The Hard Way w/ Joe De Sena

It can be a big help for achy joints and general inflammation in the digestion tract and respiratory system as well. The use of BOSWELLIA resin dates back thousands of years in Ayurvedic medicine. But, more recently, medical science has begun to research its full potential and extensive anti-inflammatory properties. Most notably, scientific studies have suggested that boswellia can also block what is known as “5-LOX inflammation,” which has great therapeutic possibilities.

Boswellia is an herbal extract derived from Boswellia serrata, a densely-leaved tree (that looks like a beautiful over-sized shrub) found across India, Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia. The extract’s name comes from old French and means “high quality incense.” It’s gathered from the resin of five varieties of Boswellia trees.

It’s healing properties have been noted for centuries and has been used for a variety of illnesses and ailments, including: asthma, cerebral edema, chronic bowel diseases, arthritis and cancer.

In the case of arthritis, for instance, boswellic acids – the active components of Boswellia – seem to have very strong anti-inflammatory properties. People who have rheumatoid arthritis as well as osteoarthritis may respond well to boswellia because it may also help to reduce cartilage loss and hinder the autoimmune process that contribute to these conditions.

As scientists have looked more deeply into this traditional medicine, they’ve found that boswellia has some additional properties: specifically, its potential to block what’s known as 5-LOX inflammation (which is short for the more scientific term, “5-lipoxygenase inflammation”). 5-LOX is an enzyme that can interact with fatty acids to create leukotriene, which is linked to very strong pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory activities. (If you saw my earlier podcast on glutathione, I discussed how dangerous an overabundance of oxidants in your system can be!)

5-LOX can impact both the cardiovascular system and the neural system. Its impact on cardiovascular health is often concentrated in the aorta, coronary and carotid arteries. For the neural system, it’s especially localized in the hippocampus and the cortex. In both the cardiovascular and neural systems, the presence of 5-LOX increases considerably as people get older. Luckily, integrating boswellia herb in your diet is pretty easy. You can find it an extract, herbal supplement or powder.

As we all know, frankincense had great value in ancient times. Modern science has confirmed that it’s properties are not just stuff of legend and story. Its anti-inflammatory properties have been proven to be very effective in dealing with some significant health problems like inflammation and they can help ease post race joint aches and pains.


KEY TERMS & IDEAS

Boswellia (or Indian Frankincense) has had a centuries-long reputation for reducing inflammation of all kinds, like arthritis and asthma. More recently, scientists have confirmed this property through studies and have discovered its ability to block 5-lipoxygenase inflammation.

Boswellia: an herbal extract derived from the Boswellia serrata tree, which is a densely-leaved tree (that looks like a beautiful over-sized shrub) found across India, Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia.

5-lipoxygenase inflammation: 5-lipoxygenase (also known as “5-LOX”) is an enzyme that can interact with fatty acids to create leukotriene, which is linked to very strong pro-oxidant and pro-inflammatory activities.



LINKS & RESOURCES:

Jin Chu, and Domenico Praticò, "The 5-lipoxygenase as a common pathway for pathological brain and vascular aging," Cardiovascular psychiatry and neurology 2009 (2009), https://www.hindawi.com/journals/cpn/2009/174657/, accessed 2019.

“Indian Frankincense,” Arthritis Foundation,
https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/natural/supplements-herbs/guide/indian-frankincense.php, accessed April 2019

Aaron Moncivaiz, “Boswellia (Indian Frankincense),” Healthline, November 9, 2017, https://www.healthline.com/health/boswellia, accessed April 2019.

M. Z. Siddiqui, "Boswellia serrata, a potential antiinflammatory agent: an overview," Indian journal of pharmaceutical sciences 73.3 (2011): 255, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3309643/, accessed April 2019.


Follow Dr. Nada on:

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nada-milo...
Sage Tonic www.sagetonic.com
Sage Tonic on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sagetonic/

SUBSCRIBE:
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow
YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT
Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

FOLLOW SPARTAN UP:
Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppo...
Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod

CREDITS:
Producer: Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Writer and Host: Nada Milosavljevic MD, JD

© 2019 Spartan

Direct download: 33_Spartan_HEALTH_Boswellia.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Having a team is powerful, but, sometimes, you will be alone, without the team. You must learn to exude strength even when in solitude.


LESSONS:

If you’re following the common path but your gut instinct says NO, then it’s time to live your truth in solitude.
Do not fear starting alone. Do not fear progressing alone.
Look inward to find your truth.
You will and can find strength when you follow the path you were meant to be on.


LINKS:
More about Zach https://zacheven-esh.com
Read “The Spartan Way” https://www.spartan.com/en/race/learn-more/race-types-overview?article=the-spartan-way-book


SUBSCRIBE:

Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow
YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT
Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

 

FOLLOW SPARTAN UP & Zach:

Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/
Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod
Follow Zach on Instagram https://instagram.com/zevenesh
Follow Zach on Twitter https://twitter.com/zevenesh
Zach’s STRONG Life Podcast https://apple.co/2vFaCv1

 

CREDITS:

Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Host & Show Notes: Zach Even - Esh

© 2019 Spartan

Direct download: 44_SPARTAN_WAY_StrengthSolitude.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Sometimes you can get so caught up in the daily grind and the day-to-day routine that you forget to slow down, pause, and ask yourself, “how does this serve me?” When it comes to our mental energy, resilience, and toughness, we have to clear our head of all the junk so that we can make room for that which improves our mental clarity. It’s important for you to reflect on whether the things you are reading, listening to, and watching are filling your mind engine with helpful and use information, or stuff that makes clogs it all up.

LESSONS:
It’s important to take time and evaluate if you are creating space in your mind so that it is more clear and available to wisdom, knowledge, and constant working flow.
Ask yourself the following:
Does what I’m listening to serve me?
Does what I’m reading serve me?
Does what I’m watching serve me?
It’s okay to listen, read, and watch things for fun. Just make sure you are also leaving space and time for your mind to rest!


SUBSCRIBE:
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YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT
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FOLLOW SPARTAN UP AND DR. L:
Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/
Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod
Dr. L on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drlarapence/

CREDITS:

Production Team: Heather Knox, Knox Creative; Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Host: Dr. Lara Pence
Synopsis: Dr. Lara Pence

© 2019 Spartan

Direct download: 46_CleaningMentalHouse.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Bruce lives where fighting and business converge. With a background as an executive level headhunter and a youth spent in the boxing gym, he’s translated those tactics into building champions. The renowned boxing coach sits in the podcast ring this week with Joe De Sena and discusses the keys to coaching to glory, rebuilding them after loses, and the importance of vulnerability. What it comes down to is the Law of Outcomes: “ the amount of pain, suffering and sacrifice you make must be equal to the goal you wish to achieve.” Bruce is the guy you want in your corner!

LESSONS
Work hard, pay attention & listen
Be an active observer
Keep notes!
Follow your passions
The key to coaching is connection
Humility and empathy are worthy traits
“Deserves” got nothing to do with it
Be vulnerable in life
“Law of outcomes: the amount of pain, suffering and sacrifice you make must be equal to the goal you wish to achieve”
Have a vision for yourself- success is an exclusionary process
There is no easy path- be willing to suffer for your dream

LINKS
https://www.yourcornerman.com


This episode of Spartan Up is brought to you by Shady Rays Polarized shades you can afford to lose or break - because they’ll replace them for free. Go to www.Shadyrays.com and use code SPARTAN for 50% off 2 or more pairs.

 

 

TIME STAMPS
1:20 Interview begins with Joe & Bruce
1:50 A passion for boxing & fighting
3:30 A history of coaching
4:30 The warrior spirit
6:30 Working hard & paying attention
7:30 An informal apprenticeship
9:00 Balancing the office & the gym
10:00 Becoming a warrior in business & the ring
11:00 Keeping notes on what you learn
12:00 Boxing as a tool in coaching
13:00 Importance of connection in coaching
14:20 How to keep humility
15:40 Shady Rays Sunglasses break with Zach Even - Esh of the Spartan Way
17:25 Interview continues with tears & temper
19:00 The repercussions of “losing”
22:20 Rebuilding an athlete
25:45 “Deserves” got nothing to do with it
26:55 Going through the grieving process- can you bring an athlete back from the brink?
28:00 Dealing with being in the public arena
31:10 Being vulnerable in life
32:00 Law of Sacrifice
33:00 The exclusionary process of success
34:30 Doing the thing that is “true” to you
36:10 The panel discusses the great Babashanisms
43:45 Shady Rays Sunglasses close


SUBSCRIBE:
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FOLLOW SPARTAN UP:
Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/
Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod

CREDITS:
Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Hosts: Joe De Sena, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Nye, Johnny Waite & guest host Isaiah Vidal
Synopsis – Sefra Alexandra | Seed Huntress
Production Assistant - Andrea Hagarty

© 2019 Spartan

Direct download: 254_BRUCE_BABASHAN_LIBSYN_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

It takes more energy to catch up than it does to simply keep up. This extra expenditure of energy ends up creating a greater deficit which in turn feeds the loop to fall behind yet again.

This is simple physical conservation of energy theory.

What happens with individuals on a psychological level is an entirely different story. The tendency is to attempt finding shortcuts rationalized as improved techniques, greater efficiency, or new moves etc…

Where in our lives are we creating shortcuts to catch up when we should have been playing keep up?

LESSONS:
Gradual loss of capacity creates dangerous thought patterns to look for shortcuts
Spend the time and energy now keeping up before you have to spend more catching up later

 

SUBSCRIBE:
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow
YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT
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FOLLOW SPARTAN UP AND Tosh:
Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/
Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod
Tosh on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tosh.crookedbutterfly/

CREDITS:

Producer: Marion Abrams, Madmotion,llc.
Host: Brian “tosh” Chontosh
Show notes: Brian “tosh” Chontosh

© 2019 Spartan

 

Direct download: STAND_017_Keepup_CatchUp_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Organic foods are generally more expensive than conventional foods because conventional foods often use substances to accelerate plant and animal growth, protect against insects or increase the scale of farming. These substances are certainly not part of the natural growth cycle of the flora and fauna that we eat. For flora, there are pesticides, ionizing radiation, artificial fertilizers and, yes, even sewage sludge. For animals, the substances include antibiotics and hormones.

If any part of this long list of artificial means is used in the food on your table, it is not organic! But because it isn’t as easy as conventional farming, organic food can be difficult to find. And if you can find it, paying for it may give you a case of sticker shock. Moreover, some food that isn’t quite organic can still be pretty good for you.

Being an organic farmer is a complicated business. There is a certification process and it can take a few years to transform a conventional farm into an organic one. But there are two caveats. A farm that is organic can be situated next to a farm that isn’t, thus possibly compromising the quality of its food. Conversely, because the certification process can be long and expensive, some farms that haven’t quite yet qualified as officially organic can have great food.You need to know where your food comes from and how exactly it was grown.

Look into transit times of your food, too, because longer transit times results in both less flavor and fewer vitamins. Food processing procedures can introduce contaminants or reduce the healthiness of foods or meats, depending on the quality of the processing.

Also, for fruits and vegetables, the thicker the skin, the healthier the food (usually). Pineapples are an example of a safer kind of conventional fruit.

The “dirty dozen”
Fruit and vegetables that have thin skin or soak up lots and lots of water: apples, grapes, strawberries, celery, peaches, spinach, lettuce, cucumbers, nectarines, snap peas, tomatoes, and pears. If you’re going to eat these, go organic.

Figuring out which foods to buy to better maintain your health can be a bit complicated, but a little education can go a long way. In addition to helping you to stay healthy, organic foods’ great taste and texture makes life sweeter and more enjoyable with every meal. Remember: “Health is Wealth”!


KEY TERMS & IDEAS:


Organic foods are generally more expensive than conventional foods because the conventional foods often use substances to accelerate plant and animal growth, protect against insects or increase the scale of farming.

Organic food “is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. Organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation. Before a product can be labeled ‘organic,’ a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too.” (Medicine.net)

In addition to how your food is grown, it’s important to know how it’s transported. Specifically, the transit times of your food – the time it takes to get from the farm to your grocer – also have an impact on nutrition. That’s because longer transit times results in both less flavor and fewer vitamins.

LINKS & RESOURCES:
“Frequently Asked Questions,” organic.org, https://organic.org/faqs/, accessed April 2019.

M. Huber, et al., "Organic food and impact on human health: Assessing the status quo and prospects of research," NJAS-Wageningen Journal of Life Sciences 58.3-4 (2011): 103-109, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1573521411000054, accessed April 2019.

“Organic Agriculture,” USDA: Economic Research Service, https://www.ers.usda.gov/topics/natural-resources-environment/organic-agriculture/, accessed April 2019.

Melissa Stopler, “What is the Definition of Organic Food?” Medicine.net,
https://www.medicinenet.com/what_is_the_definition_of_organic_food/views.htm, accessed April 2019.


Follow Dr. Nada on:
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nada-milo...
Sage Tonic www.sagetonic.com
Sage Tonic on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sagetonic/

SUBSCRIBE:
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow
YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT
Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

FOLLOW SPARTAN UP:
Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppo...
Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod

CREDITS:
Producer: Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Writer and Host: Nada Milosavljevic MD, JD
© 2019 Spartan

Direct download: 32_Spartan_HEALTH_OrganicFoods.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Is your work or career just a job? Or, do you truly live the code, being a pro whether you are at work or not?

LESSONS:

If the culture at your work is about kindness and excellence, do you live this after the 9-5 hours are over?
Excellence is a habit. Practice excellence, even when you’re not at work or when the cameras are not rolling.
Joe DeSena is a Spartan whether the camera is rolling or not. He’s doing his burpees, carrying kettlebells, etc all the time, NOT just when cameras are rolling.
You’re not trying to be perfect, you’re just trying to get better! Do the little things, at all times.


LINKS:
More about Zach https://zacheven-esh.com
Read “The Spartan Way” https://www.spartan.com/en/race/learn-more/race-types-overview?article=the-spartan-way-book


SUBSCRIBE:

Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow
YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT
Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

 

FOLLOW SPARTAN UP & Zach:

Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/
Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod
Follow Zach on Instagram https://instagram.com/zevenesh
Follow Zach on Twitter https://twitter.com/zevenesh
Zach’s STRONG Life Podcast https://apple.co/2vFaCv1

 

CREDITS:

Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Host & Show Notes: Zach Even - Esh

© 2019 Spartan

Direct download: 43_SPARTAN_PRACTICEEXCELLENCE.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Our mind is a melting pot of different kinds of thoughts. Joy ones, excited ones, worry ones, hopeful ones, and, yes, negative ones. It is important to be aware of your own negative thoughts because denying they exist doesn’t make them go away - and in some circumstances doing just that only makes them grow stronger. And, at the same time, you want to be strategic about how you address them because if you give them too much attention they can grow and get stronger. Countering your negative thoughts with positive ones can be a useful strategy - whether you do this in your head or write it down in a journal. Also, work on trying to remove the judgment that you may be placing on top of the negative thought. We all have negative thoughts so to shame yourself or be self-deprecating because you have negative thoughts only makes things worse.

LESSONS:
Negative thoughts can arise in anyone at any given time. Being aware of your own negative thoughts can serve you when trying to implement strategies that decrease the thoughts.
Try to identify your most prominent negative thoughts and counter them with positive thoughts, reality testing, or hopeful mantras.
Remove judgment that you place on top of the negative thought and have compassion for yourself.


SUBSCRIBE:
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow
YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT
Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

FOLLOW SPARTAN UP AND DR. L:
Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/
Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod
Dr. L on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drlarapence/

CREDITS:

Production Team: Heather Knox, Knox Creative; Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Host: Dr. Lara Pence
Synopsis: Dr. Lara Pence

© 2019 Spartan

Direct download: 45_LettingGoNegativeThoughts.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Fran Martinez tragically lost his son to an undiagnosed illness when he was an infant. In the beginning, the pain seemed too much to bear. In the midst of this his marriage ended. He ran from life and friends. Loving friends brought him back to society, got him exercising, and eventually he found Spartan Race. He realized the obstacle course was a metaphor for life. The community, the exercise, and overcoming those obstacles worked a kind of healing magic on him. Now his mission is to bring that healing to others. He has started Proyecto Daniel in Spain and the “Hero’s Heat,” to build a community for parents (now over 3,000 strong), to come together knowing they are not alone and to realize how strong they really are!

Joe sat down with Fran at our Spartan World Championships in Morzine France for this powerful and moving interview.

LESSONS
Obstacle courses are a metaphor for life
You are not alone when going through tough times
Let people love you

LINKS

 

This episode of Spartan Up is brought to you by Duke Cannon. Visit Dukecannon.com right now to get 15% off your first order with the promo code SPARTAN. Free shipping on orders over $35


TIME STAMPS
1:00 Interview begins with Fran & guest host/ translator Angel Sanz
2:00 losing his son
3:00 searching to push himself beyond the pain
4:00 wanting to “go”
5:00 his wife leaves him
6:00 friends pulling him out of depression
7:00 finding Spartan Race
7:30 Dukecannon.com break
9:30 letting other parents know they are not alone & are strong
10:40 the “Hero’s Heat”
12:30 letting people love you & loving yourself
14:00 Proyecto Daniel
14:45 Joe De Sena, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Nye & Johnny Waite discusses the interview


SUBSCRIBE:
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Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow
Spotify https://spoti.fi/2UOLnQx
Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay


FOLLOW SPARTAN UP:
Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/
Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod

CREDITS:
Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Hosts: Joe De Sena, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Nye, Johnny Waite & guest translator Angel Sanz
Synopsis – Sefra Alexandra | Seed Huntress
Production Assistant - Andrea Hagarty

© 2019 Spartan

Direct download: 253_SUP_EDIT_Fran_Martinez_FULL_1_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Host Brian "Tosh" Chontosh takes a deeper look at the value of consistency. Everyone should take a moment to go back and dig into the definition of consistency. And on that note, appreciate the difference between consistency and persistency.

If we look at consistency as harmony towards a whole and seizing opportunity when it presents it reframes how we may hold ourselves accountable towards failure and allowing it to take hold of us in a negative fashion.

 

LESSONS:
Being consistent is not necessarily about routine
Reframing who we view consistency will allow more room for life to happen
Consistency is about seizing opportunity when it presents and creating opportunity when it seems unpresent

 

SUBSCRIBE:
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow
YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT
Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

FOLLOW SPARTAN UP AND Tosh:
Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/
Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod
Tosh on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tosh.crookedbutterfly/

CREDITS:

Producer: Marion Abrams, Madmotion,llc.
Host: Brian “tosh” Chontosh
Show notes: Brian “tosh” Chontosh

© 2019 Spartan

Direct download: STAND_016_Consistency-_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Processed foods are foods that are handled and altered in some way before they get to your pantry or refrigerator. The more harmless kinds of processing are things like cutting and peeling a variety of fruit and packaging those things as a “fruit salad.” The next step in processing is canning food, which can either reduce the nutritional content of food or introduce some unhealthy quantity of natural elements, like adding sodium. The next step is changing foods by chemically altering them.

There are many reasons why these chemically altered foods are really bad for you. The most obvious is that they’re often full of chemicals! Even those lists of artificial ingredients on the food labels of heavily processed foods don’t reveal the whole story. Proprietary rights on secret ingredients, for example, allow food companies to omit a lot of details about what’s in their products. The term “artificial ingredients” can have several unnamed chemicals lurking behind it.

Here are some other specific reasons why heavily processed foods can be bad:

● They often contain too much sugar and fructose syrup, refined carbohydrates and trans-fats.
● Lots of processed foods have refined grains like rice and white flour with many nutrients stripped out of the whole grains they came from.
● Competition between food manufacturers encourages creating foods that reward your brain in ways that are similar to drug addiction, leading to obesity.

Reading labels can help, but it may be close to impossible to avoid all processing. One way to cut down on a lot of processed foods is to remember to avoid these things:

● Processed meats, like sausages, hot dogs and those you’d find in a deli. They’re linked to cancer and have lots of saturated fats.
● Mass-produced baked goods, which often have trans fats.
● Meals you can cook quickly often have too many sugars and salts along with lots of refined carbohydrates.
● Sodas have more sugars than you should ever have in a drink.

Not all processed foods are bad. Things like peanut butter, yogurt, canned tuna and whole-grain cereals can be good for you.

The key thing to remember is that most foods in our supermarkets that can’t be found in nature (like cheese puffs, pasta, muffins or gummy bears) have probably been processed in some way. Combine avoiding the worst effects of food processing along with adding whole foods whenever possible and you’ll make some significant improvements to your health!

Key Terms and Ideas:

Processed foods are foods that are handled and altered in some way before they get to your pantry or refrigerator. The more harmless kinds of processing are things like cutting and peeling a variety of fruit and packaging those things as a “fruit salad.” The next step in processing is canning food, which can either reduce the nutritional content of food or introduce some unhealthy quantity of natural elements, like adding sodium. The next step is changing foods by chemically altering them.

While food labels list many ingredients of particular food items, a lot of important details can be left out. Proprietary rights on secret ingredients, for example, allow food companies to omit a lot of details about what’s in their products. The term “artificial ingredients” can have several unnamed chemicals lurking behind it.

Not all processed foods are bad. Things like peanut butter, yogurt, canned tuna and whole-grain cereals can be good for you (but make sure to read the food labels on these items to double-check).

LINKS & RESOURCES:

Lisa Cantkier, “Refined Carbs: Are They Our Worst Enemy?” University Health News Daily, December 19, 2018, https://universityhealthnews.com/daily/nutrition/refined-carbs-worse-enemy/, accessed April 2019.

Chris Gunnars, “Nine ways that processed foods are harming people,” Medical News Today, August 1, 2017, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/318630.php, accessed April 2019.

Chandra Johnson-Greene, “Processed Foods: 5 Reasons to Avoid Them,” University Health News Daily, June 4, 2018, https://universityhealthnews.com/daily/nutrition/processed-foods-five-reasons-avoid/, accessed April 2019.

“Not all processed foods are unhealthy,” Harvard Health Publishing, June 2015, https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/not-all-processed-foods-are-unhealthy, accessed April 2019.


Follow Dr. Nada on:

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nada-milo...
Sage Tonic www.sagetonic.com
Sage Tonic on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sagetonic/

SUBSCRIBE:
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow
YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT
Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

FOLLOW SPARTAN UP:
Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppo...
Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod

CREDITS:
Producer: Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Writer and Host: Nada Milosavljevic MD, JD

© 2019 Spartan

Direct download: 31_Spartan_HEALTH_Processed.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Major (Retired) Scotty Smiley became the first blind active-duty officer in military history following a face-to-face confrontation with a suicide car bomber in Iraq in 2005. After his injury, Scotty’s faith led him to forgive his attacker and inspired him to rebuild his life while continuing to serve his country in the U.S. Army. His wife Tiffany's drive and support are an incredible model of partnership in resilience.

He recently completed an Iron Man and was featured in the film "Beat Feat"

LINKS:
https://hopeunseen.com/

SUBSCRIBE:
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow
YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT
Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

FOLLOW SPARTAN UP:
Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/
Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod

CREDITS:
Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Hosts: Joe De Sena, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Nye, Johnny Waite & Guest host Lonnie Mayne
Synopsis – Sefra Alexandra
Production Assistant - Andrea Hagarty

© 2019 Spartan

Direct download: 252_SCOTTY_TIFFANY_SMILEY_LIBYSN_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Sweep the Sheds Comes from the book Legacy, a book written about the New Zealand All Blacks. In order to build a GREAT team, no individual can be too good for something, including sweeping the shed.

LESSONS:

"Sweeping the Shed" is a tradition that says that no individual is bigger than the team and its ancestors. This includes cleaning out the locker room after practice or a game.
The All Blacks want a culture in which you leave your jersey better than you found it. You’re essentially “planting seeds” that will grow trees and fruits that you might never see.


LINKS:
More about Zach https://zacheven-esh.com
Read “The Spartan Way” https://www.spartan.com/en/race/learn-more/race-types-overview?article=the-spartan-way-book


SUBSCRIBE:

Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow
YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT
Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

 

FOLLOW SPARTAN UP & Zach:

Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/
Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod
Follow Zach on Instagram https://instagram.com/zevenesh
Follow Zach on Twitter https://twitter.com/zevenesh
Zach’s STRONG Life Podcast https://apple.co/2vFaCv1

 

CREDITS:

Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Host & Show Notes: Zach Even - Eshf

© 2019 Spartan

Direct download: 42_SPARTAN_WAY_SweepSheds.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Anger is one of those emotions that few like to acknowledge and even fewer like to talk about. Either way, however, avoiding anger doesn’t mean that it goes away. In fact, the more you understand your anger the more likely you are to manage your responses appropriately and not be overcome by expression. It’s important to remember that anger is a normal emotion and, although it may be uncomfortable, it is neutral in nature. We also all experience and feel anger at various points in our life - denying your anger usually only makes it grow and become less easy to manage.

LESSONS:
Anger is a part of being human. Recognizing and understanding your anger gives you an opportunity to manage this feeling more appropriately.
Use the right language when you are describing how you feel. It’s okay to say, “I’m angry.” You don’t have to water it down by using language like frustrated or annoyed.
Give yourself permission to stop, pull back, take perspective, observe, and then choose the next right move for you when you are angry.


SUBSCRIBE:
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow
YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT
Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

FOLLOW SPARTAN UP AND DR. L:
Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/
Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod
Dr. L on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drlarapence/

CREDITS:

Production Team: Heather Knox, Knox Creative; Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Host: Dr. Lara Pence
Synopsis: Dr. Lara Pence

© 2019 Spartan

Direct download: 44_UNDERSTANDING_YOUR_ANGER.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

“We were made to do hard things,” is Katie Wells family motto. Her popular website “Wellness Mama" features simple answers for healthier families. Mama to six children, she has found ways to bring lessons from the workplace to the management of her home. She systematizes her household (spreadsheets are one of her “love languages”). All this to empower her children- who by the way, have to start their own business before being given a cell phone or car! Joe De Sena and the Spartan Up team really learned a lot in this one and as Katie says, “if you want to change the trajectory of society… HELP THE MOMS!”


LESSONS
Systematize your house
Siloing: everything has a time & a place
Raise adults not children: identify & align common goals
Recognize the workflow & natural consequences
Cold water helps with singleness of focus
Define long-term priorities & core objectives
Creating “white space” for kids creativity

LINKS
https://wellnessmama.com

Listen to the newest Spartan Podcast Trail Talk with Luis & Charlie on your favorite podcast app, or find a link at spartan.com/trail

TIME STAMPS
0:00 Intro with Colonel Nye, Sefra Alexandra, Johnny Waite & Guest host Lonnie Mayne
1:45 Academics as a family culture
3:00 Walking across the country & meeting her husband
4:00 How she is raising her six children as entrepreneurs
5:00 Starting an incubator in her home: a 12-year-olds podcast
6:00 Getting really sick
7:30 Uniting a community of mothers
9:15 The core concerns of moms
10:15 Systematizing the house
11:45 TRAIL TALK with Luis Escobar & Charlie Engle!
13:00 Interview continues: Finland with Four Sigmatic in ice water
14:30 Kids as employees?
15:45 Managing & ownership in the household
17:45 A new app concept … The Spartan Mama
18:25 Defining long-term priorities
19:45 Pole vaulting- a sport her kids can do together
20:45 The Colonel, Dr. Johnny, The Seed Huntress & Guest Lonnie Mayne discuss lessons learned


SUBSCRIBE:
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow
YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT
Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

FOLLOW SPARTAN UP:
Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/
Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod

CREDITS:
Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Hosts: Joe De Sena, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Nye, Johnny Waite & Guest host Lonnie Mayne
Synopsis – Sefra Alexandra
Production Assistant - Andrea Hagarty

© 2019 Spartan

Direct download: 251_SUP_EDIT_KATIE_WELLS_FULL_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

It’s fairly obvious that if you look for your car keys or you look for your wallet, you will eventually find your keys and wallet.

When we are riding our mountain bikes and there is danger to the right, the inexperienced tend to look to the right - where they want don’t want to go. Which is where the bike then tends to turn.

If you walk through life looking for conflict you will find it. If you look at life negatively, you will find negativity.

LESSONS:
Don’t look where you don’t want to go. Focus on where you want to be.
When you find yourself looking at negativity, acknowledge it, then deliberately look for 3 positive things to offset it.

LINKS:

SUBSCRIBE:
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow
YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT
Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

FOLLOW SPARTAN UP AND Tosh:
Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/
Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod
Tosh on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tosh.crookedbutterfly/

CREDITS:

Producer: Marion Abrams, Madmotion,llc.
Host: Brian “tosh” Chontosh
Show notes: Brian “tosh” Chontosh

© 2019 Spartan

 

Direct download: STAND_015_LOOK_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

The popularity of collagen is skyrocketing. It’s especially effective in compensating for problems related to our bones and our skin as we age. Although human beings start out making collagen naturally, as people get older, they become less capable of absorbing nutrients or synthesizing them. In that case, collagen-rich foods and supplements can compensate for deficiencies. Collagen is also the most abundant protein in your body so you might want to know a bit about it.

Collagen can help a lot with arthritis, a painful disease in which the body has an autoimmune response against its own cartilage. There’s a few theories as to why this helps relieve joint pain. One is that it might accumulate in the cartilage and stimulate production of more cartilage. Another, is that that this supplementation might not replace collagen due to the autoimmune response. Instead, it may lessen the severity of the autoimmune response itself by increasing the body’s tolerance of (or familiarity with) collagen through repeated exposure!

Sarcopenia is losing muscle mass (often as we grow older.) This condition increases the possibility of falls and bone breaks. Luckily, there are ways to reduce the rate of this loss. A recent study noted that a combination of weight training and the use of collagen supplemention can help. In that study, a group taking collagen derived from chickens increased their muscle strength and their fat free muscle mass at a much higher rate than the control group.

Finally, collagen can also help with maintaining the elasticity of your skin. It’s a common problem: aging skin can get wrinkly. While the sun has its own impact on your skin, aging alone can decrease the quality and the quantity of collagen your skin uses. Oral administration of bovine collagen can compensate for those decreases and help maintain a youthful look.

There are collagen supplements that are widely available. One of the most familiar might be bone broth, which takes collagen out of the bones of chicken, fish or beef. You’re right to be concerned about what exactly is the source of that collagen. Supplements using animal parts from cows or ground up hooves might make consumers think twice. You’ll feel more assured if you look for companies that acquire their collagen (bones and tissues) from cage-free, free-range, and antibiotic-free sources.

Collagen: “Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, found in the bones, muscles, skin, and tendons. It is the substance that holds the body together. Collagen forms a scaffold to provide strength and structure. Endogenous collagen is natural collagen, synthesized by the body. Exogenous collagen is synthetic. It comes from an outside source, such as supplements.” (Medical News Today)

LINKS & RESOURCES:
“Sarcopenia with Aging,” Web MD, June 30, 2019, https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/guide/sarcopenia-with-aging#2, accessed April 2019.

“Chicken capsules good for aching joints, arthritis study finds,” Science Daily, https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091130192915.htm, accessed April 2019.

Hongdong Song, et al., "Effect of orally administered collagen peptides from bovine bone on skin aging in chronologically aged mice," Nutrients 9.11 (2017): 1209, https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/9/11/1209, accessed April 2019.

James McIntosh, “Collagen: What is it and what are its uses?” Medical News Today, June 16, 2017,
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/262881.php, accessed April 2019.

“Resistance exercise and specific collagen peptides fight sarcopenia,” Neutraceutical Business Review, September 23, 2015,
https://www.nutraceuticalbusinessreview.com/news/article_page/Resistance_exercise_and_specific_collagen_peptides_fight_sarcopenia/112079, accessed April 2019.

Gregory Shaw, et al., "Vitamin C–enriched gelatin supplementation before intermittent activity augments collagen synthesis," The American journal of clinical nutrition 105.1 (2016): 136-143, https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article/105/1/136/4569849?fbclid=IwAR2F-PlCIV5b1IDRWrnBKvq44-tp81Ei5WlDrdeljiWZLQ2kIGZqHlqmCwI, accessed April 2019.

“The Best Way You Can Get More Collagen,” Cleveland Clinic: Health Essentials, May 15, 2018, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/the-best-way-you-can-get-more-collagen/, accessed April 2019.

https://www.nutraceuticalbusinessreview.com/news/article_page/Resistance_exercise_and_specific_collagen_peptides_fight_sarcopenia/112079

Follow Dr. Nada on:
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nada-milo...
Sage Tonic www.sagetonic.com
Sage Tonic on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sagetonic/

SUBSCRIBE:
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow
YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT
Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

FOLLOW SPARTAN UP:
Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppo...
Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod

CREDITS:
Producer: Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Writer and Host: Nada Milosavljevic MD, JD

© 2019 Spartan

Direct download: 30_Spartan_HEALTH_Collagen.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Scott Jurek is widely considered one of the best ultra marathoners ever winning Badwater, and Western States multiple times. He also recently broke a speed record for running the entire Appalachian Trail. You can learn a lot more about him by reading the book “Born To Run”, and two books he’s authored, “Eat and Run”, and “North”.


LESSONS:

Finding things that motivate you.
The best way to find what you love is experience, over suggestions.
Our bodies are always ready to take on new challenges
Be open to all possibilities
You can take on an ultramarathon without doing shorter races first.
Find your own “personal best”.

SUBSCRIBE:
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow
YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT
Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

FOLLOW US:
Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/
Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod
Matt B Davis at Obstacle Racing Media on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/obstacleracingmedia/
Scott Jurek on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scottjurek/

CREDITS:
Host: Matt B Davis (@mattbdavis)
Show Notes: Matt B Davis
Producer: Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Videography: Matt B. Davis
Editing: Heather Knox & Marion Abrams

© 2019 Spartan

 

Direct download: SPARTAN_ATHLETE_STEVE_JUREK_MDB.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Pressure is a privilege. I first heard this from Tim Grover, the author of Relentless. Tough times and challenges mold us into stronger men and women. Spartans love challenges. Rather than avoiding challenges, Spartans say Bring it on!!!


LESSONS:

High performers seek out challenging opportunities while “normal people” see challenges as something that holds them back
Nothing worth having will ever come easy
Learn to find comfort in situations that would break down “normal people”
Seek out discomfort, even if it’s just for 30 seconds.


LINKS:
More about Zach https://zacheven-esh.com
Read “The Spartan Way” https://www.spartan.com/en/race/learn-more/race-types-overview?article=the-spartan-way-book


SUBSCRIBE:

Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow
YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT
Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

 

FOLLOW SPARTAN UP & Zach:

Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/
Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod
Follow Zach on Instagram https://instagram.com/zevenesh
Follow Zach on Twitter https://twitter.com/zevenesh
Zach’s STRONG Life Podcast https://apple.co/2vFaCv1

 

CREDITS:

Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Host & Show Notes: Zach Even - Esh

© 2019 Spartan

Direct download: 41_SPARTAN_WAY_HappinessInStruggle.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

We have become pathologically attached to the end product of things. We focus more on the grade, the paycheck, the medal - all while ignoring the hard work and process that it took to get to the end. The problem with this is that when we only focus on the product, we are missing out on all the vital, awesome information that we can gather from the process. We need to look more towards all of the greatness that came before the product so that we don’t get attached to the wrong thing. And when we focus on process, we are more likely to gain important information that can tell us about how we were successful or how we missed the mark.

 

LESSONS:

  • Try to move away from just the end product and spend more time thinking about what got you there in the first place.
  • Remember that regardless of what happens in the end, there is important information in the process of getting there - be open to learning more about yourself through looking at your own process.
  • When you attach to the product, you risk letting yourself down when the end does not turn out the way that you want it to.


SUBSCRIBE:

Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow

YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT

Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

 

FOLLOW SPARTAN UP AND DR. L:

Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/

Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod

Dr. L on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/drlarapence/

 

CREDITS:

 

Production Team: Heather Knox, Knox Creative; Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.

Host: Dr. Lara Pence

Synopsis: Dr. Lara Pence

 

© 2019 Spartan

 

Direct download: 43_MOVING_AWAY_FROM_THE_END_PRODUCT.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

“It’s the START that stops you” says the electric Eric Byrnes who launched his Major League  Baseball career with a 22 game hitting streak. Byrnes was a player who relied on his speed and hustle, and he brings the energy of a fast ball to this interview. Drafted out of high school by the Dodgers, he went on to play for the Oakland Athletics, the Colorado Rockies, the Baltimore Orioles, the Arizona Diamondbacks, and the Seattle Mariners.  He was living the dream. After “retiring” Eric discovered new outlets for his drive - triathlons & ultras, and for his voice - as a broadcaster on ESPN, in his book “the F*ck It List” and his podcast. If that’s not enough - On April 22/23, 2019, Byrnes set a new Guinness Book of World Records mark for most holes of golf in a single day, 420 holes.

It’s a  power packed convo about not taking your feelings too personally, living in the now, and seriously maximizing your days! Get after it Spartans!

LESSONS
1. To succeed immerse yourself 

2. You get out what you put into life

3. Create luck with your attitude & effort 

4. MAXIMIZE your days 

5. It’s the start that stops us!

6. It’s not about what’s next, it’s about what’s NOW. 



LINKS
https://www.ericbyrnes.com


This episode of Spartan Up! is brought to you by Gone Rogue High Protein Chips. 17 grams of protein in one crunchy ounce, and less than 2 carbs. Made from fresh, never frozen chicken, then baked to a crunch and seasoned with bold spices. Take the better way to protein with Gone Rogue High Protein Chips. Visit Amazon.com or goneroguesnacks.com and enter promo code Spartan 25 for 25% off.

TIME STAMPS
00:00 Dr. Johnny, Joe De Sena, Sefra Alexandra & The Col. Nye intro Eric’s episode
01:05 Gone Rogue offer
01:25 Interview begins with Johnny & Eric
03:12 Kids need for free play
04:30 Being drafted to the big leagues
06:30 22 game hitting spree
08:00 Starting with ESPN Radio
10:00 Entering the triathlon world with a beach cruiser
12:30 His first IRONMAN
12:55 Gone Rogue break
14:30 Western States
19:20 Iron Mike & 90 mile an hour hits
24:25 Hard times in life
28:00 The F* IT List & writing about lessons learned  
35:00 Have perspective on life & don’t take your feelings too personally
37:00 The Hustle Podcast
38:20 The panel discusses lessons learned from Eric’s interview
44:27 Gone Rogue close


SUBSCRIBE:
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow
YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT
Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

FOLLOW SPARTAN UP:
Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/
Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod

CREDITS:
Producer – Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Hosts: Joe De Sena, Sefra Alexandra, Col. Nye & Johnny Waite
Synopsis – Sefra Alexandra
Production Assistant - Andrea Hagarty

© 2019 Spartan

Direct download: 250_SUP_ERIC_BYRNES_FULL_01.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

“You’ve got to give respect to get respect.” Well, if everyone is waiting for someone else to give it to them, we will be waiting an awfully long time.

If you share anger, anger gets returned. If you’re always picking fights, you’ll always be fighting.
If you want Love, love others. If you want friendship, be a good friend.


LESSONS:
Rise up, Give.
Give, not for the sake of getting, and it will be given.

LINKS:

SUBSCRIBE:
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow
YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT
Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

FOLLOW SPARTAN UP AND Tosh:
Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppodcast/
Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod
Tosh on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tosh.crookedbutterfly/

CREDITS:

Producer: Marion Abrams, Madmotion,llc.
Host: Brian “tosh” Chontosh
Show notes: Brian “tosh” Chontosh

© 2019 Spartan

Direct download: STAND_014_Give_it.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

Because the word “fat” is associated with being overweight, many people go overboard and think that all fats are bad. But that’s far from the case. Some fats are necessary and … some fats are amazingly good for you.


What we talk about

A source of some of these amazing fats is coconut oil. These good fats are “medium-chain fatty acids” (or MCFAs). They are:

●        Caprylic acid,

●        Lauric acid, and

●        Capric acid

One of the amazing things about these fatty acids is that they are much more easily converted into energy than many other fats. How much more easily? While most fats go through a process that entails twenty-six steps to be converted into energy, these MCFAs require only three steps. Because they are smaller than long-chain fatty acids, they’re relatively easy to digest. And because they’re processed by the liver, they become energy immediately after the liver does its job with them.

All the potential benefits of coconut oil are too long to cover in this podcast, so look up some of the references below this video if you want to learn more. But let’s start with four promising outcomes of integrating coconut oil into your diet.

1) It can contribute to preventing heart disease and high blood pressure. Coconut oil is full of natural saturated fats. This not only increases the amount of good cholesterol in your bloodstream, but is also actually helps to convert bad cholesterol into good cholesterol.

2) It can help brain function. When MFCAs are processed through the liver, a by-product of this process is ketones. Ketones are an alternative from of energy that your tissues and muscles can use for fuel. When your body doesn’t produce enough insulin to turn glucose into energy, the body can use ketones instead. This has great potential implications for brain health. The brains of people suffering from Alzheimer’s disease have generally lost the ability to create insulin. Ketones can step in and provide another source of energy to maintain brain function.

3) It can contribute to cancer prevention. Tumors use sugar to grow, but tumor cells are unable to derive energy from ketones. Producing more ketones through consumption of coconut oil gives the body the energy it needs for its healthy cells while simultaneously depriving energy from cancer cells. Pretty amazing.

4) It can help you lose abdominal fat. One study of 40 women with abdominal obesity found that they lost considerable amounts of fat after taking daily supplements of 2 tablespoons of coconut oil for 12 weeks.

The research on the benefits of coconut oil is still ongoing and it has a lot of calories per ounce, so it shouldn’t be used in excessive amounts. One of the easiest ways to integrate it into your diet would be to replace your standard cooking oils with coconut oil. But, keep in mind, coconut oil isn’t the best choice for high temp cooking (above about 350 degrees) other than that, it’s great tasting, so what have you got to lose, except bad fat?

Key Terms and Ideas:

Medium-chain and long-chain fatty acids: “Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) are a unique form of dietary fat that impart a wide range of positive health benefits. Nevertheless, the potential anti-aging properties of MCTs have been largely unrecognized by many life extension enthusiasts. Dietary fats are molecules composed of individual carbon atoms linked into chains ranging from 2 to 22 carbon atoms in length. Long Chain Fatty acids (LCTs) ranging from 12 to 18 carbons long are the predominant form of fat in the American diet. MCTs, by contrast, are composed of only 6 to 10 carbon links. Because of their shorter chain length, MCTs have a number of unique properties which give them advantages over the more common LCTs.” (Nutrition Review)

Ketones: Ketone bodies, or simply ketones are substances produced by the liver during gluconeogenesis a process which creates glucose in times of fasting and starvation. There are three ketone bodies produced by the liver. They are acetoacetate, beta-hydroxybutyrate, and acetone. These compounds are used in healthy individuals to provide energy to the cells of the body when glucose is low or absent in the diet. (Biology Dictionary).

One of the easiest ways to integrate coconut oil into your diet would be to replace your standard cooking oils with coconut oil.

LINKS & RESOURCES:

“Ask the doctor: Coconut oil and Health,” Harvard Health Publishing, August 22, 2018, https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/coconut-oil, accessed April 2019.

Josh Axe, “20 Coconut Oil Benefits for Your Brain, Heart, Joints & More,” Dr. Axe: Food is Medicine, May 21, 2018, https://draxe.com/coconut-oil-benefits/, accessed April 2019.

Ward Dean, “Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs),” Nutrition Review, April 22, 2013, https://nutritionreview.org/2013/04/medium-chain-triglycerides-mcts/, accessed April 2019.

Kris Gunnars, “Top 10 Evidence-Based Benefits of Coconut Oil,” Healthline, January 11, 2018, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/top-10-evidence-based-health-benefits-of-coconut-oil, accessed April 2019.

“What are Ketone Bodies,” Biology Dictionary, February 27, 2018, https://biologydictionary.net/ketone-bodies/, accessed April 2019.

Follow Dr. Nada on:
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nada-milo...
Sage Tonic www.sagetonic.com
Sage Tonic on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sagetonic/

SUBSCRIBE:
Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpShow
YouTube: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpYT
Google Play: http://bit.ly/SpartanUpPlay

FOLLOW SPARTAN UP:
Spartan Up on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/spartanuppo...
Spartan Up on Twitter https://twitter.com/SpartanUpPod

CREDITS:
Producer: Marion Abrams, Madmotion, llc.
Writer and Host: Nada Milosavljevic MD, JD



© 2019 Spartan

Direct download: 29_Spartan_HEALTH_Coconut.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:30am EDT

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