How is Emerald Balance different from other green drinks on the market?

Emerald Balance contains over 40 fabulous superfoods and phytonutrients – all foods with high concentrations of amino acids, the very building blocks of protein needed to support connective tissue, hair, skin and nails. This powerhouse formula also contains bamboo and horsetail, both rich in silica, a mineral essential for creating longer, stronger hair and nails. High in bioflavonoids, Vitamins C and other antioxidants, they are all co-factors in the synthesis of collagen.

What are Superfoods?

Superfoods – also known as functional foods – contain special nutrients that provide health benefits beyond the scope of basic nutrition. These can include anti-aging properties, or provide higher energy, while building the immune system, and/or be detoxifying.

What are antioxidants and how do they work?

Antioxidants act as cell protectors. Oxygen, an essential element for life, can create damaging by-products during normal cellular metabolism. Antioxidants counteract these cellular by-products, called free radicals, and bind with them before they can cause damage. If left unchecked, free radicals may cause premature cell death, and/or a weakened immune system. By binding to free radicals, antioxidants render them into harmless compounds. Antioxidants can also repair cellular damage, and are therefore anti-aging.

What accounts for that sweet, minty flavor I detect in Emerald Balance?

Although this is a heavily guarded “family secret”, the reason Emerald Balance tastes so good is because our skilled formulators carefully balanced combinations of fruits, spices, and herbs to create its uniquely refreshing, wholesomely natural flavor. We know from the tremendously positive response we’ve received about it that this sets us apart from other green drinks on the market. Flavor was paramount when we formulated Emerald Balance, because we knew if it didn’t taste good, we’d have a hard time getting it into people’s bodies

What are Phytonutrients?

Phytonutrients are certain organic components of plants that scientists have isolated as having particular benefits to human health in a different way from traditional antioxidants. Phytonutrients may enhance immune response and cell-to-cell communication, allowing for the body’s built-in defenses to work more efficiently. Phytonutrients may even alter estrogen metabolism, cause cancer cells to die, repair DNA damage caused by smoking and other toxic exposure, and detoxify carcinogens by working with bodily enzymes.

How important are nutrition and dietary factors in health and chronic disease prevention?

The Surgeon General's Report on Nutrition and Health in 1988 noted that 2/3 of all deaths are due to diseases associated with diet. The report also says that the three most important personal habits that influence health are smoking, alcohol consumption, and diet. For the two out of three adults who do not drink alcohol excessively or smoke, the single most important personal choice influencing long-term health is what they eat.

In 1997, the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research report, Food, Nutrition and the Prevention of Cancer: A Global Perspective, stated that recommended diets, in conjunction with physical activity and normal BMI, could reduce cancer incidence by 30–40%.

For heart disease, the 1989 National Academy of Sciences report, Diet and Health: Implications for Reducing Chronic Disease Risk, projected that 20% of deaths could be avoided by reducing fats, and also by increasing fruits, vegetables, breads, cereals, and legumes (dry beans and peas).

Will eating more fruits and vegetables as part of a healthy diet help prevent other diseases?

As well as decreasing the risk of cancer, a diet rich with fruits and vegetables and low in fats, particularly saturated fats, may also help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Why do fruits and vegetables help prevent certain cancers?

Of all the dietary factors that are thought to be related to cancer, the research evidence is most consistent for the association between increased consumption of fruits and vegetables and reduced risk of a variety of cancers. The evidence is strongest for digestive (oral, larynx, esophagus, stomach, colon, and rectum) and respiratory cancers. The vitamins, fiber, carotenoids, or other components in fruits and vegetables such as phytonutrients may be responsible for this protective effect.

The term phytonutrient—or phytochemical—is basically defined as any chemical or nutrient derived from plants, and is used to refer to any compound found in plants that is not necessarily required for the normal functioning of the body, yet has been found to have a beneficial effect on overall health, or that plays a significant role in the amelioration of disease. Since it differs somewhat from what scientists traditionally refer to as a nutrient (i.e. a substance that contributes to an organism's metabolism, growth, or other functioning), the importance of phytonutrients was largely overlooked until recent times, when studies by endocrinologists and nutritionists began to their importance relative to the maintenance and longevity of various cells or body systems. Interestingly, the USDA guidelines used during the latter half of the 20th Century (i.e., the Food Pyramid) are now being modified to reflect this knowledge, and people are being encouraged to eat more vegetables and fruits than ever before.

Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and fiber, and contain many other compounds, including micronutrients like selenium; antioxidants such as carotenoids; and such phytonutrients as indoles, isothiocyanates, flavonoids, phenols, allium compounds, and limonene.

Can you take too many antioxidants?

To decide how much of these antioxidants you should take, weigh the free radical stresses you face. Do you live in a large, polluted city? Do you smoke or live with a smoker? Do you live at a high altitude or spend a lot of time in the sun? Do you eat refined foods with polyunsaturated fats (from which the vitamin E has been removed)? The more of these questions you say "yes" to, the higher your antioxidant intake should probably be. Dr. Denham Harman, the father of the free-radical concept of disease and founder of the American Aging Association, contends that the people begin a “downward slide” by age 27, meaning this is when you really need to start protecting yourself against the growing free radical cascade in your body. It is conceivable that a person taking synthetic vitamin supplements could take too much. This is why it is always best to obtain antioxidants from natural sources. The antioxidants in Emerald Balance are from whole foods, not synthetics, and are readily and safely metabolized by the body.

What are probiotics?

Probiotics, a classification of nutrients which were defined by a group of experts convened by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a beneficial health effect on the host. Most probiotics are bacteria, which are small, single-celled organisms. Beneficial bacteria comprise approximately 90% of the Digestive Tract Bacteria in healthy persons.

Why is pH balancing important? What does it mean?

pH is the abbreviation for potential hydrogen. The pH of any solution is the measure of its hydrogen-ion concentration. The higher the pH reading, the more alkaline and oxygen rich the fluid is. The lower the pH reading, the more acidic and oxygen deprived the fluid is. pH ranges from 0 to 14, with 7.0 being neutral. Anything above 7.0 is alkaline; anything below 7.0 is considered acidic.

If you have a health problem, your system is most likely acidic. Research shows that unless the body's pH level is slightly alkaline, the body cannot heal itself. So, no matter what type of modality you choose to use to take care of your health problem, it won't be effective until the pH level is raised. If your body's pH is not balanced, you cannot effectively assimilate vitamins, minerals and nutritional supplements, which is why we made Emerald Balance a pH balancing formula.

Can I have more than one serving a day of Emerald Balance?

Yes! It can be considered a meal replacement if you add a protein powder to it. It’s great to drink it with cool or cold water in the afternoon to give you a pick-me-up.

Who developed Emerald Balance?

Nearly a year in the making, Emerald Balance was carefully formulated by nutritionists and herbalists. The combined knowledge of herbs and nutrition gave them the extra insight to create a product that not only contains a high amount of nutrients, but is also well balanced. Doctors were asked to analyze the formula and give any suggestions that they felt were needed to make it complete.

Is it safe for children?

Emerald Balance should be safe for children over the age of 3, but take into account their lower body weight, and reduce the serving to 1 teaspoon or less. Always check with your pediatrician before your child takes this or any other nutritional supplement, and carefully observe your child’s behavior to ensure they are responding positively.

Is Emerald Balance safe for elderly people?

Again, we always suggest you consult with your family physician before taking supplements of any kind, especially if you are on any medications. Although Emerald Balance is full of beneficial nutrients that are generally regarded as safe, even nutrients commonly thought of as benign, such as Vitamin E, can have an adverse affect if they interfere with the metabolic effects of certain prescriptions. If you are sensitive, try beginning with a small amount, such as one teaspoon diluted with plenty of water, and increase to the suggested amount over the course of a week or two. If you have a severe reaction, discontinue at once, and drink plenty of pure water.

Should I drink Emerald Balance™ hot or cold?

We like to drink Emerald Balance™ with cold or cool water, as this brings out its subtle flavors. It can also be blended with diluted fruit juice, or added to your favorite protein powder. Do not mix with hot water, as this will kill the beneficial nutrients and probiotics contained in Emerald Balance.

Why doesn’t it completely dissolve in water?

Emerald Balance is full of beneficial fiber, not only from fruits, vegetables and herbs, but also from soluble oat fiber and bamboo—all of which are critical to intestinal health. The particle sizes vary, which is why you may find it settles in your glass. This is less noticeable in a smoothie or after whirling in the blender for a few minutes.

Is Emerald Balance safe for Diabetics?

We always caution people with health concerns, such as diabetes, to check first with their doctor before taking Emerald Balance or any other supplements. This being said, it should be noted that because Emerald Balance is full of fiber, is pH balancing, and also controls blood sugar levels, it should provide significant health benefits for diabetics. Not only is it filled with antioxidants that diabetics especially need to help with circulation, it also contains stevia, an herb that supports pancreatic health. Also, stevia satisfies the sweet tooth without causing blood sugar spikes, or (what could be better?) causing dental problems.

What gives Emerald Balance its deep rich green color? Is it because it is a vegetarian product?

Emerald Balance is 100% vegetarian. Its most prominent ingredients, green barley grass, spirulina, and cracked cell chlorella, are the main contributors to its rich, nourishing green color. These are highly prized for their generous quantities of antioxidants and proteins—-essential ingredients that build connective tissue, hair, skin and nails.

What is the importance of Lecithin Powder?

Lecithin is also known as phosphatidylcholine, and helps to maintain the elasticity of blood vessels. It’s essential for the formation of cell membranes and their structural and functional integrity. Lecithin comprises approximately 65% of most cell membranes. It has been found to help control the transfer of endogenous chemicals into skin cells and improves the visual appearance of dull skin. Lecithin enhances the absorption of Vitamin A. It helps facilitate the production of acetylcholine in the brain and adrenal glands. Acetylcholine is a type of neurotransmitter--the most abundant neurotransmitter in the brain. Scientists have found that it helps to keep mucous membranes lubricated and moist. Research also shows that acetylcholine increases attention span and focus.

What is connective tissue?

Connective tissue forms the supportive and connective structures for the body. Types include bone, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and skin . It also encapsulates all of your important organs.

What ingredients in Emerald Balance help with connective tissue?

When formulating Emerald Balance, we focused on ingredients that have high concentrations of amino acids, Vitamins A, B-Complex, and Biotin; Antioxidants, Bioflavonoids, Vitamins C and E, minerals such as Manganese, Zinc, Copper, and Selenium. Bamboo and Horsetail, both rich in natural Silica, are essential for maintaining healthy bone and connective tissue. Traces of silica can be found in every organ and cell of the body, with its greatest concentration being in cartilage, blood vessels, skin and hair. We also took into account that our choice of ingredients would have a direct bearing on the body's pH. This is critical, because if the pH is too acidic, the body cannot effectively assimilate the vitamins, minerals and nutrients that support, repair and maintain connective tissue.

How does Emerald Balance help support hair, skin, and nails?

When formulating Emerald Balance, we focused on ingredients that have a high concentration of amino acids, Vitamins A, B-Complex, and E, plus important hair and nail building minerals such as Manganese, Zinc, Copper, Iron, and Selenium. Bamboo and Horsetail, both rich in natural Silica--a mineral essential for creating longer, stronger hair and nails--were also added. Traces of silica can be found in every organ and cell of the body, with its greatest concentrations being in cartilage, blood vessels, skin and hair. The body's pH balance is important. If you are too acidic, you cannot effectively assimilate vitamins, minerals and nutritional supplements.

What are Folate, Bioflavonviods, and Collagen?

Folate, also known as Folic Acid, is part of the B-Complex Vitamins. It helps cells grow and divide, including skin cells. Folate enhances the function of Biotin and Choline, and is an essential cofactor for the production of Co-enzyme Q10. It works synergistically with Vitamin B12, important for the production of red blood cells. Bioflavonoids are a diverse group of phytonutrients that combine with free radicals to slow the oxidation of molecules in the body. Collagen is the primary support for connective tissue such as skin, tendon, bone and cartilage. Collagen is a protein chemical substance, and is known as the "glue" that holds tissues together.

How long will it take to feel a difference after taking Emerald Balance?

Because everyone's body is slightly different, this will depends on each person’s individual health.

What possible differences should I watch for after taking Emerald Balance?

**Of course, this will depend on your overall state of health at the outset.** Things to look for: within the first few months, you may notice greater energy, or if you tend to be hyper, a feeling of groundedness and overall wellbeing. Also, that it accelerates growth and improves the strength of hair and nails. Our clients report healthier texture and elasticity of their skin. We have noticed immune system improvements, such as greater resistance to colds and flus. Some have been able to reduce dependence on certain prescriptions (**please note we always strongly advise that you check with your doctor before changing your dosage**). Some overweight clients have noticed a reduction in inches and/or their weight.

Can Emerald Balance actually make your hair and nails grow faster and stronger?

Depending on your current physical condition and typical nutritional intake, adding Emerald Balance to your daily diet has the potential to make your hair and nails grow faster and stronger.

How is Emerald Balance anti-aging?

The combination of the ingredients in the Emerald Balance formula work to counter act the oxidation of cell molecules and build healthy new cells.

How can I tell if Emerald Balance is working?

You may see the difference in your nail growth and strength, the quality of your skin, energy improvement, a general feeling of wellbeing and groundedness, and an enhanced immune system.

How many calories per serving of Emerald Balance?

Emerald Balance has just 52 calories per serving--and these are packed with nutritional value. Eight ounces of orange juice has 105. One can of cola has 160 calories, and these are mostly "empty" calories from sugar!

How many Carbohydrates?

4 net carbs, meaning that when you subtract the extra grams of fiber, it reduces the total carb load to the net carb value.

Is Emerald Balance a meal replacement?

Used alone, Emerald Balance is NOT a meal replacement. Please do not use it as such, or you will deprive your body of very essential nutrients, including adequate amounts of fats and proteins. However, it is an excellent addition to a protein shake or smoothie. If you want to make your own meal replacement, simply add a serving to your favorite protein powder along with your choice of a good omega 3 essential fatty acid, such as flax seed oil.

If you are designing a fitness program or want to lose weight, Emerald Balance can greatly assist because it's easier to exercise when you feel energized and have an overall feeling of wellbeing. Since Emerald Balance improves the body's pH and helps reduce sugar and carb craves, it is easier to resist foods that increase insulin and make it hard to lose weight. Combined with a high protein powder, it helps the body release excess water gain, while helping the body add lean muscle mass. This improves metabolism, so you burn more fat.

Should I have my doctor look at the product prior to taking?

If you have any health concerns, please check with your doctor before taking this or any other nutritional supplement. This is especially true if you take any medications, have any known food sensitivities, have a delicate digestion system, or are suffering from a severe chronic illness.

Are there any side effects?

Some people may experience increased urination or elimination. These are normal reactions as the nutrients begin to take effect, and are not usually considered side effects. These functions help the body to eliminate toxins. If you experience slight tummy upset, try drinking Emerald Balance in a weaker solution, such as one teaspoon per 8-10 ounces of water. Of course, if you notice any severe side effects such as ongoing diarrhea, vomiting, or fever, discontinue at once, and drink plenty of pure water.

Is there anything that I could be allergic to?

We carefully formulated our product to make it as free of allergens as possible. We purposely left out items like nuts, beans, yeast, corn, spinach, wheat, soy protein, dairy, and egg to eliminate the "usual suspects". However, everyone is different, so it's not possible to guarantee you won't have a sensitivity issue with any of our ingredients. If you suffer from allergies, read the label carefully to assure the formula doesn't contain something you know you are sensitive to. Or, try a small amount mixed with plenty of water, then gradually increase the dosage until you feel confident it agrees with you. If you experience severe side effects, discontinue at once and drink plenty of pure water.