On the shelf - various; herbal products and snack foods - Brief Article

BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY!

Mushrooms and fungi are used to enhance immunity, provide energy and serve as overall health tonics. While maitake, reishi, shiitake and cordyceps are names we may know, Agaricus blazei, a cultivated mushroom that grows wild near Sao Paolo, Brazil, isn't yet a household name. Based on agaricus research from the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) in 1995, Atlas World USA developed Agaricus Bio, described as an immune-enhancing supplement rich in complex sugars (polysaccharides) believed to increase our levels of interferon, cytokines and natural killer (NK) cells, powerful immune factors the body uses to fend off infection and disease. Available at your local health food store, or ask your retailer to call (213) 627-3430.

FRIES WITH THAT

Did you know "French fries" were actually invented in Belgium and that the name "French fries" comes from the verb "to French," which means to "cut in lengthwise pieces"? Hain Celestial's "Terra Frites" are said to be all-natural and made in the tradition of Belgian frites, from "quality Yukon Gold and European Bintje potatoes." So go ahead, grab a handful of these fries which taste similar to chips. In tempting flavors like French Aioli, Seasoned Salt, Americaine and Malt Vinegar, these are not your mother's frites--unless your mother's from Belgium. You can get them at your local health food store, or ask your retailer to call (516) 237-6200.

DIPPING INTO THE POWER SOURCE

Whether you're starting your day or ending your workout, PowerBar has two new flavors in its Harvest Dipped whole-grain energy bar line ready for you: Banana Nut and Cinnamon Roll, yogurt-coated just like Iced Oatmeal Raisin and Toffee Chocolate Chip. These bars offer 16 essential vitamins and minerals, "natural whole grains," soy protein, 45 grams of carbs, 260 calories and only 5 grams of fat. Available at your local health food store, or ask your retailer to call (800) 58-POWER.

AS SWEET AS HONEY

Looking for an all-natural alternative to super-refined table sugar? HoneySweet could be one answer. Made from pure honey, this sweetener is a natural way to get the taste of table sugar without the heavy industrial processing. HoneySweet contains no artificial ingredients and can be used in baking. You can find HoneySweet at your local health food store, or ask your retailer to call (888) 203-1439.

SNACK TIME!

Whether the crunchy chocolate cookie or the sweet, creamy center winds up being your favorite part of Country Choice Naturals Certified Organic Sandwich Cremes, you'll still be satisfying your sweet tooth with good stuff. These snacks are said to contain no artificial ingredients, to be free of hydrogenated oils and to not be made with refined sweeteners. Available at your local health food store, or ask your retailer to call (800) 328-2375.

STRESS LESS

Is the day-to-day stress of work, family and social responsibilities wearing you down? Maharishi Ayurveda introduces Worry Free, an Ayurvedic herbal supplement that contains ashwagandha and other traditional herbs thought to reduce anxiety. Available at your local health food store, or ask your retailer to call (800) 810-1118.

LIKE WATER FOR OIL?

What do you get when you take mountain spring water and infuse it with organic essential oil? Organic Floral Waters ("Geranium Floral Water" is pictured) are said to be similar to essential oils, but are in a "more gentle form," suitable, says NHR Organic Oils, for facial cleansing, using with hot/cold compresses, skin moisturizing and bathing. NHR's Organic Essential Oils ("Lemon" is shown) are bottled, and then "packed into elegant metal tubes to protect them from light." You can find NHR Organic Oils products at your local health food store, or ask your retailer to call (866) 562-0890.

POLLY WANT A COOKIE?

White Chocolate Macadamia Nut (pictured) is one of four best-selling Brent & Sam's Gourmet Cookies now with "all-natural packaging." Brent & Sam's says that its cookies are "made from the finest ingredients," have no added preservatives and are Kosher-certified. Available at your local health food store, or ask your retailer to call (800) 328-2375.

DRESSED FOR SUCCESS

Five new and updated all-natural salad dressings and marinades are ready--are our salads? New offerings include Roasted Red Pepper Italiano, Chef Cary's version of a Tuscan Italian vinaigrette. Updates of past faves include Sesame Carrot Ginger Dressing with Wasabi-Lite. Marked by "unique tastes and exciting flavors," Chef Cary says he has a simple formula for success: "Blend only high quality ingredients to yield the best results." You can find these dressings and marinades at your local health food store, or ask your retailer to call (866) 243-3227.

STIFLE YOURSELF!

Nothing personal, but your snoring is really bothering your bed-mate and isn't doing much for you, either. It's believed that snoring is caused by a partial blockage of the upper airway passages, due to mucus build-up and congestion. When taken on an empty stomach, Baywood's Dr. Harris' Original Snore Formula is said to help dissolve mucus via plant enzymes, "allowing the body to reabsorb them." The product's herbal ingredients reduce tissue swelling and congestion in the upper airways. Available at your local health food store, or ask your retailer to call (888) 350-0799.

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