It’s a Perfect Day to ...
learn about Nutrition!
Okay, everyone repeat this out loud - there are no silly questions about nutrition. It's important! Many of us are not sure what the jargon means when advertisements talk about EFAs or Omega 3s, and although common sense tells us what's good and what's bad, sometimes we need a little advice.

Mona is Perfect 10 Natural Energy's Registered Dietitian. If you have any questions regarding nutrition and Perfect 10 Bars please email us at P10Daily. We'll make sure that she sees it! Read on for Mona's answers to questions we've already received regarding: Omega 3s and 6s, vegetarian ways to get Omega 3 in your diet, health benefits of dark chocolate, the suitability of Perfect 10 Bars for the Glycemic Index Diet and how cranberries and pumpkin seeds can help urinary tract health.

I've heard that pumpkin seed oil is very good for urinary track health. How many pumpkin seeds do I have to eat to get the benefits of this? Is eating a Perfect 10 Bar a day enough? Are there any other vitamins or foods I can eat to maintain good urinary tract health? Dorra, UK

Dorra,
Look at this website for urinary tract infections (UTI): http://tsangenterprise.com/news39.htm.
Cranberry is very good and taking lactobacillus acidophilus (good bacteria) to help prevent the infectious bacteria from adhering to the wall of the bladder or urethra.

Pumpkin Seed contains essential fatty acids that may benefit the
prostate and UT due to its cleansing action as well as its ability to
strengthen the bladder. I did not see anything regarding quantity of
seeds you'd need to consume for this response. There are many
supplements available that contain pumpkin seeds or oil.

Eating a perfect 10 bar/day may not help with UTI's but it offers many
other benefits, such as about 20% of your daily fiber requirements,
about 450 mg of essential fatty acids for heart health, and fruit that
supply antioxidants! If you incorporated a Perfect 10 bar and used some
cranberry capsules + took the acidophilus every day, you may see
improvement.

Eating a healthy diet rich in nuts, seeds, fruit, whole grains, and lean
protein will offer many health benefits and may decrease your incidence
of UTI when used in conjunction with other remedies.

Healthy Regards,
Mona

What is the difference between Omega Three and Omega Six? Should I be eating more of both? John, London, UK

Hi John,
Omega 3's (EPA & DHA) are essential for brain & cognitive function and development (as well as eye development in infants). There are many studies which show positive effects from Omega 3 fatty acid supplementaion on memory, depression, heart disease, ADD, joint pain, skin ailments, and other rheumatoid problems.

Omega 3s are found in cold water fish such as salmon, mackeral, anchovies, as well as walnuts. When you eat fish you get EPA and DHA directly from the fish, your body doesn't have to change it at all. Flaxseed is a vegetarian option, which doesn't contain EPA or DHA, but it contains another omega 3 called alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA), which your body has to convert into EPA and DHA. You also get fiber (when consuming the seed vs. oil) from flax. Lignans are another part of flax seeds and may play a role in preventing the growth and development of prostate cancer and breast health. For best results from flax, make sure the seed is ground prior to consuming (not in advance) or it's sprouted.

Omega 6s are found in corn, vegetable oil such as safflower oil, soybean oil, and cottonseed oil & used in much of our foods. Too much Omega 6 can raise blood pressure, lead to blood clots that can cause heart attack and stroke, and cause your body to retain water.

A ratio of 3:1 omega 6:omega 3 is what you're looking for, the typical diet is around 12:1 (omega 6 to omega 3). Don't go over 30% (or about 0.8 g fat/kg body weight) of your total calories from fat and switch to using olive oil vs. vegetable oil and incorporating fatty fish.
Eat Healthy!
Mona
(back to top?)

What kind of chocolate do you use in Perfect 10 Bliss Bars? I bought a P10 Lemon Bliss Bar at the health food store the other day and the salesperson commented on dark chocolate. Are there health benefits in eating chocolate?
Anne - Montreal, Canada

Anne, thank you for enjoying Perfect 10 Bliss. Dark chocolate contains flavonoids typically found in tea, red wine, fruits and vegetables. The higher the percentage of cocoa in the chocolate the better the benefits. High amounts of cocoa give dark chocolate a bitter taste, that's why many people choose milk chocolate, it's been sweetened. Perfect 10 Bliss have 47% cocoa. Studies published in Hypertension and the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggest dark chocolate may reduce blood pressure and hardening of the arteries. Keep in mind that chocolate alone isn't the magic remedy, a total lifestyle change by increasing exercise and eating healthfully (which may include enjoying a Perfect 10 bar as a snack!) will improve overall health.
Healthy Regards,
Mona
(back to top?)

I am a new vegetarian and would rather get nutrients from non-animal sources but I'm concerned I might be missing something. Is there a difference between Omega 3s from fish oil and Omega 3s from plants? Why are Omega 3s essential? Paul - Seattle, Washington

In answer to your question, Paul: Omega 3's (EPA & DHA) are essential for brain & cognitive function and development (as well as eye development in infants). There are many studies which show positive effects from Omega 3 fatty acid supplementaion on memory, depression, heart disease, ADD, joint pain, skin ailments, and other rheumatoid problems. Omega 3s are found in cold water fish such as salmon, mackeral, anchovies, as well as walnuts. When you eat fish you get EPA and DHA directly from the fish, your body doesn't have to change it at all. Flaxseed is a vegetarian option, which doesn't contain EPA or DHA, but it contains another omega 3 called alpha-linolenic Acid (ALA), which your body has to convert into EPA and DHA. You also get fiber (when consuming the seed vs. oil) from flax. Lignans are another part of flax seeds and may play a role in preventing the growth and development of prostate cancer and breast health. For best results from flax, make sure the seed is ground prior to consuming (not in advance) or it's sprouted.
Thanks for writing,
Mona
(back to top?)

Any more questions? Please Contact us at p10daily@perfect10bars.com

Please consult your doctor, dietician or nutritionist if you have any specific medical questions, challenges or conditions.