The subject of health, disease and longevity has a long and controversial history. It was not long ago that there was a lively debate about the various roles and contributions of genetics, environment, and nutrition in the health of individuals. One does not have to go back very far in the history of this debate to recall many medical professionals doubting the significance of nutrition in the development of disease. Indeed, the almost total lack of nutritional courses in the standard medical curriculum was ample testimony to the skepticism about its importance.

One can safely say at this juncture that there is no longer any debate among knowledgeable medical researchers about the centrality of nutrition in achieving and maintaining health. The explosion of research in the past 20 years has overwhelmingly confirmed the vital importance of the nutritional value of the food we eat and its links to health and disease. It is widely recognized that nutrition plays a coequal role with our genetic endowment with respect to our relative health and longevity on this earth. The primary questions that remain have to do with how specific nutrients augment health, the ideal amounts of each that we need, how they synergistically combine with each other, and the mechanisms by which the body utilizes them. There is no longer any question that what we consume in our diets has an inextricable relationship to the proper nourishment and health of our bodies.

We all have come to understand that there are many classes of nutrients that contribute to good health. We have need of proper amounts of protein, carbohydrates, fats, enzymes, minerals, vitamins, and untold numbers of cofactors. While there is controversy about how much we need to be healthy, there is general agreement that we need high quality examples of each. It is also widely recognized that the Standard American Diet (SAD) is often deficient in such quality nutrients. Statistics abound as to the pathetic and disastrous nature of SAD, and its consequences upon the health of the average American. Some of our most deadly and common maladies—heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes—have been indisputably associated with nutritional excesses and/or deficiencies.

Also, we all know that there have been several systematic attempts to address our nutritional problems. The least nutritional approach has been to surgically remove parts of the anatomy which have become degraded and dysfunctional. Another non-nutritional approach has been to prescribe laboratory-derived pharmaceuticals to address the biochemical results of poor nutrition. Another approach has been to research and isolate nutritional factors known to ameliorate a specific disease, and to prescribe them to a person deficient in them. For example, a person with macular degeneration may be given lutein in order to nourish the retina. Vitamin C may be given to a person suffering from the common cold. Yet another approach is the emphasis upon providing the appropriate foods that contain the foundational nutrients to prevent deficiencies, revitalize tissue, and thereby resist disease-causing organisms.

There is a growing consensus in the health professions that the provision of whole foods is generally superior to the piecemeal approach of assembling discrete and isolated nutritional components. This is not to say that specific nutrients cannot be wisely prescribed and used for particular health challenges. However, the primary reason for this movement towards whole foods for general health is the increasing realization that they offer nutrients in unique combinations that often surpass the nutritional value of their individual constituents. It is also known that whole foods possess compounds suspected of great nutritional value that have not yet been adequately researched and understood. This suspicion is encouraged and confirmed by the demonstrated effects of whole foods above and beyond what we know about the isolated nutritional factors contained in them.

It is also widely acknowledged that not all foods are created nutritionally equal. There are foods that are clearly and particularly nutrient dense. Some have termed them “superfoods.” Of course, it would be advantageous to us all if we were to consume foods that were most concentrated with the nutrients most needed for the maintenance and repair of our various organs and tissues. Foods that are rich in a wide variety of proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants would address our nutritional needs best and most efficiently. There is little argument that the empty foods consumed by most Americans pale in comparison to organically grown fruits and vegetables that provide the aforementioned nutrients in abundance.

We would all be wise, then, to search out the most nutritious foods possible to enhance our health and potential longevity. It would likewise be wise to research what foods offer high nutrient density. After finding out for oneself the most nutrient dense foods, it would then be most wise to consume them regularly. Many nutrient dense foods are relatively well known: broccoli, wheat grass juice powder, aloe vera, flaxseed meal, blueberries, and etceteras. They are known for their concentrations of nutrients and are widely recommended by health professionals to their patients.

However, there is a food, a nutritional powerhouse . . . perhaps without equal . . . that is not widely recognized by most people in search of healthful food. That whole food product is the L.E.A.N. Phytonutrient Bar made by Life Energy And Nutrition (L.E.A.N.). A portion of the L.E.A.N. bars comes from a whole food, nutrient-dense, gluten-free grain. While most of us know a good deal about refined grains, few are aware of the virtues of unrefined grains. The protective outer covering of many of the different grains goes by various names e.g. the “husk” or the “bran”. During the refining of most grains, an attempt is made to get only the inner kernel—the protective outer coverings are then usually discarded or used for animal feed. Unfortunately, a large percentage of the potential nutritional value rests in these refined-away portions of most whole grains—sometimes up to 75% or more of the nutrients that the grain has to offer. In other words, a cornucopia of nutrition is lost to human consumption by the refining process . . . not so with the L.E.A.N. Phytonutrient Bars!

Indeed this used to also be the case with the whole grain used in L.E.A.N.’s bars.. In the course of the traditional milling process, an enzyme was released that caused some of its good fatty acids to spoil and go rancid. The relatively recent good news is that there has been developed a patented process whereby the bran of the bar’s grain is stabilized, thereby preserving the dense nutrients inherent in the outer bran and with no spoilage or rancidity. Because of the ubiquitous farming of this whole grain around the world, this is potentially good news for all of mankind. However, let’s look at the good news for you . . . the product is now available to the average consumer.

The stabilized grain used in the L.E.A.N. Phytonutrient Bar is so rich in nutrients that it is hard to put them in order of emphasis or importance. For starters, it has a complete profile of amino acids, important building blocks in the maintenance and repair of human tissue. It contains high concentrations of Vitamin A carotenoids, including the vision-bolstering betacarotenes, lutein and zeaxanthin. In addition, there is lycopene, known for its support of a healthy prostate, as well as other antioxidant properties. The Vitamin B complex is represented by B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12. It is especially high in B3, niacin, for those needing specific supplementation for circulation and metabolism. Vitamin E is well represented by both the tocopherols and the powerful tocotrienols. These are efficient antioxidants that are particularly helpful to the heart and the vascular system in general. It is high in the minerals of potassium, magnesium, phosphorous, with additional trace minerals. These aid in the healthy maintenance of vascular systems and bone growth. Phytosterols are present in substantial quantities, especially betasitosterol (known for terrific prostate support) and campesterol.

If the above is not enough, the grain used in the L.E.A.N. bars contains a powerful antioxidant known only to this grain—gamma oryzanol. This compound is effective in the moderation of cholesterol, supports the gastrointestinal tract, and enhances physical performance. In fact, this grain contains a staggering 100+ antioxidants, essential for the toxic cleanup of the human body and for scavenging damaging free radicals. Also noteworthy is the presence of CoQ10, known for its healthful effect on energy production and heart health. With respect to immune function, this grain is a formidable source of IP6. For brain function and support there is ample glutamic acid. With respect to essential fatty acids, there is a good amount of Omega 3’s. To help in vital biochemical processes, we all know that enzymes are critical. This grain contains 7 enzymes thus far discovered, including the essential powerhouses SOD (superoxidase dismutase) and glutathione peroxidase.

One last word on this great grain. We all know that obesity and out of control levels of blood sugar have become what some think to be public health enemy #1. There is ample scientific evidence, which shows the effectiveness of this grain in the stabilizing of blood sugars. This one aspect of the grain’s supplementation is worth the price of admission alone. Stable blood sugar levels are related to a normally functioning human body. In contrast, unstable blood sugar levels are all too intimately related to many of the most ravaging diseases.

Additional significant components of the L.E.A.N. Phytonutrient Bar are whey protein concentrate and fiber. In fact, the bars are an excellent source of protein and fiber for the functions of the body.

The constituents and benefits of this product are not fully listed above. Indeed, there will no doubt be more nutrients discovered as research progresses. Suffice it to say that it is a product whose time has come. This concentrated, natural form of nutrition is now available from Life Energy And Nutrition. To make it easier for the consumer, L.E.A.N. has formulated a bar designed for supplementing meals, a Meal Alternative Product (MAP), which can be the ultimate convenience. These bars contain some or all of the wonderful nutrients discussed above, and more.

The significance of whey protein concentrate (WPC) is measured in its proven benefits to the body. In essence, we are made of protein. And just like a car . . . the higher the quality of its components, the greater its performance and longevity . . . so it is with protein and other nutrients, i.e. poor quality protein and other nutrients put into the body results in frequent breakdowns and early retirement or disability. In order to provide the purest and highest quality available, the whey protein used in the L.E.A.N. bars is made by both microfiltration and ion-exchange, the Gold Standard for whey protein.

Some of the important compounds in whey that contribute to it being one of the greatest health discoveries of the last century include lactoalbumin, immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, glycomacropeptides, sphingomyelin, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and, of course, calcium. Research validates whey’s important role in the following:

• Immune system enhancement—through its role in elevating the key antioxidant and protector of cells called glutathione. Lactoferrin is known to stimulate the formation of new immune cells.
• Antimicrobial activity.
• Stress reduction related again to lactoalbumin’s ability to lower cortisol.
• Bone cell growth and the prevention of osteoporosis.
• Cardiovasular effects of lowering blood pressure by its affect of inhibiting angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), reducing platelet stickiness and favorable effects on serum lipids.
• Antioxidant activity.
• Weight management through its effects of helping decrease body fat and increase lean, and its effects of signaling the brain that the body is full, resulting in appetite suppression—the later by its effects on the production of choleystokinin.
• Amino acid supply for building muscle, enzymes, repair and recovery. In fact, why protein has one of the highest contents of branched chain amino acids (BCAA’s) so cherished by body builders and exercisers in general.

In summary, whey protein may be beneficial to everyone. It is perhaps one of the most complete and biologically active forms of protein available. Whey protein ranks highest as a measure of Biological Value (BV) of all sources of protein available. It may just be one of the most important methods for health preservation!

Fiber is finally becoming appreciated for its many roles in supporting optimal health. Some of the known health benefits are as follows:

• Helps lower cholesterol levels.
• Promotes good bowel function and removal of waste material.
• Slows absorption of carbohydrates, thus helping stabilize blood sugar and blood insulin and sugar levels lower.
• Weight management aid by providing a sense of fullness and diminishing hunger and cravings.
• Support of your “second immune system” as the intestinal tract itself has very important immune functions.
• Irritable bowel syndrome support.
• Possible effects on cancer and polyps, however, “the jury is still out” with regard to fibers ultimate role in diminishing the incidence of cancer of the colon and other cancers as well.

Thus, fiber is one of the body’s truly unsung heroes, but is value is heralded. Few would argue that regular bowel activity is one of life’s joys! The number of diseases related to bowel irregularity or infrequency are legend and include such problems as hemorrhoids, diverticulosis, hiatal hernia, and perhaps even appendicitis and cancer.

The manufacturers of the L.E.A.N. Phytonutrient Bar have worked hard to manufacture and package this product in such a way as to produce it with the greatest taste, functionality, and at the lowest possible cost to the consumer. This product is for those who are conscious of the need for nutrient dense and natural nutrition in a whole food matrix. If you are convinced of the deficiencies of piecemeal supplementation and the limits of discrete and isolated nutritional elements, you are ready to step up to this whole food product. Never before has obtaining such a synergistic array of vital nutrients been so available, convenient and affordable. Individuals have already trialed these products under clinical supervision. Both they and their physicians have seen remarkably positive changes in important health markers. You owe it to yourself to at least try the product and notice for yourself the very real differences it can make in your overall health.

Ray H. Carlson has a B.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in clinical psychology. He has been in practice for 35 years. Among his most passionate interests are nutrition and its affects on the human body and psyche. He is convinced that there is a seamless relationship between what is wrong with us spiritually, mentally, physically, and nutritionally. In his own search for the ultimate nutritionals, he has become an avid user of this product. He also highly recommends it to his patients for general health and for support in coping with the tremendous stresses of modern life.