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Tag Archives: Superfoods


It’s Majik, Blue Majik Superfood, You Know

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Something new and something BLUE is shining inside The GEM! Blue Majik is the latest addition to our treasure chest of superfoods! This aptly named magical powder is a certified organic, proprietary extract of an “Aqua Botanical” cultivated from the pristine Klamath Lake in Oregon!

Blue Majik is a nutrient-dense powder made up primarily of Phycocyanin, a powerful antioxidant which quenches free radicals (think rust and ageing). As a result, it detoxes your body and has been shown to be a potent natural COX-2 inhibitor (think anti-inflammatory, even anti-cancer).

In simpler terms, Blue Majik is an elevated version of spirulina.

Much like green spirulina, Blue Majik is full of vitamins such as B12, enzymes, and minerals. It gets its gorgeous bright blue hue from C-phycocyanin, a type of storage protein rich in amino acids. Studies show C-phycocyanin to be rich in antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties.

Blue Majik works wonders in many way but most noteworthy by:

  • Detoxing heavy metals
  • Alleviating sinus issues
  • Boosting metabolic energy
  • Helping to reduce blood pressure
  • Boosting immunity
  • Improving memory

 

Given that it’s essentially an algae, you can imagine that consequently on its own, it’s not that tasty (a little fishy, if we’re being honest). But when mixed in a smoothie, the odd flavor is easily transformed into something AMAZING.

There are lots of ways to add Blue Majik to your daily routine. Try adding it into your Smoothie, CLARITY LEMONADE, Immunity Iced Green Tea, Cashew Milk or any of your own creations!

More Blue Majik

Still unsure how to use it? Don’t worry. We created an amazing new BLUE DIAMOND SMOOTHIE so all you have to do is order one!! It might be one of the tastiest and prettiest smoothies we’ve ever created. Banana, Blue Majik, dates, hemp, maca, almond extract. Mermaids and unicorns be jealous …

So, now you know the magic. Come in today and try it yourself! We are waiting!

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Bring The GEM Goodness Home – Part Five: Matcha

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It’s no secret that superfoods are super for you – today’s focus is on Matcha. Superfoods pack an exceptionally healthy and healing punch to your nutrition.

Wrapping up our series on superfoods and why we love them so much is Matcha.

Matcha is a Japanese ceremonial tea made from super high-quality tea leaves that are shade-grown and harvested without stems and veins. These chlorophyll rich green leaves are then stone-ground into a fine powder.

What makes matcha so special? You consume the whole tea leaf, not just water infused with tea Matcha at The GEMleaves, which means you consume all of the antioxidants and rich chlorophyll in the leaf. Matcha contains about half the caffeine of coffee, yet tends to cause a more even, long-term energy rise. It’s a cool fact because Matcha contains an amino acid that allows your body to process the caffeine differently—without the jitters and the crash. It’s a CALM ENERGY! MATCHA makes us:      

  • YOUNG & PRETTY: Anti-aging free radical fighter. Absorbs free radicals (the ORAC value) is one of the highest in the super-food realm, at about 1348 units per serving. This is one bad ass antioxidant.
  • HEALTHY: CANCER HATER. Especially high in an antioxidant called (EGCG). It has up to 137 times the amount of EGCG as other infused green teas. EGCG has shown promising results in helping fight against cancer and HIV.
  • THINNER: Metabolism Booster. Can increase metabolism rate, which holds promise for faster fat loss.
  • ENERGETIC yet ZEN: Keep calm and carry on with a spring in your step. It has a unique calming effect strangely coupled with an energy lift from caffeine and other elements from the tea leaf.

 

As with all teas, quality is super important. And cheaper is definitely not better. You want to purchase your Matcha tea from a reputable source. And yes, it should be Japanese and organic. We are proud of our Japanese Matcha—it’s been quite the search!!

AT HOME Application: Use matcha in smoothies, lattes and salad dressings. How to make tea? Use a teaspoon of the magic green powder with a third of a cup of hot water (not boiling!). Then mix it with a bamboo whisk (or a latte whip) and you are ready to go.

INSIDE THE GEM App: OUR chopped veggie salad is dressed with an amazing spicy matcha vinaigrette. Super umami (that’s yummy in Japanese)! Our Matcha Latte made with housemade cashew milk is SERIOUSLY THE BEST THING GOING for your morning ritual.

Now you know why we love superfoods and the benefits they provide and how easy it is to add them to your daily routine! Bring the benefits home with our GEM at HOME collection or swing by and let us whip something up for you.

Believe us, you’ll be a believer once you see and feel the difference they make!


Bring The GEM Goodness Home – Part Four: Spirulina

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Spirulina — the health benefits of spirulina are undeniable. Spirulina is hailed as a superfood that promotes body and brain health.

We continue our blog series with the goal of sharing the many benefits and virtues of superfoods. The GEM at HOME collection of superfood supplements makes it easy to incorporate nature’s most nutrient dense foods into your daily routine.spirulina

Now, more about spirulina … One of the oldest life forms on Earth, this blue-green algae has reached powerhouse status. This nutrient-rich substance boasts its fair share of health promoting properties. It is rich in chlorophyll, and powered by the sun.

Consumers of spirulina notice an increase in energy and overall health. It balances pH to reduce inflammation, the root cause of illness and disease. It may be one of the best sources of protein and you aren’t eating it.

More about this beauty:

  • CLEAN & HEALTHY: removes toxins from the blood, curbs effects from radiation, and boosts the immune system
  • YOUNG: fights the aging process, high antioxidant properties
  • SMART: protects the brain and detoxifies the liver and kidneys
  • SKINNY: curbs appetite and promotes weight loss

 

At HOME Application: Add it to your regimen slowly or you may experience detoxing ill effects. Add a ½ teaspoon to a smoothie or even your juice.

GEM Life App: Daily Bright Like a Diamond Shots pack a seriously energizing punch.

Inside The GEM at Forest or on Luther, we would LOVE to wax lyrical some more with you about this superfood. Bring some home today!

BTW, There will be no blog next week due to the holiday week.

But fear not, our blog series will continue the week of July 10th.

Until then, Peace. Happy. Freedom. GEMs!


Bring The GEM Goodness Home This Summer – Part 3: Hemp

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We launched the current blog series with the goal of extolling the virtues and benefits of gem hempsuperfoods, like hemp, and how you can easily incorporate them into your daily routine whether you are picking something up at The GEM or cooking something up at home.

Our GEM at HOME collection of superfood supplements is a great way to reap the benefits of nature’s most nutrient dense foods in your own home.

Last week, we enlightened you on the benefits of Chia.

THIS WEEK, WE ARE GOING TO TALK ABOUT HEMP. WE HEART IT!

Not to be confused with the stuff Cheech and Chong made so famous, this miracle seed is actually a distant cousin. So, get those thoughts out of your head. For better or worse, the “high” you can get with hemp is only from your body singing from all the goodness.

Why is it so good? It’s packed with protein for one thing. It has more protein than meat, fish or tofu. Say wha?? Forks over Knives, for sure!

Hemp makes you …

THIN AND FULL: This superfood keeps your weight in check because its protein and fiber aid in satiety, and keeps you from the munchies. HA! A diet rich in hemp also promotes digestive regularity. Giddy up cowboy!

SMARTER and LIVE LONGER: It’s one of the few Omega-3 sources found in plants. The Omega-3 fatty acids enhance brain function, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, lower blood pressure, and may even ward off Alzheimer’s disease.

EVEN KEEL: It regulates hormone fluctuations and promotes alleviation of menstrual cramps and menopause symptoms. That sounds like happiness in a bag to me!

PRETTIER!: It stimulates skin and hair growth, maintains bone health, regulates metabolism and helps with brain function. Hemp also helps keep your blood sugar level, which is an important way to defy age and prevent disease.

AT HOME Application: Use hemp milk in your smoothies as a dairy substitute. Just 3 tablespoons give you a whopping 15 grams of protein. Sprinkle the seeds on your oatmeal or add them to your salads.

GEM Life Application: We make our hemp milk from scratch every day and use it as a dairy alternative in our Super Sapphire, Sparkle Berry and PCD smoothies. Add hemp seeds as a protein, fiber and healthy fat boost in our STEEL CUT OATMEAL, FOYO PARFAIT or any smoothie! DELISH.

Bring home some hemp today! Next week, we sing the praises of Spirulina!


Bring The GEM Goodness Home This Summer – Part Two: Chia

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Superfoods, like chia, help us in so many ways – increased energy levels, protection against disease, slow the aging process – and finding a way to incorporate them into your daily routine is easier than you think.

As we discussed in last week’s post, superfood supplements are a great way to add a healthy punch to your diet. Whether you are adding them to something you are cooking up at home with our GEM at HOME collection or picking something up at The GEM, the benefits of these mighty GEMS will put a little zip in your step and do your body some good.

Last week’s post covered all things good about Maca.

This week, we are going to talk about chia, as in Ch-ch-ch-chia!

It is that same little seed as those weird little ceramic animal planters on the infomercials! Chia seeds are loaded with the most essential fatty acids of any known plant.

  • STRONG: Chia means “strength” in the Mayan culture, creating sustainable energy for those who consume it.
  • SATISFIED and REGULAR: super rich in colon cleansing, tummy-filling fiber

 

One ounce of these miracle seeds contain:

  • Fiber: 11 grams
  • Protein: 4 grams
  • Fat: 9 grams (5 of which are Omega-3s)
  • Calcium: 18% of the RDA
  • Manganese: 30% of the RDA
  • Magnesium: 30% of the RDA
  • Phosphorus: 27% of the RDA

 

AT HOME Application: Chia seeds are tasteless. Blend them into smoothies without anyone even noticing! Add the seeds to oatmeal, smoothies or make chia pudding if you are so inclined!

GEM Life Application: Super Sapphire Smoothie already contains it. Or add into any smoothie for a creamier drink or into your juice for a little extra panache.

Next week, we wax poetic on the virtues of Hemp. But until then, remember to bring The GEM goodness home!


Bring The GEM Goodness Home This Summer!

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Inside The GEM, we constantly talk about specific nutrient dense foods classified as SUPERFOODS which is inspiration behind GEM at Home.

Superfoods may exist as actual foods such as dandelion, quinoa or kale, or in more of a supplemental form like hemp seed, maca or matcha. This group supplements pack an exceptionally healthy and healing punch to your nutrition.

Our GEM at HOME collection offers you a way to bring The GEM Goodness into your own kitchen. Maybe you aren’t sure why you need these amazing additions to your daily routine. Have no fear, dear GEMs! The next few posts promise to enlighten and encourage: letting you know what these things are, how to use them at home OR inside The GEM, and why you will look and feel better using them.

Superfoods help us feel more energetic, provide protection against disease such as cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease, and promote a longer, happier and healthier life and slow the ageing process.

We’ve narrowed seemingly hundreds of superfood supplements down to just a few so you can think straight about it! We use them inside The GEM everyday. YOU CAN TOO! The series will include benefits along with a daily application you can do at home or just swing by and let us do it for you! Dive in to health. You’re worth it!

Let’s get started with Maca.

This superfood made from a South American root, dates back at least 3,000 years ago. Maca nourishes and enhances the endocrine system, which controls functions that are:

  • SEXY: fertility and sexual function, libido
  • COOL: balances hormones, improves PMS and menopause symptoms
  • HAPPY: brain and nervous system including mood moderation
  • SHINY & CHILL: helps increase energy, stamina AND calms the stress response (supports the adrenal glands)

Maca is considered to be adaptogenic, meaning works in the body according to the needs of the person taking it – allowing folks of all ages to benefit from taking it regularly. Magic Maca is more like it!

AT HOME Application: Add this nutty, caramel-ish powdered gem to your daily smoothies, lattes or sprinkle it on your oatmeal!

GEM Life Application: Crown Jewel, Tahitian Pearl smoothies. It is amazing added into our French Pressed coffee with frothed cashew milk.


Superfoods = Super Meals Part 2

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GEM-4_Heart-GEM_mech_8in_lowres-01One of our last posts addressed specific foods classified as SUPERFOODS, which are in a group of foods and supplements that pack an exceptionally healthy and healing punch to your nutrition.

Superfoods help us feel more energetic, provide protection against disease and promote a longer, happier and healthier life and slow the ageing process.

These antioxidant rich products are overachievers in a class that helps eliminate chemically active oxygen molecules thought to contribute to aging, immunity and chronic ailments such as cancer, heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

There are many nutrient dense foods and supplements that are SUPER. The supplements seem to be a little more obscure, but at The GEM, we use them everyday. We’ve listed both a daily application you can do at home as well as our favorite GEM application.

1. MACA:  This superfood made from a South American root, dates back at least 3,000 years ago.  Maca nourishes and enhances endocrine system, which controls such functions as:

  • Sexy: fertility and sexual function, libido
  • Get Moving: digestion and absorption
  • Happy: brain and nervous system physiology including mood moderation
  • Sparkle: helps increase energy AND calms the stress response (supports the adrenal glands)

Maca is considered to be adaptogenic, meaning it will work on the body according to needs, age and gender of the person taking it – allowing both males and females of all ages to benefit from taking it regularly. Magic Maca is more like it.

Daily Application: Add this caramel-ish powdered gem to your daily smoothies!

GEM Life: Crown Jewel, Tahitian Pearl smoothies

2. SPIRULINA:   One of the oldest life forms on Earth, this blue-green algae has reached powerhouse status. Consumers of spirulina usually notice an increase in energy and overall health. It balances pH to reduce inflammation, the root of much disease.

  • Healthy: increases antioxidant protection
  • Young: fights the aging process
  • Smart: protects the brain and detoxifies the liver and kidneys
  • Skinny: curbs appetite and promotes weight loss

Daily Application: Add it to your regimen slowly or you may experience the ill effects of detoxing. Add a ½ teaspoon to a smoothie!

GEM Life: Daily Bright Like a Diamond Shots pack a seriously energizing punch.

3. CINNAMON:   Scientists are finding that cinnamon has a unique ability to keep blood sugar steady and alleviate symptoms of diabetes and pre-diabetes. Cinnamon’s bright color indicates significant antioxidant levels. Even smelling cinnamon has been show to boost brain function!!

Daily Application: Sprinkle it on your oatmeal or on your sweet potato for a deceivingly sweet treat.

GEM Life: We use a good quantity of this unique spice in our Matcha Latte, Crown Jewel and Chocolate Diamond!

4. CHIA:   Ch-ch-ch-chia! Yep, this little seed is the same as those weird little ceramic animal planters as seen on TV! Chia seeds are loaded with the most essential fatty acids of any known plant. Plus, one serving of the stuff is loaded with magnesium, iron, calcium, and potassium.

Chia seeds are a really good, plant-based source of Omega 3, as well as protein and fiber. You can buy them in either their true seed form or in a chia oil version; the seeds can be added to salads, smoothies, or anything else that sparkles your fancy.

Daily Application: Chia pudding, drop some in your kombucha, add to your oatmeal.

GEM Life:  Add to any smoothie for a creamier drink—it adds no flavor at all. Your kids and you will never know it’s there!!

5. GINGER:   Slightly spicy but oh-so-enjoyable, ginger has been used for years as a delicious flavoring and an all-natural remedy for everything from an upset stomach and nausea to unwanted inflammation. It is a great immune system booster.

Daily Application: Use fresh ginger for amazing Thai-inspired dishes.

GEM Life: Ginger is everywhere at The GEM. Boost your Forever Young Iced Green Tea, drink a Green Glow or grab a ginger shot and go.

6. CACAO:   Cacao powder contains flavonoids, which are known to help lower blood pressure and improve blood flow to the brain and heart. A wonderful mood booster too. Cacao provides a strong chocolate flavor without the guilt.

Daily Application: Dark chocolate squares can satisfy a sweet tooth and do wonders for your mood and your body.

GEM Life: Chocolate Diamond, Crown Jewel, Tahitian Pearl. Enough said.

7. TURMERIC:   In Ayurveda, turmeric is known as a powerful antioxidant that fights cancer-causing free radicals; it’s also an antiseptic and has natural anti-inflammatory effects.

  • Prevents prostate, breast and colon cancers
  • Wards off Alzheimer’s and dementia
  • Nature’s Advil—allays joint pain and inflammation

Daily Application: Add the fresh root to your cooking (Indian inspired)

GEM Life: Grab a fresh pressed turmeric shot (we also will press in bulk for you!), throw a boost into your green juice or tea. Give yourself a big treat and get an ImmuniTEA made with lemon, ginger, turmeric and local honey. Dang, that’s good!

8. Organic BLUEBERRIES:   In fact, they’re nutritional superstars, filled with fiber, vitamin C, immune boosters and cancer-fighting compounds. And, studies suggest blueberries may even improve memory. That’s something to remember. And DON’T FORGET to make them organic!

Daily Application: Keep blueberries on hand for a quick snack.

GEM Life: A Crown Jewel smoothie a day keeps all bad things at bay!

9. HEMP SEEDS:   These super seeds contain GLA—a super special type of highly anti-inflammatory omega-6 “super fat” that not only reduces inflammation but also supports a healthy metabolism, nourishes your hair, skin and nails and even helps regulate hormones. In addition, it is a great source of protein: 3 tablespoons = 11 grams of protein.

Daily Application: Sprinkle on your salads, toss in your smoothie, or even as a quick and simple snack.

GEM Life: Add hemp seeds into your smoothie for an extra secret weapon. We make our own hemp milk too!

10. Organic APPLE:   An Apple a Day … This overlooked superfood protects the body from nuclear fallout, kills a wide range of cancers, and keeps the arteries unclogged. The high levels of pectin help prevent disease, including enhancing cardiovascular health — to name but a few, experimentally confirmed ways in which the apple is one quiet, bad ass fruit.

Daily Application: The obvious sliced ORGANIC apple

GEM Life: Add some liquid sunshine to your day with a Green Glow JUICE, which contains the juice an entire apple.

Dive into health. You’re worth it!


Superfoods = Super Meals

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Superfoods – What are they, and more importantly, how we can get them into your daily eating habits? This two part series reveals some incredible superfoods that can easily incorporate into quinoasuperfoodyour nutrition regimen.

Obscure supplements with strange names from faraway places are NOT the only superfoods. Some are right in front of your nose! You can select superfoods from most menus and hopefully even pull some from your fridge today!

So, wait. Tell me again what are Superfoods?

Superfoods are a group of foods and supplements that pack an exceptionally healthy and healing punch to your nutrition. Super comes into play when the ratio of calories and the size per serving to beneficial nutrients in especially high. Superfoods help us feel more energetic, boost our immune systems, provide protection against disease, prevent cancer, protect our brains, slow the ageing process and promote a longer, happier and healthier life. You gotta have them!

Get your super powers here:

  1. Quinoa – This tiny, grain-like seed packs some serious nutritional power. With a mild, nutty flavor and a texture similar to couscous, quinoa is one of the only grains that provide all nine essential amino acids. And it’s filled with protein — 10 grams per one-cup serving, to be exact! GEM App: Keep our signature Quinoa salad on hand for an easy and quick snack. Impress your company with the Arugula and Quinoa salad with wild mushrooms, garlic and thyme. We won’t tell!
  2. Kale – This rough and tough green beats out all the rest in terms of nutrition, providing more antioxidants than most other fruits and veggies! Kale has an incredible abundance of phytochemicals, (plant chemicals that aid in the prevention of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension – four of the leading cause of death in the U.S.). Kale a fantastic source of fiber, calcium, iron AND even protein! Prepare it virtually any way, sautéed, steamed, roasted (try it as a chip) or raw in a salad. GEM App: Juice it or grab our famous Kale Salad (we swear you will fall in love). Or try our yummy dehydrated kale chips. We are so excited to have a local guy making organic Kale Chips for us—in amazing flavors!
  3. Mushrooms – One of the most remarkable elements for a healthy immune system. These fungi provide us with the nutrients it needs to generate energy and repair cells. They have been used to cure or improve eyesight, hearing, circulation, impotency, stop migraine headaches, tumors, influenza. They fight and reduce cancerous cells and tumors, AND they help prevent more cancerous cells from forming. GEM App: The Arugula Salad with wild mushrooms, quinoa, garlic and thyme will make your heart sing. Try our Bloom Immunity Boost Drops, an organic blend of herbal extracts that include medicinal mushrooms for super powers beyond belief!
  4. Green Tea – This age-old health secret has been used as a natural remedy for everything from cancer to heart disease! The secret to this delicious drink? Antioxidants! The main superhero here is EGCG (Epigallocatechin gallate), a phytochemical that slows irregular cell growth, which potentially helps prevent the growth of some cancers. GEM App: Get down on our amazing Matcha Latte. Prepare to fall in love and possibly say goodbye to the coffee shop! We dare you to add cinnamon. Our Forever Young Iced Green Tea with a Ginger Boost is so good, it may change your life.
  5. Lentils – High in protein and other essential nutrients, including folate, iron, potassium and a ton of antioxidants. Use it as a vegetarian option to help fight off anemia. Lentils are low glycemic, meaning they cause blood sugar to spike less quickly than other starches—a perfect option for anyone, especially those with diabetes. With lentils’ slow-burning protein and high (cholesterol reducing) fiber, they may boost weight loss. They keep you fuller longer, potentially a key to controlling appetite and slimming down. A half cup of lentils contain 12 grams of protein. Oh, and gram for gram, lentils have more protein than beef! THAT’s what’s for dinner! Lentils can reduce that nasty inflammation, which is associated with everything from heart disease to cancer. GEM App: Lentil Love Soup contains 20 grams of protein, along with lots of good
  6. Garlic – This fragrant vegetable does a lot more than ward off vampires! This anti-inflammatory power house keeps colds, cardiovascular disease and cancer at bay. The allicin compound found within garlic can boost your mood, fight cancer and even your sex-drive Pretty awesome! GEM App: look for garlic in our Lentil Soup, Arugula Salad and Hummus.

 

Look to add at least one superfood at every meal and your body and mind will reap the rewards. Or, pick up dinner from The GEM and get them all in at once! You can have a great tasting, super-satisfying meal that is packed with nutrient dense superfoods … and it is easy to do! Be a SUPER GEM.