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      in Food

      Healthier Sodas and Sparkling Beverages to Sip On

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      You probably never thought you’d hear “soda” and “healthy” in the same sentence, unless there was “not” sandwiched between. But we’re not talking about a 12-oz Coca-Cola clocking 39 g sugar. You can drop-kick that right out of your fridge, because the latest beverage revolution is riding the coattails of healthified junk foods. Brands are prioritizing health and wellness, creating healthier sodas and sparkling beverages with less than 6 g sugar and added benefits like probiotics and adaptogens. If you’re someone who can’t cut out soda altogether from your diet, these options highlighted below are way more virtuous and dare we say even tastier.

      But before we dive into those, let’s be real for a minute: Obesity and diabetes are major health concerns in the U.S., and there’s no question our diet and lifestyle play major roles in both diseases. One major contributor is excessive caloric intake in the form of added sugars found in a lot of processed foods. From 2017 to 2018, the average intake of added sugars for adults aged 20 years and older was 17 teaspoons (68 g sugar), according to the CDC. Adults should limit their added sugar intake to no more than 6 teaspoons (24 g sugar) each day, per the American Heart Association.
      One major contributor of those added sugars in the diet are soft drinks and sugar-sweetened beverages. You shouldn’t be drinking majority of your calories anyway, so this is an easy way to dial in your nutrition.
      Jordan Mazur, M.S., R.D., is the director of nutrition for the San Francisco 49ers

      9 Healthier Sodas and Sparkling Beverages to Sip On
      Courtesy Image1. Olipop
      Olipop is a new-age fizzy tonic that boasts prebiotics, plant fiber, and botanicals that not only taste great but also help your digestive health. The best part is its lineup of flavors only contain between 2 to 5 g sugar and 45 calories per can.
      Get it

      Courtesy Image2. Poppi
      Poppi is a better-for-you prebiotic soda great for gut health and an extra immunity boost. Each can has real, clean ingredients and boasts fewer than 25 calories and 5 g sugar. All contain the brand’s star ingredient: pure, unfiltered apple cider vinegar. With classic and fruit flavors, and 90 percent less sugar than other sodas, Poppi can quench your thirst and then some.
      Get it

      Courtesy Image3. Wave Soda
      Wave is a new take on healthy soda—comprising 85 percent sparkling water, 15 percent fruit juice, and 42 mg natural caffeine. Each can has just 15 to 25 calories and 2 to 6 g sugar, depending on the flavor. They all have natural ingredients and are entirely void of added sugars and sweeteners.
      Get it

      Courtesy Image4. United Sodas of America
      United Sodas is a modern soda brand that tastes as good as it looks. It’s reminiscent of your favorite sparkling water due to its lightly carbonated fizz and low sugar, but comes in surprising flavors such as Blackberry Jam, Pear Elderflower, and Toasted Coconut. Each drink clocks in under 30 calories, contains no artificial ingredients, and is organically sweetened, making it the perfect alternative for health-conscious soda lovers.
      Get it

      Courtesy Image5. Kin Spritz
      Kin Spritz is a sparkling bev with ingredients intended to rouse your mind and invigorate energy levels. It’s crafted with fresh citrus, warm spice, hibiscus, ginger, and caffeine plus adaptogens like rhodiola rosea and nootropics like GABA, which work in tandem to get you through your morning or afternoon slump.
      Get it

      Courtesy Image6. Live Sodas
      Live Sodas are naturally sweetened with monk fruit and loaded with probiotics to help your waistline and gut health. Its lineup of five flavors are caffeine-free and contain zero added sugars or dyes.
      Get it

      Courtesy Image7. Corsa Co.
      Corsa may look retro, but it’s soda formulated for the 21st century. Botanicals sourced directly from farmers ensure high-quality flavors: Kola packs all the flavor of the West African nut plus citrus and spice. Its 5 g sugar is derived from beets. If you want lighter alternatives, opt for its floral and citrus Spritz or bitter and botanical Cays. They all have 350 mg hydrating minerals, so you get the added benefit of electrolytes.
      Get it

      Courtesy Image8. Culture Pop Sodas
      Culture Pop sodas are made with only organic juices, spices, and probiotics, making this soda functional, not just delicious. They have unique flavors like Orange Mango Chili & Lime, Wild Berries Basil & Lime, and Pink Grapefruit Ginger & Juniper.
      Get it

      Courtesy Image9. Recess
      This sparkling beverage helps calm the mind and lift your mood with a functional blend of magnesium, ginseng, L-theanine, lemon balm, and active B6. Made with natural ingredients and sweetened with real fruit, each can has 5g natural sugar and fewer than 20 calories. They also make a CBD-infused line if you’re looking for calm and clarity.
      Get it

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      in Wellness

      Dr. Livingood: A ‘Proven Step-By-Step Healing Formula’ That Average Doctors Don’t Know About…

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      Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. We update when possible, but deals expire and prices can change. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
      Questions? Reach us at shop@mensjournal.com.
      In 2007, a year and a half into doctorate school, Dr. Livingood of Livingood Daily received a call from his mother informing him that his father’s heart shut down and contracted a deadly virus. With no warning, after passing physicals with flying colors, Dr. Livingood’s dad had his life stopped by sudden heart failure.
      This call changed Dr. Livingood’s life. “When you, or someone you love, loses their health…everything you used to care about seems insignificant.” All Dr. Livingood could think about was arriving home to his father and helping him regain his health.
      No one at the hospital knew why his father was declining in health, and no one knew what to do about his heart condition. There were no solutions suggested, except to put him on 15 different medications.
      Dr. Livingood fought this ‘solution,’ expressing that his father shouldn’t need 15 different medications in order for him to live life, when months before his dad had passed his physical and was doing well for his age.
      With no one able to tell Dr. Livingood what was going on, he decided to take matters into his own hands. This incident was the catalyst for Dr. Livingood, now a doctor of natural medicines and a DC, to find solutions that helped his loved ones and thousands of others to get out of “sick care” and experience REAL health means.
      Dr. Livingood helped his father overcome his major heart and autoimmune conditions, got him off 15 medications, and got the chance to live good again..
      Now in 2021, Dr. Livingood is bringing facts, solutions, and natural remedies to individuals throughout the U.S. His FREE book, Livingood Daily, is here to protect families from viruses, disease, and harmful treatments.
      In his book, he introduces techniques that allow individuals to combat disease & illness through superfoods, natural solutions, and more, and he transforms individuals from misinformed to fit & full of energy extremely fast!
      This is Dr. Livingood: Proven Step-By-Step Healing Formula’ That Average Doctors Don’t Know About… and that formula is revealed in his free book.
      Besides our alarm, what really gets us up in the morning? Real health. Dr. Livingood is here to inform individuals that health starts with understanding the body and what resources we have that are naturally occurring inside and outside us.
      Dr. LivingoodIf The Focus Is Health, The Result Is Heath
      In the first half of his book, Dr. Livingood discusses how to fix your focus, your food, your fitness, your frame, and your filters. The foundations you need in order to experience REAL health and achieve your health goals fast.
      Dr. Livingood hopes to shift people’s ways of thinking about solving health issues by presenting a step-by-step system on how to naturally combat disease & illness.
      You can naturally maintain a healthy lifestyle, and that starts with healthy insides and healthy living habits. If the focus is health, the result is health, and that’s what Dr. Livingood preaches.
      “If all the focus is on drugs, surgeries, and the treatment of sickness and disease then all you get is sickness and disease. When the focus is building health and the activities of building health then you get health.” which is exactly what Dr. Livingood experienced with this father. There are alternate ways to help the body, starting with what our bodies already do for us every day.
      We Are Our Own Greatest Doctor, And Believing In Our Bodies And Informing Ourselves Is The Key To Real Health
      Since the day we were born, our bodies have been working for us by fighting diseases, healing our cuts and scrapes, and giving us the energy to run and walk—without us even noticing! Dr. Livingood is here to remind us that we are our greatest doctors and that believing in our bodies and informing ourselves is the key to real health.
      The more we know, the more we know.
      We don’t always have to go to a doctor to understand what’s going on, and we don’t have to wait around getting sick anymore. Especially when it comes to serious viruses and autoimmune problems, there are natural solutions available that not every doctor is studying in books.
      From vitamins and minerals to herbs and remedies, Dr. Livingood has a full line of supplements that naturally support heart health, pain and inflammation, and more. If you want to learn more about these supplements, the masterclass is right for you.
      With natural remedies, Dr. Livingood is helping individuals find the cause of their health problems and presenting natural ways to ease the conditions. Dr. Livingood has helped thousands of individuals get off their medications in a safe way.
      Realize what healthy really means with Dr. Livingood’s free book.
      Some People Think That Natural Solutions Aren’t On The Same Level As Prescribed Medications, But They’re Wrong
      We’ve been told all our lives that doctors have all the answers, but many of them only have answers that lead to medications or surgeries.
      There is a huge push for natural health remedies in 2021, and Dr. Livingood is a pioneer in this field. The Livingood Daily book is a new door for many to open.
      There is so much to learn from the Livingood Daily book because it’s all about re-educating ourselves on the truth. Dr. Livingood’s practices and systems are all about shifting our attention from sickness to health.
      Symptoms of gluten allergies? There are natural solutions. Avoiding blood clots, strokes & heart attacks? There are natural solutions for this too!
      Some people think that natural solutions aren’t as useful as prescribed medications, but they’re wrong. Natural solutions help the body in the long run and keep people on the right track to real health.
      Learn how natural remedies can change your life today.
      We’re All So Worried About Which Vaccine We’ll Get Or Which Drug We’ll Take, But What Can We Do To Strengthen Our Bodies From The Inside Out?

      It’s time to stop living in fear and arming ourselves with misinformation. We need to start empowering each other with what we can do for ourselves and our immune systems. No one has perfect health, and there is no way to protect the body from everything. Dr. Livingood knows this and approaches the immune system from a natural standpoint with reality in mind.
      Amidst the pandemic, we’re all so worried about which vaccine we’ll get or which mask we’ll wear. Now, it’s time to think about what we can do to strengthen our bodies from the inside out.
      We can keep our bodies strong and ready for any health issue by preparing them to fend off disease. We can help our inner army to fight for us, instead of work against us, or try to digest and comprehend the unknown medications we so willingly put in ourselves.
      What does healing look like without all the toxic side effects from medications?
      It looks like a person ready for anything with knowledge about what to eat, how to respond to sickness, and what supplements to take.
      It’s about redefining what healthy means with Dr. Livingood.
      Dr. LivingoodLivingood Daily by Dr. Livingood Hints At The Best Tool We Have To Reach REAL Health: Ourselves
      Livingood Daily by Dr. Livingood can help individuals understand themselves, their health, and the role they play in nurturing and healing their own bodies without the use of surgery or medication.
      Say goodbye to illness and worrying about what medication to take next and what surgery to get, and consider readying the body to live in real health. Dr. Livingood can help keep us from falling victim to fear and misinformation and instead, take action and take control of our health.
      When was the last time we picked up a book to learn about our health instead of deferring to medication? It’s time we reroute our thinking and consider our bodies and natural supplements to be just as strong a tool as MDs and medications.
      The power of health is just as much within us as it is without. It’s time for us to get tapped in.
      The Livingood Daily book comes at just the right time when the virus is hanging over our heads, and trips to the doctor may be too expensive. A time when we have to turn away from medications as solutions and look to ourselves as powerful enough to combat any illness or disease with education and practice.
      There is so much to learn about the body, the mind, and the natural ways to help ourselves, and Dr. Livingood can expand our options to prevent and prepare our bodies for health, not sickness.
      By educating us, Livingood Daily by Dr. Livingood hints at the best tool we have to reach real health, and it’s a tool we’ve always had access to: ourselves.

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      in Wellness

      Ed Helms Destigmatizes Surrogacy for Single Men in ‘Together Together’

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      In October 1936, a convicted chicken thief named Jack Skinner stood before an Oklahoma county judge and was sentenced to forced sterilization. Skinner had been convicted of his third felony and therefore met the criteria for the state’s new Habitual Criminal Sterilization Act. His lawyers argued the punishment violated the 14th Amendment––specifically, its Equal Protection Clause––and, several appeals later, the Supreme Court agreed. The right to procreate, Justice William Douglas asserted in the Court’s 1942 Skinner v. Oklahoma decision, is “one of man’s basic civil rights. Marriage and procreation are fundamental to the very existence and survival of the race.”There it is. That’s how a eugenics case involving the punitive sterilization of a convicted poultry burglar established parenthood as a fundamental human right. And yet, almost 80 years later, many people who want to become parents are challenged when they pursue that right. When it comes to prospective parenthood, one of the most broadly excluded demographics is the single male.Together Together, a new film from writer-director Nikole Beckwith, portrays this experience with deep empathy. Ed Helms stars as Matt, a middle-aged app developer who decides to become a father through gestational surrogacy. The story’s élan vital is Matt’s relationship with Anna, his surrogate played by the compelling Patti Harrison, but the movie also examines prevailing attitudes toward men who choose to start a family on their own. When Matt shares his exciting news with friends and family, he’s met with quizzical stares and skeptical questions. Their pushback––or at the very least, lack of unconditional support––holds a mirror to our own world.Courtesy of Bleecker Street“The story of a single, straight male having a child through surrogacy is not a story we’re culturally familiar with yet,” Helms tells Men’s Journal. “When we’re unfamiliar with things, oftentimes we approach them with a little more trepidation, fear, or judgment. I think that’s what Matt experiences in the movie in a very realistic way. Society just hasn’t quite found the language or rhythm to comprehend that yet.”Options are limited for the man who wants to become a father but lacks a uterus. He can adopt or work with a surrogate. If he wants a genetic connection with his child, then it’s the latter. As a thought exercise, imagine how you’d react if one of your single friends decided to have a kid through surrogacy. There’s a good chance he’d face some resistance.“People become suspicious,” says Diane Hinson, owner and founder of Creative Family Connections, a surrogacy agency and law firm. “And they’re like, ‘Why does this person want to do surrogacy? Why can’t he just go out, find someone, and get married—or get someone pregnant sans marriage?’ We hear these questions and it’s like, why doesn’t this person have the same right to do surrogacy as all our other intended parents?”There are legal headwinds too. Since there are no federal surrogacy laws, states hold all the power. Hinson and her team created an interactive map to help navigate the complex patchwork of state surrogacy laws. A handful of states have statutes that discriminate against single people and LGBTQ couples, but the map has become considerably less restrictive since the Supreme Court’s 2015 ruling on same-sex marriage. For single men who pursue fatherhood through surrogacy, social hurdles are often more obstructive than legal ones.Cultural representations play a pivotal role in helping cultures process and accept unorthodox narratives. Forty years ago, it was taboo to talk about IVF treatment. It’s not a coincidence we’ve become more comfortable discussing fertility, as an increasing number of stories are being told about infertility. Beckwith’s film does its part to dismantle the myth that the only way a man can become a parent is with someone else.“I think for men who want to have children and be dads, there’s a cultural expectation you must have a partner first,” Helms says. “Even if a man doesn’t feel beholden to that cultural expectation, it may just be something they really, really want––having a partner to go through that with. And sometimes, partnership doesn’t happen. Or it falls apart. Or people wind up single at various points in their lives for all kinds of reasons. And I think what Nikole did brilliantly was separate that from the desire to have a family.”Courtesy of Bleecker StreetGestational surrogacy, where the surrogate has no biological relationship to the child, has emerged as a viable path to parenthood. People who tread the path alone frequently have their motives questioned. To Helms, this unsympathetic reaction doesn’t make sense.“It’s sort of a grand expression of love to start a family, especially when someone is forced to jump through as many hoops as one has to to start a family through surrogacy. It takes a lot of commitment to move through that process.”This commitment requires a colossal amount of time, effort, and money. For the small but growing number of single men who are becoming fathers via surrogacy, the impetus of a ticking clock is a common refrain in many news stories about their experiences. Maybe it’s tricky to call this “the male biological clock,” yet it exists on the same plane. In terms of fertility, there’s no male equivalent of menopause––though sperm health does decrease with age––but there are temporal forces that shape family planning regardless of gender or relationship status.“I think it’s very common and understandable for men to feel like there’s a certain window of their adulthood that’s ideal for parenthood,” Helms says. “To feel pressure to fit parenthood into that window, whether or not it’s rational, is a very real thing. It’s not a biological window the same way it is for women, but it can be a very powerful emotional window.”We’re speaking over the phone on a Friday afternoon and this comment hits close to home. My wife and I are in our thirties. We don’t have kids, but we’ve spent a lot of time talking about this window recently. It’s definitely emotional. I tell Helms about my own fears and insecurities. The poor man. He agreed to an interview about his new movie and now I’m asking him to be my therapist. When I mention I’m terrified by the weight and responsibility of becoming a dad, he laughs knowingly. He and his wife became parents a few years ago. I ask if he can relate.“Absolutely,” he says. “One hundred percent. There’s no question there’s a lot of fear and anxiety in the buildup to having a child—but it’s all based in that fear of the unknown. Thankfully, it more or less flies out the window once the child arrives because, suddenly, you’re just in it and life is moving forward. This kind of inevitable human inertia takes over, and parents, families—whatever shape or form they take—just step up. It’s kind of incredible. You find something in yourself that, certainly for me, I didn’t even know I had in me.”Courtesy of Bleecker StreetIn Together Together, Helms’ character, Matt, approaches fatherhood with an inspiring amount of certainty. Even as his closest relatives sow doubt and question his decision, Matt’s faith never falters. This conviction evokes empathy for the film’s worldview.“Families are created in all kinds of ways, and I just think culturally it’s so important we don’t judge those processes,” Helms says. He credits Beckwith, the writer-director, for telling such a compassionate story. “As a person, she’s incredibly non-judgmental. That’s like a superpower.”Hinson believes we’ve come a long way since the 1942 Supreme Court decision. “Probably nobody thought surrogacy would exist because there wasn’t such a thing as IVF back then, but the technology exists,” she says. “It’s possible for single women to become mothers. And now society accepts that. It’s possible for couples who have fertility issues. It’s possible for same-sex couples.” She’s hopeful the circle of tolerance will continue to grow. “I think single, straight dads are the last frontier in terms of being accepted, but I think society will get there.”Storytelling can accelerate this acceptance. Together Together shows that a single man’s desire to become a parent is just as natural as anyone else’s.“There are certain cultural stigmas that the closer you look at them, the more irrational they become,” Helms says. I think this is one of them. Thankfully Nikole has put a real magnifying glass on this particular narrative in our culture. And to the extent that it neutralizes any of that stigma, I’m incredibly proud of the movie.”Together Together is currently playing in theaters. It comes out on VOD May 11.For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube! More

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      10 Best Supplements for Men Who Work Out

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      Most men associate supplements with improved health. But supplements are just that—a means to supplement your diet. They aren’t going to make a significant impact on your health and fitness unless there are known deficiencies or you’re not meeting your needs through your diet. So before adding a slew of supplements to your regimen, think about if you’re consuming a balanced and varied diet first, then consider where supplements might be able to help. When deciding what to take, note what your goals are, or what you’re trying to achieve. Here, we outline the best supplements for men who work out to bolster their overall health and fitness. Before we get started, note that most companies provide lofty claims that aren’t backed by science or research. And therein lies the real danger with the supplement industry: It’s not tightly regulated by the FDA and there are a lot of dangerous supplements out there that can have detrimental effects on your health versus actually helping you.I categorize supplements into two main categories: foundational and ergogenic supplements. Foundational supplements (like the ones on this list) are ones that can be beneficial from a maintenance and preventative health perspective. Ergogenic supplements are substances or supplements that may enhance energy production, use, or recovery and provide athletes or active individuals with a claimed competitive advantage.When evaluating the best supplements for men who work out, look to four main criteria: method of action, available research, adverse effects, and legality. I also suggest looking for supplements that are independently verified and tested for quality and accuracy of ingredients like NSF Certification and Informed Choice.Emerging science and technologies are making customized and individualized healthcare more readily available and affordable for most. Blind supplementation will become a thing of the past with companies like Rootine and Sun Genomics. Rootine optimizes your daily performance with precision nutrition. More than a standard multivitamin, it’s a comprehensive system designed to help you achieve your best health, featuring the first precision-crafted micronutrient formula informed by your individual lifestyle and health data (DNA and blood levels). The company provides a unique formulation that’s specific to you and your needs. This allows you to nourish your cells to build a more efficient, focused, and higher-performing version of yourself. Your microbiome is also unique and has a huge impact on your overall health. Sun Genomics uses DNA sequencing within your gut microbiome to customize a unique probiotic based on your goals and symptoms. Its custom formulation can help with digestion, increase energy, and reduce bloating while ultimately helping you perform at your best.Below, we’ve highlighted the top supplements for men who work out, why they’re good for you, and how much to take. Talk to your healthcare provider before adding anything to your daily diet.Jordan Mazur, MS, RD, is the director of nutrition and team dietitian for the San Francisco 49ers10 Best Supplements for Men Who Work OutKlean Athlete Klean-D 1000 Courtesy Image1. Vitamin DWhy it’s good for you: Vitamin D is a key factor in a number of functions in the human body. More studies need to be conducted, but current research suggests vitamin D supplementation might increase testosterone levels in men suffering from low amounts. It’s also been suggested to support heart and bone health, which is particularly important for older men. Vitamin D can also be synthesized through the skin via sun exposure, so getting 15 to 20 minutes of sun exposure a day can help synthesize vitamin D, however, oftentimes this is limited depending on where you live geographically and seasonally.How much to take: The RDA for men 19 to 50 years old is 600 IU/day in the D3 form, but recent research suggests higher amounts (1500 to 2000 IU/Day) might be more appropriate, but depends largely on your current vitamin D status. Ask your doctor to get an accurate vitamin D level from your blood and base your supplementation off that.Best brand to try: Klean Athlete Klean-D 1000Thorne Magnesium Courtesy Image2. MagnesiumWhy it’s good for you: Magnesium is a mineral crucial to overall wellness and has a number of functions in the human body including nerve function, blood glucose control, protein synthesis, regulating circadian rhythms, and more. Magnesium helps your body absorb certain nutrients, such as calcium, and is thought to have a calming effect on the body. According to the USDA, about half the U.S. adult population may have insufficient magnesium intakes to support nutritional adequacy.How much to take: The RDA for men 19 to 30 is 400 mg per day and men 31 to 50 is 420 mg per dayBest brand to try: Thorne MagnesiumNordic Naturals Ultimate Omega 2X Courtesy Image3. Omega-3 Fish Oil (EPA/DHA)Why it’s good for you: Omega-3 fatty acids are a classification of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Within this family there are three main types that are important: DHA, EPA, and ALA. EPA and DHA are important to consume in your diet because your body can synthesize them. The main food source is fish, but if you don’t eat fish two to three times per week, this is where supplementation can help. Fish oils are well-known to have a number of researched benefits including boosting heart health by improving risk factors for heart disease like high cholesterol, triglyceride levels, and blood pressure. They can help fight long-term inflammation, and promote proper inflammatory responses and recovery. They can also help joint health by helping to improve range of motion and reduce morning stiffness.How much to take: 1,000 to 3,000 mg of combined Omega-3 EPA/DHA dailyBest brand to try: Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega 2XFloré by Sun Genomics Balance Courtesy Image4. ProbioticsWhy it’s good for you: In the most basic sense, probiotics are living microorganisms intended to have beneficial health effects when consumed. Collectively there are billions of living bacteria in the human body that make up what we call the microbiome. There are good and bad bacteria in the human body that have a number of functions and outcomes on our health. The microbiome is ever-changing and is completely unique to each individual based on environmental interactions, medication use, autoimmune disease, and many other factors. With having such an impact on health, consuming them regularly is important for maintaining your microbiome.How much to take: Depends on the product, but consume probiotics dailyBest brand to try: Flore by Sungenomics are completely customized probiotics for you based on a Complete Gut Microflora Test, formulated based on your needs, and shipped straight to you.Thorne Meriva-SF Courtesy Image5. CurcuminWhy it’s good for you: Curcumin is the most potent, naturally occurring, anti-inflammatory ingredient found in turmeric. Short term inflammation increases in your body as a healing measure, but chronic inflammation can be disruptive to healthy cellular processes. This can help combat the latter.How much to take: 1,500 mg to 2,000 mg of curcumin with 15-20 mg of piperine per day. Or, try supplementing with Meriva, a patented and highly absorbed form of curcumin; take 400 to 1,000 mg per day.Best brand to try: Thorne Meriva-SFLMNT Elemental Labs Electrolyte Mix Courtesy Image6. ElectrolytesWhy it’s good for you: Electrolytes are simply a group of minerals in the human body that have an electric charge. They have many functions to maintain homeostasis. Two of these are regulating fluid balance and muscle contractions, which is why these are among the best supplements for men who work out. Our kidneys do most of the work to maintain fluid balance and, if consuming a healthy diet, electrolyte supplements might not be needed. However, everyone’s sweat concentration is different (this is where you lose a lot of your electrolytes). In this case, some men might need an electrolyte boost especially if you’re a heavy sweater, salty sweater, or do a lot of work in hot, humid climates. Sodium is the main electrolyte lost followed by chloride and to some extent potassium and magnesium. It’s important to know your personal sweat rate to know if an electrolyte supplement is right for you.How much to take: It depends, but make sure your electrolyte supplement contains sodium, chloride, potassium, and magnesium. However, be careful of over-supplementation of electrolytes, especially calcium and sodium. Check out the NIH database for the RDA and Tolerable Upper Intake Levels (UL) for each mineral to make sure your intake falls within the recommended ranges.Best brands to try: LMNT Elemental Labs Electrolyte Mix and Liquid IVPure Encapsulations Zinc 15 Courtesy Image7. ZincWhy it’s good for you: Zinc is an essential mineral. For men, when zinc levels are low, testosterone and insulin sensitivity can dip. Zinc can also play a role in reducing the duration of the common cold. It’s lost through sweat, so it’s important to get an adequate intake.How much to take: There are two standard dosages, but the low dose at 5 to 10 mg per day works well from a preventative standpoint.Best brand to try: Pure Encapsulations Zinc 15Metamucil 3-in-1 Fiber Supplement Courtesy Image8. FiberWhy it’s good for you: Dietary fiber is essential for a healthy diet and regularity. Fiber can be found in the foods we eat—fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. But let’s be honest, not everyone is consistent with getting those foods in regularity. There are two main types of fiber, soluble and insoluble fiber, and both are needed to normalize bowel movements, lower cholesterol levels, control blood sugar, and achieve a healthy weight. If you lack foods that are highest in fiber in your daily diet, consider taking a fiber supplement in a capsule or powder form.How much to take: Adult men 50 and younger should consume 38 grams per day and men over the age of 50 should consume 30 grams according to the Institute of Medicine.Best brand to try: Thorne FiberMend or Metamucil 3-in-1 Fiber SupplementKlean Athlete Creatine Courtesy Image9. CreatineWhy it’s good for you: Creatine is a molecule found in the human body that can be produced from amino acids. It stores high energy phosphate groups, which are used to convert to ATP, or energy. Creatine might be one of the most studied supplements on this list with the most efficacy for use to improve strength and power output in strength training. There’s some minor evidence to suggest it may help with anaerobic running capacity as well. Many of the raised concerns about creatine being unsafe are unfounded and not supported by research. Creatine is considered very safe to consume, and creatine monohydrate appears to be the most cost-effective form for men compared to other forms of creatine. If you’re training, this is among the best supplements for men who work out.How much to take: 5 grams per day during training phasesBest brand to try: Klean Athlete CreatineGainful Protein Powder Courtesy Image10. Protein Powder (Whey or Plant Based)Why it’s good for you: Protein is one of the most popular supplements, and there are hundreds of brands out there. Protein powders, whether it’s whey, casein, pea protein, or more, are a great and convenient way to get the amino acids needed throughout the day or as a meal replacement. Although they aren’t necessary, they’re a great option around your meals to make sure you’re getting your protein requirements throughout the day, especially around your workouts.How much to take: 20 to 40 grams post-workout or throughout the dayBest brand to try: Gainful customizes a blend based on your individual goals and preferences, matching you with a whey, plant-based, or keto protein powder blend.For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube! More

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      Healthy Coffee Additives to Supercharge Your Cup of Joe

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      Coffee is one of the top beverages consumed around the world (other than water, of course). It’s routine for most—and somewhat of a religion to others. It helps you power through the afternoon slump and get amped for a workout. Coffee alone has many benefits, but can also get a bad rap due to its caffeine content. Coffee contains magnesium and potassium, which helps the human body use insulin, regulating blood sugar levels. Coffee is the best natural source of caffeine and, in moderation (one to three cups a day), helps you focus and can even improve mental alertness. Coffee and espresso also contain some of the highest natural sources of antioxidants that can help protect your body from free radicals. But creamers can turn healthy coffee into a sugar bomb.

       
      If you’re looking to get even more benefits out of your daily cup of Joe (cause why not?), there are many functional ingredients that can be added to increase nutrients. From cinnamon to collagen, take a look at some of the best functional powders and ingredients for a healthy coffee boost.

      Healthy Coffee Additives to Supercharge Your Java

      Courtesy Image1. MUDWTR
      Recommended serving: 1 tablespoon daily
      Why it’s good for you: MUDWTR is a unique mix of all-organic ingredients: cacao, masala chai, turmeric, cinnamon, and sea salt, and chaga, cordyceps, reishi, and lion’s mane mushrooms. Although they suggest this blend can be used as a coffee alternative for those looking to limit caffeine, it can be used as an extra boost to coffee as well. The delicious blend of ingredients provides many researched functional benefits including enhanced mood, mental performance, recovery, and immune support, as well as reduced inflammation and overall health.
      [$40 ; mudwtr.com]
      Get it

      Courtesy Image2. Respect des Fonds Focus
      Recommended serving: 1 scoop daily
      Why it’s good for you: Respect Focus is a mixture of potent adaptogens to help boost your overall mental clarity and cognition. This complex blend boasts powerful extracts including astragalus (herb), organic ashwagandha root (Ayurvedic herb), lion’s mane mushroom (adaptogen), shilajit, schisdandra berry, bacopa (herb), rhodiola (herb), and L-theanine (amino acid). Although you may have trouble pronouncing those ingredients, the function of them will help you focus and provide mental clarity.
      [$45; respectdesfonds.co]
      Get it

      Courtesy Image3. Hanah Life Coffee Boost
      Recommended serving: 1 rounded teaspoon daily
      Why it’s good for you: Hanah coffee boost is a blend of herbal nootropics, compounds thought to boost cognitive function. Amp up your morning coffee with ashwagandha, caopa monnieri, and macuna pruriens. These three ingredients can help improve focus and concentration, alleviate stress, and help calm the nervous system. It also helps ease the spike-and-crash effect caffeine can have.
      [$43; hanahlife.com]
      Get it

      Courtesy Image4. Suwink Cacao Clarity
      Recommended serving: 1 teaspoon daily
      Why it’s good for you: Cacao Clarity is packed with natural caffeine-free energizers like maca, reishi and lion’s mane with cinnamon and cacao for rich flavor. The powder provides a natural boost of clarity and focus without an energy crash. It mixes well into your favorite coffee (hot or cold) for some plant-powered wellness.
      [$35; sunwink.com]
      Get it

      Courtesy Image5. Momentous Collagen Peptides
      Recommended serving: 1 scoop daily
      Why it’s good for you: This product combines two high-quality collagen sources, as well as vitamin C, which improves absorption. Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins found in the human body, ensuring the strength, elasticity, and regeneration of our connective tissues, including skin, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bones. The amino acids needed for collagen synthesis are different from the amino acids needed for muscle synthesis, therefore it may be beneficial to add to your coffee routine.
      [$55; livemomentous.com]
      Get it

      Courtesy Image6. Laird Superfood Creamer with Functional Mushrooms
      Recommended serving: 1 tablespoon daily
      Why it’s good for you: This powder combines the power of chaga, cordyceps, lion’s mane, and maitake mushrooms. The nutrients from these mushrooms have been used for hundreds of years and have been studied for their support of the immune system, athletic performance, energy, cognition, and overall health and vitality. Laid Superfood Creamers also contain a full range of MCT’s. It’s an easy addition to your coffee to contribute to overall wellness and keep your body and mind fueled.
      [From $12; lairdsuperfood.com]
      Get it

      Courtesy Image
      7. Raw, Organic Ceylon Cinnamon
      Cinnamon has been used medicinally for thousands of years. It contains many phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidants that make it one of the most beneficial spices—plus it tastes great in coffee. Ceylon cinnamon is less common than cassia cinnamon. They appear to be similar in health benefits, however cassia contains a lot of coumarin, which can be toxic in large quantities. It’s safer to choose ceylon if you eat a lot of cinnamon.
      [From $14; healthytruth.com]
      Get it

      Courtesy Image8. Raw, Organic Fair-Trade Cocoa
      In addition to its amazing flavor, cocoa has over 40 times the antioxidant value of blueberries, making it the highest plant-based source of iron (non-heme, so must be paired with vitamin C). It’s a great source of magnesium, and can help as a natural mood elevator and antidepressant.
      [$15; wildfoods.co]
      Get it

       
      Courtesy Image9. Raw Turmeric Root
      Turmeric is well known for its wide range of benefits; it’s been found to help ease the symptoms of depression and arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties; calm gut issues; and may help your immune system and potentially alleviate signs of aging and free radical damage. Although the active ingredient, curcumin, is poorly absorbed, adding this to your coffee can potentially help if consistently taken.
      [From $10; healthytruth.com]
      Get it

      Courtesy Image
      10. Organic Maca Root Powder
      Maca is a Peruvian plant and cruciferous vegetable in the same family as broccoli, cabbage, and kale. Maca has been used for generations for a number of studied benefits including boosting endurance and energy, improving mood, memory, helping fight free radicals and potentially even boosting libido and fertility. It has an earthy flavor and is an easy add to coffee.
      [From $23; kos.com]
      Get it

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      in Food

      The New Snack Down: Meet the Food and Drink Trends of 2022

      by

      Say goodbye to whipped coffee and banana bread, and hello to the latest food and drink trends of 2022. The future of our pantry shelves are good for you and the environment. Ryan Andrews, RD, principal nutritionist and adviser at Precision Nutrition says he sees a pull toward more sustainability in our food practices and our choices overall, from pasture-raised animal products to eco-friendly packaging. Meanwhile, thanks to a year of waking up to health reminders, Robin Foroutan, RDN, integrative medicine dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says we’re also putting our well-being at the top of the grocery list. Here are the food trends blowing up—and the best ways to taste them.

      Earth-Friendly Upcycling
      The World Food Program World Food Programestimates that one-third of the planet’s food is lost or wasted every year. (The average American trashes 20 pounds each month.) Andrews says a new wave of forward-thinking snack brands are upcycling undesirable and leftover food byproducts into irresistible munchies. For example, addictingly crunchy ReGrained Super-grain+ Puffs are made from the spent grain of brewed beer.
      [$20, 5-pack; regrained.com]
      Get it

      Legumes Reimagined
      First kimchi was all the rage, now good ol’ reliable beans are joining the alternative snacks party. “Legumes are sustainable, health-promoting and tasty,” says Andrews. Plus they’re part of another major movement: plant-based eating. Fiber and protein keep you full longer, while powerful nutrients ward off disease. Brami’s pickled lupini beans have 50 percent more protein than chickpeas and 80 percent fewer calories than almonds.
      [$17, 4-pack; bramisnacks.com]
      Get it

      Punchy Spice Blends
      Herbs and spices will take you to Flavortown without torching your taste buds like some hot sauces can. Bonus: Most of these blends are packed with disease-fighting antioxidants, says Foroutan. A big trend for 2021 is artisanal fusions. Try Asian-influenced umami mixes. Or Mexican-inspired adobo spices, like SpiceWalla Al Pastor Rub, in which ancho and guajillo chilli powder lend a slow burn that’s mellowed by pineapple and citrus.
      [$11; spicewallabrand.com]
      Get it

      Diversified Grains, Seeds and Greens
      Go all-in on trendy whole grains like teff, spelt and sorghum; seeds like chia and sunflower; and while you’re at it, swap kale for collards. To achieve variety that yields superfood levels of vitamins and minerals, reach for Go Raw’s Sprouted Organic Mixed Seeds. The pumpkin, sunflower and watermelon seed medley is nutrient-dense due to the sprouted germination process, which breaks down some starch.
      [$80, 6-pack; goraw.com]
      Get it

      Premium Coffee
      Prioritize fair-trade beans; they’ve met standards that help the environment and ensure workers are treated well and paid fairly. Also, expect to see more coffee products mixed with adaptogens—plant compounds thought to armor the body against biological and physical stressors. Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee boasts ashwagandha, chaga mushroom and more adaptogenic ingredients known to lower stress and spike immunity.
      [$20; foursigmatic.com]
      Get it

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    • 150 Shares189 Views

      in Wellness

      The New Snack Down: Meet the Food and Drink Trends of 2021

      by

      Say goodbye to whipped coffee and banana bread, and hello to the latest food and drink trends of 2021. The future of our pantry shelves are good for you and the environment. Ryan Andrews, RD, principal nutritionist and adviser at Precision Nutrition says he sees a pull toward more sustainability in our food practices and our choices overall, from pasture-raised animal products to eco-friendly packaging. Meanwhile, thanks to a year of waking up to health reminders, Robin Foroutan, RDN, integrative medicine dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says we’re also putting our well-being at the top of the grocery list. Here are the food trends blowing up—and the best ways to taste them.

      Earth-Friendly Upcycling
      The World Food Program World Food Programestimates that one-third of the planet’s food is lost or wasted every year. (The average American trashes 20 pounds each month.) Andrews says a new wave of forward-thinking snack brands are upcycling undesirable and leftover food byproducts into irresistible munchies. For example, addictingly crunchy ReGrained Super-grain+ Puffs are made from the spent grain of brewed beer.
      [$20, 5-pack; regrained.com]
      Get it

      Legumes Reimagined
      First kimchi was all the rage, now good ol’ reliable beans are joining the alternative snacks party. “Legumes are sustainable, health-promoting and tasty,” says Andrews. Plus they’re part of another major movement: plant-based eating. Fiber and protein keep you full longer, while powerful nutrients ward off disease. Brami’s pickled lupini beans have 50 percent more protein than chickpeas and 80 percent fewer calories than almonds.
      [$17, 4-pack; bramisnacks.com]
      Get it

      Punchy Spice Blends
      Herbs and spices will take you to Flavortown without torching your taste buds like some hot sauces can. Bonus: Most of these blends are packed with disease-fighting antioxidants, says Foroutan. A big trend for 2021 is artisanal fusions. Try Asian-influenced umami mixes. Or Mexican-inspired adobo spices, like SpiceWalla Al Pastor Rub, in which ancho and guajillo chilli powder lend a slow burn that’s mellowed by pineapple and citrus.
      [$11; spicewallabrand.com]
      Get it

      Diversified Grains, Seeds and Greens
      Go all-in on trendy whole grains like teff, spelt and sorghum; seeds like chia and sunflower; and while you’re at it, swap kale for collards. To achieve variety that yields superfood levels of vitamins and minerals, reach for Go Raw’s Sprouted Organic Mixed Seeds. The pumpkin, sunflower and watermelon seed medley is nutrient-dense due to the sprouted germination process, which breaks down some starch.
      [$80, 6-pack; goraw.com]
      Get it

      Premium Coffee
      Prioritize fair-trade beans; they’ve met standards that help the environment and ensure workers are treated well and paid fairly. Also, expect to see more coffee products mixed with adaptogens—plant compounds thought to armor the body against biological and physical stressors. Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee boasts ashwagandha, chaga mushroom and more adaptogenic ingredients known to lower stress and spike immunity.
      [$20; foursigmatic.com]
      Get it

      For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube! More