ESSENTIAL Supplement Spotlight: PQQ

Mitochondrial dysfunction. Yes, it's VERY real and YES it's happening to all of us. In fact, it's the primary cause of age-related decline. Mitochondria are found in every cell of our bodies, and you need a LOT of them considering the trillions of cells we have in our bodies. Basically it's the Energy Generator for all cellular functioning. They're the reason you're here reading this!

A recent study showed that the muscle tissue of a 90 year old man contained 95% DAMAGED mitochondria compared to almost 0 damage in a 5 year old. Mitochondria is responsible for the synthesis of energy production on a cellular level. Diminished and damaged mitochondria leads to a myriad of health abnormalities including cancer, stroke and heart disease...the big 3. Is it any coincidence then, that the lifestyles of most people today ensure that they are on a disastrous path towards cellular DNA malfunctioning?
We've known now for several decades several anti-oxidative nutrients that protect the cellular mitochondria from loss and dysfunction, including:

CO-enzyme Q 10 (COQ10), Alpha Lipoic Acid, and L-Carnitine. Most of us that are longevity enthusiasts have been taking these for years, however a remarkable new compound has been shown recently in studies to actually GENERATE NEW Mitochondria and not merely repair them. Essentially GROWING FRESH MITOCHONDRIA!! This powerful new mechanism provides us with unprescedented control over the destructive aging process.
This substance, PQQ (pyrroloquinoline quinone) protects and augments delicate mitochondrial structures to promote youthful cellular function in three distinct ways:

Antioxidant power. Like CoQ10, PQQ is a highly potent antioxidant. Its extraordinary molecular stability enables it to facilitate thousands of biochemical reactions in the mitochondria without breaking down, for maximum antioxidant and bioenergetic support.

Favorably modulates gene expression. PQQ activates genes that promote formation of new mitochondria—and beneficially interacts with genes directly involved in mitochondrial health. These same genes also support healthy body weight, normal fat and sugar metabolism, and youthful cellular proliferation.

Mitochondrial defense. Mitochondria possess their own DNA, distinct from the DNA contained in the nucleus. Unfortunately, compared to nuclear DNA, the DNA housed within each mitochondrion is relatively unprotected. PQQ's antioxidant potency and favorable gene expression profile act to support mitochondrial defense.

PQQ is an Essential Nutrient, meaning your body cannot make it on its own. A growing body of research indicates that PQQ's unique nutritional profile supports heart health and cognitive function—alone and in combination with CoQ10. This comes as no surprise, given how much energy these vital organs need.

For the first time EVER we have access to this novel compound to generate BRAND NEW Mitochondria.
This is VERY exciting news indeed!

For Longer Life
J.J.M.

A Very Paleo T-Giving!

No need to stuff your gob with a lotta crap like the rest of America this Thanksgiving, be the difference and the change and try a few of these recipes that'll leave you satisfied without a hungover feeling due to a carb/sugar insulin overload! Plus they're delicious! Turkey, Yams, dressing.. all the usual but only better!

http://everydaypaleo.com/2010/11/15/thanksgiving-recipes-and-everyday-paleo-pumpkin-pie-cooking-demo/

Point Blank to Dr. Andrew Weil. Cut out the CRAP!

Why Dr. Weil are you overweight? I have a hard time listening to someone about health and wellness when they themselves haven't mastered their leptin signaling hormone to the hypothalamus saying "quit storing fat"! You eat many carbs, startches, soy and grains as you tout those on your website often as "healthy" (which they aren't at all) , and that is likely the culprit of your not being able to lose. Kick grains and all carbs (save cruciferous veggies and some fruit) out of your diet and up your healthy fat intake by leaps and bounds and you'll likely drop those extra pounds.

The Hunting is Good

"In sufficient amounts, without added carbohydrates, dietary fat is satiating and calms the hormone leptin, which in turn helps control hunger and sends the message to the hypothalamus that "the hunting is good"--whereby fat stores become more expendable and more freely BURNED for energy.... The more dietary fat serves as your PRIMARY source of fuel and NOT carbohydrate, the better you will become at fat burning, and the healthier and naturally slimmer you will ultimately be...AND the longer you will live. It turns out, in fact, the very thing we have been told (lied to) is our worst enemy actually may be our very best friend, if not our salvation"

-Nora Gedgaudas "Primal Body, Primal Mind"

Awesome Paleo Stuffing!

A refreshing take on traditional Thanksgiving Stuffing. This adds more flavor and moisture then gross bread stuffing and you won't even miss it! Be sure to make it this Thanksgiving, I just gave it a test run, and it's pretty amazing!!

Sausage and Apple Stuffing
--------------------------
10 slices bacon (6 oz), diced
2 pounds pork sausage meat
2 large onions, chopped (2 c)
8 oz. medium mushrooms, sliced (2 c)
3 medium ribs of celery, chopped (1 c)
1 tsp. dried sage leaves, crumbled
1 tsp. dried thyme leaves
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 pound tart apples, cored and cut into 1/2" pieces (3 c)
1 cup chopped fresh parsley

Cook bacon until it just begins to brown, Crumble sausage meat in same pan
and cook till done. Add onions, mushrooms and celery cooking until onions
and mushrooms are wilted. Stir in sage, thyme, salt and pepper, then the
apples. Remove from heat, add parsley.

Recipe from CrossFit Portland

Crock pot stuffed peppers

I love love love stuffed peppers, and they're even better when you cut out the crap and fillers, i.e. rice, grains, etc...
These always turn out better than I anticipate, which always makes me want to make them over and over. I'm sure you'll concur.

Crock-Pot Stuffed Peppers

1lb Grass-Fed, Organic ground beef
1 container of Trader Joe's mirepoix (carrots celery onion mix)
1 6 oz can tomato paste
5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper
2 Tbsp. Almond "flour"
sea salt (to taste)
black pepper (to taste)
1/4 c. olive oil
coconut oil
3-4 large Organic Green, Yellow or Red bell Peppers (i like to use one of each)

Saute veggie mix on medium heat in a skillet with the coconut oil. Add garlic and beef and saute until well mixed, but NOT well done (were just mixing the flavors here, not doing all the cooking as that's what the crock pots for!). Add in olive oil and spices and blend together. Remove tops of peppers and discard stems. Rinse out any seeds and stuff each with the stuffing mixture.
place securely in the crock pot and add 1/2 cup of water to the pot. Turn on Low and step away 6-7 hours, or high for 3-4.

That's it, and when you return you'll have an amazing meal on your hands.. prepare to be impressed!

Recipe by: Justin J. McCoy

Paleo Pumpkin-Chip Pancakes

Try this autumnal breakfast treat the next time you're craving pancake comfort, but you don't (obviously) eat grains any longer! They're moist, delicious and will leave you satiated and smiling!

Paleo Pumpkin-Chip Pancakes

Yield 2-3 large or 9 small servings

3 large organic eggs (separated)
1/2 c. organic pumpkin
1 heaping tablespoon raw almond butter
2 Tbsp. Coconut "flour"
1/2 tsp baking soda
pinch of himalayan salt (sea salt is also acceptable)
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ground vanilla beans or you may use vanilla extract
2 tsp Coconut Palm sugar (optional)
1 Tbsp raw cacao nibs
Coconut oil for cooking pan

whisk egg whites til frothy, add yolks and rest of wet ingredients and blend well. Add in dry ingredients and mix together until blended.
pour into a Pre-Heated (about 10 mins) med hot pan, (careful not to make it too hot, you don't wanna burn them!)
cook for about 2-3 mins per side, flipping when needed.

Serve with grass-fed butter and/or a small amount of organic maple syrup if desired or just a fresh fruit compote. Add a few slices of organic bacon if you're feeling like a little meat on the side!!

Enjoy!

Recipe by - Justin J. McCoy