking for fresh juices to replace your morning cup of coffee, why not try our Vegetable Juice Cocktail or our Breakfast Blend!

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! (Part III)

Thursday, March 18, 2010 by Mitch B
Continuing in the "Benefits of Cutting Out Caffeine" miniseries, today's topic is SKIN!

Who would have thought that caffeine could have a very rough impact on your skin?  I stumbled across this clipping - an excerpt from Men's Health recently - and found what it had to say to be very interesting. 
 
Like I've said in previous posts, there is a reason that none of Biotta's organic vegetable or fruit juices* includes caffeine.  There are serious benefits that come from either minimizing our caffeine intake or cutting caffeine out of your diet completely!  Start taking care of your skin today and order a bottle of Biotta Juice!

*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 Benefits of Cutting Out Caffeine! (Part 2)

Wednesday, March 10, 2010 by Mitch B
In the last "Cutting Out Caffeine" post, I brought forth some of the major concerns about the effects that caffeine has on the body's ability to absorb important vitamins and minerals.  Today, I would like to switch the focus to a couple other very important health problem that caffeine poses- heart rate and energy.

Caffeine is a stimulant.  According to Dr. Dan Rutherford from Netdoctor.co.uk, "Caffeine overstimulates the central nervous system, increasing your heart rate and blood pressure."  Although studies have not concluded that caffeine causes long term problems for everyone, there is no denying that it can lead to those problems in some.

One of the most popular uses for caffeine-filled drinks is for an energy boost.  It has an impact on the body's energy levels" Dr. Rutherford claims,  "Following the initial energy surge, your levels fall due to the lowering of blood sugar."  Caffeine actually causes adverse effects!

Here at Biotta Juices, we intentionally created a line of Heart Healthy Juice that would be packed full of vitamins and nutrients that will help the body.  It is easy to see why none of our juices* include caffeine.  We are dedicated to making our products as good for you as possible.  If you want to check out the full selection of the Best Organic Juice on the market, just click here to see our full product line!

*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.


A Very Informative Press Release

Saturday, March 6, 2010 by Mitch B
I stumbled upon this press release today put out by PR Log... It is titled: "Beat Heart Attack & Hypertension with Miracle Juice"  The book Miracle Juicing breaks down many of the major benefits of drinking fruit and vegetable juice.

Here is a small sampling of the juicing benefits they listed in the press release:
  • Juices are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients that are easily assimilated within fifteen minutes of drinking. The juice is quickly distributed throughout the body to build, heal, repair and restore optimum health. 
  • Juices cleanse the blood, which is the body’s lifeline. Clean blood loaded with nutrients will ensure a healthy long life. 
  • Juicing helps to pre-digest food so that it can be easily absorbed by the body. 
  • Juicing removes indigestible fiber. If a carrot is eaten, one may only get 1% of the beta-carotene, but if it's juiced, 100% of the important beta-carotene will be assimilated. 
  • Vegetable and fruit juicing helps to reduce cholesterol, dissolves clogged arteries, reduces the risk of heart attack, reduces high blood pressure, dissolves kidney stones, cleanses the liver, prevents cancers, increases energy and other health benefits
These benefits exist in all of Biotta's convenient, organic vegetable and fruit juices.  All of our heart healthy juices are 100% juice with no added flavors or colors!  Click here for a full list of Biotta products!
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 Mitch B
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.


Get Healthy as a Family

Wednesday, February 17, 2010 by Sara Cox

Have fruits and vegetables become a thing of the past?

One of today’s fastest growing problems is childhood obesity.  Why are so many kids packing on pounds? For the same reasons adults are: too many calories and too little exercise. "Adults are passing on their unhealthy habits to the next generation," says Colleen Thompson, a dietitian and coauthor of Overcoming Childhood Obesity (Bull, 2003). "Childhood obesity is really a family issue. To fix things, the whole family has to change."  A recent study of 3,000 kids ages 4 to 24 months found that many of the negative eating patterns plaguing adults are affecting children as early as infancy. Not only was fruit and vegetable consumption low, but french fries were the most popular choice of toddlers. Moreover, 40 percent of 7-month-olds and 60 percent of 1-year-olds had candy or dessert at least once a day.



Adopt a Healthier Lifestyle

Some basic things you can do to adopt a healthy lifestyle - for both you and your kids:
1.  Exercise.  Let your kids see you exercise.  Exercise with your kids.
2.  Eat dinner as a family.  Not only can you enjoy some quality time, but eating together helps you know what your kids are actually eating.
3.  Control portions - both for you and your kids.  Just becuase you are the parent, doesn't mean you need to eat 2-3 times as much as the kids.  Don't go back for seconds.  Kids see that and think that is what they are supposed to do.
4.  Model healthy behaviors.  You can't expect your kids to do things that you wouldn't do yourself.  Turn off the tv - eat your fruits and vegetables!
5.  Include healthy snacks and drinks - like Biotta 100% pure organic fruit and vegetable juices.  This is a great way to increase energy, enjoy a wholesome snack, and get your daily requirements of fruits and vegetables!

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.



More about Beet Juice

Thursday, December 10, 2009 by Sara Cox

We’ve written often about the wonders of beet juice.  Here are a few of the benefits highlighted in recent articles:

1.    Provides energy boost.  A recent study published by Exeter University concluded that drinking two glasses of beetroot juice per day can help people exercise for up to 16% longer.*

2.    Lowers blood pressure.  An online February 4th issue of Hypertension cited a study that showed a drop in blood pressure one hour after drinking beet juice.  The study concluded that two cups of beet juice can lower blood pressure by approximately 10 points.

3.    Increases dietary nitrates – Beet juice increases the amount of nitric oxide in the body.  That, in turn, helps blood vessels relax, lowers blood pressure and has anti-inflammatory benefits as well.** 

4.    May assist in helping other illnesses and healthcare issues – Many other sources indicate that beet juice may be therapeutic for sexual weakness, kidney stones, gall bladder, kidney, liver and prostate troubles.***

5.    Aids in digestion problems – Beet juice contains chlorine, a mineral acts to regulate digestion by controlling the rhythmical contraction of the abdomen.***

6.    Builds immune system – Beet juice is also believed to help maintain cell function and strengthen your body’s own natural resistance to disease.

7.    Helps build strong bones – Beet juice contains calcium, important to maintaining bone health.****

8.    Helps fight cancer - Betacyanin is the ingredient that has been identified as the main tumor-fighting agent in beets.  Betacyanin gives beets its bright reddish purple color, and it also helps to detoxify the body, in general.*****

Beet Red
Beets can also be used as a natural food coloring.  In 1971, Red No. 2 dye was linked to cancer and, ever since then, health-conscious consumers have been looking for natural food dyes.  Beets have a distinct red color that can be used as a natural food dye or spray dried to make beet root powder.******

The Amazing Beet
In addition to these wonderful health benefits, did you know that beets can help defeat icy roads?  Seriously. In states like Maryland, beets are being used as a great eco de-icer!  “It is the sugar beet’s by-product—a de-sugared liquid typically fed to animals or flushed down the drain—that can withstand temperatures down to -30 degrees Fahrenheit.”  “…Combinations of beet juice and rock salt are being sprayed on streets and highways by the transportation departments in DC, Missouri and Ohio and in cities scattered throughout the Midwest and Northeast,”*******

Biotta Beet Juice
Uses for the astounding beet just keep multiplying!  At any rate, Biotta Beet Juice is our most popular selection, rich with natural minerals and vitamins.  It’s a refreshing, crisp, cool and healthy addition to your diet.  Biotta’s Beet Juice is available in 16.9 and 8.4 fl. oz. recyclable glass bottles. 

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://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8186947.stm
**http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2008/03/03/beat-high-blood/
***http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/articles/Beet-juice-and-benefit-of-beet.html
****http://www.anti-aging-nutrition-and-fitness.com/beet-juice.html
*****http://www.betterbe.ca/Documents/Ferenczi1961eng.pdf
******http://cookingresources.suite101.com/article.cfm/organic_red_food_coloring_beets_and_betanin#ixzz0X2Rv0pKF
******* March 24, 2009MNN.com>Lifestyle>MyGreen Day


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


The Other Side of Beet Juice

Friday, November 13, 2009 by George Pappas
We’ve talked many times about the amazing properties and health benefits of beet root juice.  Beet juice can help lower blood pressure, increase dietary nitrates and thereby increase stamina, aid in digestive problems, detoxify the body, build the immune system, strengthen bones, and help fight cancer by breaking up tumors.

Beet Juice Sensitivity
But, some articles have surfaced that warn about the dangers of drinking beet juice straight.  While most people do not have a problem drinking beet juice, in some people, drinking straight beet juice can cause giddiness, heartthrob, general weakness and vomiting.*

Drink Beet Juice in Combination
If you are sensitive to beet juice and can’t drink it without feeling dizzy or lightheaded, a simple solution is to try combining beet juice with other organic juices and vegetables.  In this way, your body can reap the benefits of beet juice’s healthy properties without experiencing unpleasant side effects.  Some wonderful carrot/beet combinations include:
•    Carrot, beet, ginger, garlic
•    Carrot, beet, cucumber
•    Carrot, beet, parsley, cucumber
•    Carrot, spinach, beet
•    Carrot, celery, parsley, beet
•    Carrot, beet, cucumber, parsley, garlic **
Try combining Biotta Beetroot Juice with our Carrot or Celery Root Juices for a wonderful, refreshing, healthy taste treat.

Beet Juice Can Increase Energy
Remember, for most people, drinking beet juice straight is not a problem.  In fact, recent research shows that drinking two glasses of beet juice daily gives you more energy.  The research showed how the nitrate contained in beetroot juice leads to a reduction in oxygen uptake, making exercise less tiring. The study revealed that drinking beet juice reduces oxygen uptake to an extent that cannot be achieved by any other known means, including training.***  The study, published Feb. 2008 in the American Heart Association journal Hypertension, also showed that people who drank beet juice also had a lower resting blood pressure.

Beet juice is Biotta’s most favored juice by consumers, rich with natural minerals and vitamins.  In all likelihood, you won’t have any problem drinking Biotta Beet Juice straight.  If you do, try one of the juice combinations listed above.  Beet juice is refreshing, crisp, cool and a healthy addition to your diet.  Biotta’s Beet Juice is available in 16.9 and 8.4 fl. oz. recyclable glass bottles. 

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.womanspassions.com/articles/598.html
**http://www.bastis.org/juicing.htm
***http://kellypersonaltraining.blogspot.com/2009/08/drink-beet-juice-for-more-energy.html


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
 

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


Get a Boost with Biotta Beet Juice

Monday, August 31, 2009 by George Pappas
Want to boost your energy?  A recent study showed that beet juice can do it!  An August 2009 published study by Exeter University* concluded that drinking two glasses of beetroot juice per day can help people exercise for up to 16% longer.** 

The nitrates in beets reduce the oxygen demand when exercising.  The double-blind study focused on men ages 19-38.  They were given 500 ml of organic beetroot juice for six consecutive days before completing a series of exercise tests.  The men who drank the beetroot juice were able to cycle longer than the men given the placebo – blackcurrant cordial.  The group drinking the beetroot juice also had lower resting blood pressure rates.**

Fox News recently did a segment on healthy eating that featured this study and the effects of drinking beetroot juice daily.  News contributor Dr. Isadore Rosenfeld spoke directly about this study and the benefits of this amazing juice.  Check it out at:

http://www.foxnews.com/search-results/m/25921624/just-beet-it.htm#q=beet+juice

The benefits of beetroot juice are especially important to athletes and the elderly—people needing more energy.

How Does It Work?
The study didn’t determine exactly how the nitrates in beetroot juice boost stamina.  It is possible that the nitrate turns into nitric oxide in the body, and that reduces the oxygen burned up in exercise.

Professor Andrew Jones, one of the study’s researchers, believes that athletes will be particularly interested in these results since these effects cannot be obtained in any other known way.**  In addition, he is anxious to explore the ways in which these findings can help people who are not fit.  People who are not fit, says Jones, “may be able to use dietary supplements to help them go about their daily lives.”**

Biotta Beet Juice
Biotta 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 also reduce blood pressure. Beet juice helps maintain cell functions and strengthens your body’s own natural resistance to disease.  Biotta’s Beet Juice is available in 16.9 and 8.4 fl. oz. recyclable glass bottles. 

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.

*J Appl Physiol (August 6, 2009). doi:10.1152/japplphysiol.00722.2009.  Study entitled “Dietary nitrate supplementation reduces the O2 cost of low-intensity exercise and enhances tolerance to high-intensity exercise in humans.”

** http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8186947.stm

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.



Biotta’s Healthy Energy Drink

Friday, August 21, 2009 by George Pappas
Energy drinks are hugely popular.  But there are so many of them on the market, how do you know you are getting a drink that not only boosts your energy but is healthy for you as well? 

That’s a good question.  With sales in 2005 topping $3.5 billion in the US alone,* it’s important to choose an energy drink that not only increases alertness and performance, but one that is healthy, natural and refreshing. 

Biotta’s healthy Energy Drink stands apart from the rest of the pack.  All organic, Biotta Energy Drink is made from six unique fruit juices and is slightly carbonated.  Unlike other energy drinks, Biotta Energy Drink is made from 100% juice, not flavored water. 

Energy drinks have a stimulant effect on the body that generally comes from a combination of caffeine, sugar and herbal supplements.**  Even the caffeine in Biotta Energy Drink is different from most on the market.  The caffeine comes from the guarana bean, a natural form of caffeine that is 2-3 times as strong as the coffee bean.  In addition to a grape juice blend, Biotta Energy contains tea extract, Amazon juice blend (guava juice, camu-camu juice, acai juice, aronia juice), lime juice and guarana powder.

If you are looking for a healthy energy drink that combines powerful performance and the benefit of natural fruit juices, try Biotta’s Energy Drink, available in 8.4 fl. oz. recyclable glass bottles.

Put a little spring in your step with Biotta’s healthy 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.

*http://altmedicine.about.com/od/completeazindex/a/energy_drinks.htm
**http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_drink

Biotta Energy Drink

  • Alcohol Free
  • Cholesterol Free (<2 mg/svg & = or < 2 g Sat. Fat/svg)
  • Dairy Free
  • Gluten Free
  • Lactose Free
  • Low Cholesterol (20 mg or less/svg & = or < 2 g Sat. Fat/svg)
  • Low Fat (<3 g/svg)
  • Low Saturated Fat (<1 g/svg & = or <15% Calories from Sat. Fat)
  • No Artificial Color
  • No Artificial Flavors
  • No MSG Added
  • No Sugar Added
  • Nut Free
  • Organic
  • Peanut Free
  • Preservative Free
  • Soy Free
  • Trans Fat Free (<.5 mg/svg)
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
  • Very Low Sodium (<35 mg/svg)
  • Wheat Free

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.
 

Drink Juice. Speed Up Your Metabolism.

Friday, August 14, 2009 by Sara Cox
Have you ever seen someone and thought to yourself, “They must have a fast metabolism?”  If you’re not familiar with what metabolism does, it breaks down the carbohydrates, fats and proteins to make energy for your body.  But did you know that what you eat and drink can not only keep your body functioning well, it can also speed up your metabolism?

What Determines Your Metabolism Rate?
Metabolism is the amount of calories your body burns to keep itself going.  Three things determine how fast you metabolize what you eat and drink: how much you eat (amount of calories), how much you burn (exercise plays a part), and your genetic predisposition.  The body metabolizes food in a specific order: carbs first, then fats and lastly proteins.*

What Foods Speed Up Metabolism?
When it comes to foods that speed up metabolism, fruits and vegetables lead the list, followed by lean proteins, healthy fats and whole grains.*  That means, when you drink fruit and vegetable juices, your metabolism speeds up. Now that’s a good deal!

In an article entitled “Foods that Speed Metabolism,” we read:
“Vegetables are one of those … foods that we NEED to eat to maintain an elevated metabolism. Vegetables contain fibre, vitamins and many essential nutrients which we can't get anywhere else. Make sure to ingest 10-12 servings of fruits and vegetables daily (yes, that's more than the current food pyramid says).”**

Of course, when working to speed up your metabolism, you have to keep other things in mind, such as increasing your exercise, limiting overall caloric intake, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep.  But, drinking fruit and vegetable juices can be an important element in the fight against a sluggish metabolism.

Biotta juices are delicious 100% natural juices.  Our organically grown fruits and vegetables are harvested for optimum quality, and then minimally processed to ensure great taste and high nutritional value.  Biotta produces USDA 100% organic juices, available in 16.9 and 8.4 fl. oz. recyclable glass bottles.

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.

*http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/health/facts-on-foods-that-speed-up-metabolism-489019/
**http://www.myfit.ca/foods_that_speed_metabolism.asp

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: Food, Natural Health Product or Drug?

Monday, July 20, 2009 by George Pappas
Functional (or fortified) foods—foods with specific health-enhancing characteristics—are gaining in popularity.  They include breakfast cereals that are said to ward off heart disease, orange juice with omega-3 fatty acids derived from Peruvian sardines, and chocolate bars aimed at improving intestinal activity.

In development are even more options: cheese made with cholesterol-lowering plant steroids and a calorie-free probiotic sweetener and amino-acid energy drink to target joint health.*

Food, Natural Health Products or Drugs?
But, as these products become more numerous and more popular, the question is arising, “Are these products foods, natural health products or drugs?”  This topic is becoming more problematic as our country tries to determine where food ends and where drugs begin.

Take Cheerios, for example.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration ruled that the way Cheerios is marketed makes it a drug because the health claims on the package imply the cereal “is intended for use in the prevention, mitigation and treatment of disease.”**

Canada’s Rulings
The FDA’s ruling on Cheerios is similar to one in Canada, where a popular brand of orange juice was for years classified as a drug because of its calcium fortification.  Sylvain Charlebois, a leading expert on food safety, said, “This is medication through food, without going to see the doctor.  The politics around it are getting really complicated.”**

In America, we’re only scratching the surface of this multi-billion dollar trend.  As baby boomers seek natural ways to better their health, this trend seems destined to continue.  But, says Bill Jeffery, national coordinator of the Centre for Science in the Public Interest in Ottawa, “If consumers really want to improve their eating, they should pay attention to the broad claims that Health Canada has already authorized … such as (the fact that) diets rich in fruits and vegetable help reduce your risk of certain cancers.”

All-Natural Biotta Juices
Diets rich in fruit and vegetables—that’s what Biotta is all about.  No chemical.  No additives.  Just 100% organic juices.  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.

Note: Biotta juices are not marketed as a drug.  Neither we nor our products are 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 specific dietary regimen.

*http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124267976477131801.html
**http://www.canada.com/Health/food+natural+health+product+drug/1615960/story.html

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