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Sugar. It's the bane of many a weight-loss program. So sweet, so delicious and so tempting. And so calorie dense, nutrient poor, and unhealthy.
But how can anyone possibly give up all sweet treats? Marketers from many companies want you to believe you can have your cake _and your soda, and your cookies), and lose weight too. All you have to do is replace sugar and sugar-sweetened foods with any number of popular artificial sweeteners, from sucralose to aspartame to acesulfame potassium, or AceK, to saccharin, and many more, and you'll get to enjoy the sweetness without the excess calories. Despite compelling advertisements stating their products taste like sugar with none of the calories and none of the guilt, rest assured, these chemicals are anything but natural and may be just as likely--and in some cases, more likely--as sugar to prevent you from reaching your goals. ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS AND WEIGHT LOSS While animal studies have linked artificial sweeteners to weight gain and obesity, a recently published article provides evidence that artificially sweetened diet soft drinks may have a negative impact on a weight-loss program. In a study, which had no financial ties to the beverage industry and was published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers from the University of Nottingham assigned 62 women, who regularly consume diet beverages, to one of two groups. Half of the women, were instructed to replace zero calorie, artificially sweetened beverages (diet soda) with water after their main meal, lunch, while the other half continued to drink diet sodas. The women in the latter group drank only one diet soda per day after lunch. The researchers tracked the progress of the women for 24 weeks, and they were all instructed to follow the exact same weight-loss program including a reduced-calorie diet. As expected, at the end of the trial, all the women lost a significant amount of weight. However the women who replaced diet beverages with water lost, on average, 16% more weight than the women who drank diet sodas--and remember, they only drank one diet beverage per day. Not only that, the women who drank water experienced improvements in their insulin sensitivity and carbohydrate tolerance that were 70% and 42% greater, respectively, than the group who drank diet beverages. This study provides evidence that replacing artificially-sweetened diet beverages with water may lead to greater weight management and metabolic benefits during a weight loss program. GUT-WRENCHING SIDE EFFECTS You may also be surprised to learn that one of the most common sweeteners, sucralose, actually contains chlorine. Yes, the same chlorine that goes in swimming pools. Just like chlorine kills off micro-organisms in swimming pools, sucralose may kill of healthy bacteria that lives in your gut. That's healthy bacteria that's vitally important to virtually every aspect of your health. Recently, a study at Duke University confirmed this very finding. The researchers found that animals fed sucralose--in realistic amounts well within the FDA's safety limits--for 12 weeks experienced a significant reduction in the amount of their "good" gut bacteria. Even after a 12-week recovery period, the quantity of beneficial micro-organisms remained significantly depressed. Here's a direct quote from the study---"Sucralose suppressed beneficial bacteria and directly affects the expression of the transporter P-gp and cytochrome P-450 isozymes that are known to interfere with the bioavailability of nutrients. Furthermore, these effects occur at doses that contain sucralose levels that are approved by the FDA for use in the food supply." Did you know that your digestive system houses over 70% of your immunity, which relies heavily on a healthy balance of gut bacteria? In fact, there are more than 110 Trillion living micro-organisms in your gut that control many aspects of your health, and due to things like artificial sweeteners, many people have created a substantial unhealthy imbalance of gut bacteria, called gut dysbiosis. Here are some of the consequences that can result from gut dysbiosis if left unaddressed. * Bowel irritation and digestive discomfort * Skin issues * Fatigue and low energy levels * Lowered immune response * Difficulty losing weight * Poor carbohydrate management and suboptimal metabolic function Perhaps you are thinking. "oh, that's just one sweetener." Not so fast. Another study published in the journal Nature found that humans consuming the artificial sweetener saccharin for just five days resulted in gut dysbiosis as well as reductions in carbohydrate tolerance. THE KEY TO BEATING DYSBIOSIS It's not all bad news, however. In fact, the great news is that you can actually supplement with healthy bacteria, more commonly known as probiotics, which support a healthy balance of gut bacteria and help your gut battle numerous threatening challenges, such as artificial sweeteners, aging, environmental factors, traveling, stress, poor food choices, and more. Research is now suggesting that supplementing with a quality probiotic supplement daily may: * Help the immune system function properly * Keep harmful micro-organisms in check * Support healthy brain function * Aid digestion, including breaking down difficult-to-digest foods * Support healthy weight management * Aid in nutrient absorption UNFORTUNATELY, NOT ALL PROBIOTICS ARE CREATED EQUALLY: You may not know this, but research has shown that after just one year on the shelf in a sealed bottle at room temperature, on average, only about 40% of many store-bought probiotics (which are delicate living organisms that are sensitive to heat, light, moisture, and acid) survive. What's more, due to the harsh environment of the stomach, another 80% of the remaining live probiotic cells may be killed off before they reach your gut (the "final destination" they must reach alive and well in order to provide you with their beneficial properties). Furthermore, many products contain probiotics that are already dead within days or weeks of bottling due to poor manufacturing and storage practices that expose the cultures to high heat. In other word, a traditional probiotic supplement could be virtually worthless by the time you take it--what a waste of time and money. AVOID THE ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS Despite how widely available artificial sweeteners are and the overwhelming number of products they're found in, the unintended consequences can be downright frightening and more likely to lead to a lack of success than the "sweet" benefits that savvy marketers may lead you to believe. So, the next time you're looking for a sweet treat, consider your gut and the tremendous importance it plays in your overall health. Instead, reach for a delicious piece of whole, low-sugar fruit like strawberries, raspberries, kiwi, or apples, or try a snack sweetened with truly natural low-calorie sweetener like stevia leaf extract.
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From acai bowls and bone broth, food trends come and go. More often than not, the of the moment foods can set you back a pretty penny too. So which are worth it?? Whether it's just overpriced or overrated, here are five food trends you many want to think twice about.
1. Cold pressed juices--Cold pressed juices have risen in popularity over the past few years, and with the hefty price tag tacked on them (one serving of juice can be as much as $12!) one would assume guzzling some would provide you with all the nutrients you could possibly need. Unfortunately for your wallets, and you diets, that is not the case. While made of whole, raw fruits and veggies, the fiver from these foods is often stripped during the juicing process. On top of that, fruits like apples can be added to cut the bitter flavor of leafy greens, which can bump the carbohydrate content up to 20-30 grams of carbs per juice! And because there is no fiber or protein in these juices, guzzling one can cause blood sugar levels to spike too, leaving you right back where you started: hungry and craving something nutrient dense. 2. Vegan cookies--Just because something is vegan does not make it healthy--or helpful for weight loss. The reason vegan cookies taste just as good, if not better than, some regular cookies is they can pack the same amount of calories and fat as their non-vegan counterparts. Think about it this way: A vegan chocolate chip cookie may be dairy free and/or made with organic or raw ingredients, but it can still be 240 calories with 39 grams of carbs, 19 grams of which come from sugar. A small order McDonald's fries has less carbs, sugar and calories than that! White sugar is vegan, flour is vegan, chocolate chips can be vegan, and just because a cookie is made with these does not mean it's worth you biting into. 3. Jackfruit--Because of it's meaty texture, this Asian fruit has gained recent popularity as a meat substitute. However, just because jackfruit can taste and look just like pulled meat doesn't necessarily mean it's a great source of protein. And in fact, it's quite the opposite. A 1 cup serving of jackfruit has less than 3 grams of protein, making it ess-than-ideal substitute for meat in the diet. Not only is jackfruit low in protein, but because it is a fruit, it is also a major source of carbohydrates and sugar. That same one serving packs in 31 grams of sugar, which is as much as an Original Single Milky Way bar! There's a place in the diet for jackfruit, but if you're looking for a vegetarian source of protein,tofu or egg whites are a much better bet. 4. Avocado toast-- Avocado toast may seem like the healthiest choice on the brunch menu, but if you're dissecting this trend form a weight-loss standpoint, you may want to pass next time you see it on a menu. While avocados are considered a healthy fat, and do provide health benefits, it's not necessary to eat more tha a serving a day to reap those health benefits--and a servingof avocado is really not much at all. A serving of avocado is a third of a medium avocado. Most restaurants make their avocado mash with the whole fruit though, so you can be looking at a toast that tallies around 300-400 calories, before the thick slice of olive oil drizzled bread. If you're craving avocado toast, try opting for a variety that uses egg whites and tomatoes in the mash for an added lean-protein and nutrient boost. 5. Matcha lattes--Between the specialty matcha shops like Cha Cha Matcha popping up and all the coffee joints adding matcha lattes to their menus, matcha is one food trend that has taken the mainstage--and for $5-7 a cup, it will set you back a pretty penny too. While matcha is packed with antioxidants and provides detox health benefits that cannot be disputed, ordering up a latte may not be the magic elixir you bargained for. A 12 ounce matcha latte from a popular coffee chain packs 24 grams of sugar and will set you back 190 calories. To put that in perspective, that's like taking your coffee cup and stirring in 6 extra teaspoons of the granulated stuff. This wouldn't be so bad, except matcha alone naturally has no sugar, or calories at all! Say later to the store-bought matcha lattes, and whip up your own cup at home with unsweetened almond milk and stevia. Not only will your wallet thank you, but your waistline will too!! Sorry about the spellings errors, I was unable to correct them~~~ You're immune system needs to be strong enough to fight off germs and viruses lurking, well, everywhere. Eating nutrient-rich foods is a great way to keep your family healthy. But with tight schedules, many of us eat on the run and sacrifice good nutrition, which can undermine the health boost that a normally nutritious diet offers.
Colds and flu can sneak up on you and your loved ones. More than 200 viruses can cause cold symptoms. That is a lot of bugs to fend off. Luckily, eating healthy may be just the immune-system booster you need to ward off illness. A healthy immune system is your best defense against pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria and carcinogens that can make you ill. Immune cells are found throughout you body, in your tonsils, lymph nodes, spleen, thymus gland, and bone marrow. By focusing on nutrient-rich foods instead of high-calorie foods like cookies and ice cream, you and your family can ward off illness. Here are 6 foods that boost Immunity. 1. Fish--For a stronger immune system, nutritionists suggest consuming at least two servings a week of fatty seafood, such as sardines, salmon, herring, and mackerel. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish and in other foods such as walnuts, flaxseeds and canola oil are known to boost the immune system and reduce inflammation in the body. They increase the activity of white blood cells called macrophages, which engulf troublesome bacteria. Monounsaturated fats in foods such as olive oil and wheat germ also protect our bodies from microorganisms, bacteria and viruses. 2. Protein--Zinc, a mineral abundant in meats like calf's liver, beef and lamb, works with the protein found in meat to help strengthen the immune system. In fact, certain types of immune cells, including white blood cells, cannot function without zinc. In the winter months, most markets offer a wonderful array of fresh choices, from winter squashes, greens and root vegetables to cranberries. You can also reach for canned and frozen fruits and vegetables any time of the year. Processed just after the harvest, canned and frozen produce may actually have more nutrients than produce that has spent days in transit. 3. Citrus & Veggies--Go ahead and indulge in leafy greens, bell peppers, and citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit, all rich in vitamin C. This vitamin inactivates histamine, the substance responsible for your runny nose and congestion, and helps reduce the inflammation that accompanies colds and viruses. According to a study at the University of California at Berkeley of 160 healthy adults, those who took 500 milligrams of vitamin C a day for two months had a 24% drop in C-reactive protein, a compound associated with inflammation and chronic disease. Brightly colored greens and other vegetables also contain large doses of immune-enhancing antioxidants that help fight wintertime illnesses. So load up on strawberries, cantaloupe, blueberries, tomatoes, broccoli, and sweet potatoes--all a boost for you immune system. To make vegetables more appealing, add them to soups, stews and sauces. And down a glass of low-sodium tomato or vegetable juice now and then--they are both great sources of vitamin C. 4. Nuts--Instead of chips or cheese doodles for an afternoon snack, reach for a handful of nuts or seeds. Studies show vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant, fights respiratory infections, including colds. It boosts the responses of antibodies and certain immune system cells when we're under stress. Try on quarter cup of sunflower seeds which has almost all the vitamin E you need daily, one quarter cup of almond provides 50% of your needs, Brazil nuts pack a whopping dose of selenium, a mineral that works with vitamin E to boost wintertime defenses. 5. Spices--Both garlic and onions contain compounds that rev up the activity of immune-system cells called natural killer cells and T-helper cells. While onions and garlic fend off colds, they're also helping defend you from cancer and heart disease. If a cold does catch you and you get stuffy, a bite of garlic will also help clear your nose. 6. Yogurt--In a year-long study at the University of California, adults who ate three-fourths cup of yogurt a day had 25% fewer colds than those who didn't. Researchers found that yogurt cranked up the production of a substance called gamma interferon, which helps squelch virus reproduction, a death knell for your cold. Dehydration can also lower your defenses. Drink at least 8 8-ounce glasses of water and other fluids every day. And if you're already sick, double that. Now you know what to eat, but what foods should you avoid? Skip sugar and Fat--Animal studies have shown that diets high in both sugar and fat reduce the numbers of natural killer cells. Even as little as two sugary sodas a day can lower the power of your cold-busting immune cells by 40%. For a healthy immune system, health experts also encourage reaching a healthy weight, taking a multivitamin that provides essential minerals, like zinc and selenium, exercising 30 to 60 minutes most days, and sleeping at least eight hours every night. If you're like most, you could probably use a change of pace in your diet beyond the regular ol' chicken breast. So, to spice up your diet, and your taste buds, here are 10 of our favorite foods high in protein you can begin mixing into your weekly meal plans.
1. Eggs--Eat the whole egg, not just the white. The yolk is actually the most nutrient-dense portion of the egg, providing a ton of vitamins and minerals, protein and healthy fats and it has the benefit of making the egg taste better. 2. Shrimp--Grill them, or saute them in some grass-fed butter or extra virgin olive oil. Mix with veggies and enjoy. 3. Salmon--An awesome fatty fish containing loads of protein and a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids. 4. Greek Yogurt--Greek yogurt packs twice the protein of regular yogurt. Go with the plain variety and sweeten with stevia, a little bit of honey, or better yet, some berries if you'd like. 5. Ground Turkey--Super lean and great for chili. 6. Pork--Known as the other white meat, it's as lean as chicken when you get the right cut. Go for the boneless chops and trim the outer fatty edge. 7. Chicken Sausage--You probably won't notice the difference between chicken sausage and regular sausage, but the former is a more concentrated source of protein. 8. Beans--Black beans, kidney beans, red beans, navy beans, black-eyed peas, lentils and the list goes on, are the least expensive protein source in America--and probably every other part of the world as well--and they are crazy high in fiber with very little impact on blood sugar. Add them to your turkey chili, a salad, or whip up some hummus. 9. Bison--All the taste of beef while being incredibly lean and still packing a mean flavor punch. 10. Grass-Fed Beef--Grass fed beef is rich in conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a special type of fat that has been shown to result in fat LOSS. Eat this...tastes great, and it's great for your figure. Water is good for you, we all know that. We hear no end that we should be drinking more and more water. After all, water is a vital component of our bodies, let's not forget that we are made up of 80% water!! Which is actually a very strange thought when you overthink it. Water basically maintains all of our everyday bodily functions form transporting vital nutrients and oxygen to helping with our day to day digestion of food. So we've successfully established we NEED it.
But fancy making your water even more helpful to your system? Just add honey, yes honey! I know what you're thinking, it's full of sugar... It's so sweet, how can it be healthy?? Fear not friends, honey is actually pretty darn good for you. Drinking a glass of warm honey water everyday can increase your health and even prevent against disease. Yep, you heard it right, this is what will happen if you start drinking honey water everyday... Your gas will reduce--If you suffer from bloat or feel gassy on the regular, then a mug of warm honey water will help to neutralize the gas in your system. You'll feel half a stone lighter in no time. You will boost your immune system--Honey owns some pretty impressive immune system boosting properties. Be sure to buy raw, organic honey to gain maximum benefits from the bacteria killing assets! It's full of enzymes, vitamins and minerals that will protect you against any nasty bacteria. You will flush out toxins--Honey and warm water is one of the best combinations to flushing out waste from your system. Say goodbye to toxins and hello to a detox. Adding lemon will also help improve this even further by helping to increase urination. Your skin will become clearer--Honey is a natural anti-oxidant which means it helps to flush away any waste and thanks to antibacterial properties, it helps to keep your skin clean and clearer than ever. (go to http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/1017621/beauty-benefits-of-honey) for an overview of why and how to get better skin by using honey. You will lose weight--So your first thought is probably "but sugar??" Yes, there is sugar in honey, but it is totally different to white sugar, it's natural sugar! These natural sugars will help to satisfy your everyday sweet cravings for naughty treats such as cake, sweets, chocolate and cola. In fact, if you swap your sweetened packed drinks for honey water, you'll be saving up to 64% more calories. Your sore throat will improve--There's a reason warm honey water is a winter favorite, it can help to soothe a sore throat and warm you up in the colder months. Honey is a natural remedy for respiratory infections and the common cough, so next time you have a pesky winter cold, reach for the honey (raw and organic of course). Your blood sugar levels will regulate--As we've discussed, whilst honey does contain a fair amount of sugar, it's not the same as white sugar--the combination of fructose and glucose actually helps the body to regulate your blood sugar levels, it's also said to lower cholesterol too. Not bad~~~ You'll be preventing risk of heart disease--The flavonoids and anti-oxidants in honey are also pretty handy at helping to prevent and reduce your risk of heart disease. Research has shown that honey slowed down the oxidation process of bad cholesterol in human blood--which can have a harmful effect on your heart leading to attacks and even a stroke. (http://www.prevention.com/food/food-remedies/heart-health-honey-antioxidants) *Make sure you let the water cool a bit (so it should be warm, not hot) before adding the honey so that it does not inactivate the natural enzymes in the raw honey* So, what are you waiting for?? Make yourself a warm/cool glass of honey water~~~~ One of my favorite salty, crunchy, nutty snacks is pumpkin seeds. I especially love these because they are great if you happen to have a peanut or nut allergy. Pumpkin seeds are also powerhouse snacks full of amazing nutrition that you cannot get elsewhere. They contain great stuff like magnesium, zinc, copper, protein, tryptophan, and more. They also contain some very healthy fats and antioxidants, so they fill you up with low-glycemic protein, fiber, and add a powerful nutritional punch as well.
RICH IN MAGNESIUM Magnesium is vital to about 300 or more of your body functions, and most of us are short on this incredible nutrient. Magnesium helps to create ATP, which are the energy molecules in your body, it helps to make RNA and DNA, the heart of each of your cells, regulates your heart beat, helps you sleep and relax, creates healthy bones, lowers your blood pressure and keeps you regular. Since about 80% of the population is in need of more magnesium and if you are an athlete, drink alcohol, take blood pressure medicine, need help maintaining your blood sugar, you need even more. GREAT SOURCE OF TRYPTOPHAN Tryptophan is a substance in foods that is the raw material for our bodies to make serotonin, the 'feel good' brain neurotransmitter. Serotonin not only helps with depression but it also alleviates anxiety, In fact, most antidepressants and anti-anxiety drugs work to preserve serotonin as it is vital to feelings of well-being. Studies have been shown that foods containing tryptophan are definitely helpful in banishing anxiety and depression. Tryptophan also helps to promote healthy sleep. Melatonin combined with serotonin help to create a restful, relaxing sleep and tryptophan provides the raw materials for both of these desired brain neurotransmitters. Try a handful or two of pumpkin seeds combined with some cherries for a bedtime snack, and you will sleep like a baby and wake rested! ZINC, IMMUNITY, TESTOSTERONE, ETC Pumpkin seeds also contain a hefty supply of zinc, which not only beefs up your immune system and helps you fight off colds and flu, but also serves as an important nutrient for brain and mood. Zinc also helps with healthy cell growth and division and faster healing of wounds. Diabetics and overweight individuals should also take note as it helps to regulate blood sugar, and appetite. And last but not least, zinc is vital to males for healthy sperm and testosterone supply. Pumpkin seeds have been associated with virility for many many years and zinc is also beneficial for prostate health and helps prevent BPH, or enlarged prostate issues. Men with BPH often suffer from urinary frequency as it is often difficult to empty the bladder with an enlarged prostate. A diet high in pumpkin seeds or pumpkin seed oil can offer dramatic relief from the urinary issues associated with BPH. Studies show a 40% increase in urinary flow and a 30% reduction in urinary frequency compared to a placebo. Zinc deficiencies are common from crops that are grown in nutrient-depleted soil, vegetarian diets--especially those who eat a lot of soy foods, and those who eat highly processed starchy foods like grains and beans. Nuts and seeds are often one of the best way to get plant-based omega 3 fatty acids in the form of ALA. Many vegetarians and vegans depend on this method of omega 3 fats, however it does take quite a lot of alpha-linolenic acid to convert to the usable EPA and DHA that we need, so it is advisable to get some omega 3 fats from animals or fish. Pumpkin seed oil is also known for its anti-inflammatory effects that increase HDL (good cholesterol), lower bad LDL and overall cholesterol, fight heart disease, and decrease blood pressure, as well as helping arthritis. Pumpkin seeds offer a tasty and powerful addition to your diet, and you don't have to wait until Halloween to eat them. But they are best and at their most nutritious eaten raw. Pumpkin seeds should be eaten organic if possible. The nutrients are the most available if they are sprouted or soaked which helps to remove the natural phytic acid in them that can block nutrient absorption. If you try to dry your own, it's a good amount of work to take the shells off of them, so we choose to purchase pre-shelled raw pumpkin seeds. Try throwing a handful of pumpkin seeds into your next smoothie, or adding them to a salad, in your oatmeal or yogurt. They are also great in soups, stews and even meatloaf or cookies. If you don't like to eat breakfast or you don't take the time to eat breakfast, you could be struggling with weight loss issues, brain fog, no energy, slow metabolism to name a few.
Listed are some reasons why skipping breakfast is NOT a great idea~~~ 1. Breakfast is a literal word. With your morning meal you are "breaking" an 8-12 hour "fast" in which you body hasn't received nutrition for an extended period of time. It's a necessity during any weight loss program (with rare exception), not an option. 2. Breakfast is the meal that gets your metabolism going each day. If you're repeatedly waiting until lunch to eat, you're simply training your metabolism to remain slow for an extended portion of the day. 3. Breakfast if THE time to consume carbohydrates. Carbohydrate tolerance and insulin sensitivity are highest at breakfast. The absolute best time of the day to eat carbs (and get away with it) is in the morning. 4. Breakfast is energy for the day. You literally have ALL day to burn the calories that you eat at breakfast. It's very unlikely, unless you are making very poor food choices and eating highly excessive amounts of calories, that calories eaten during the first meal of the day will lead to appreciable fat storage. Simply put, breakfast should be the biggest, not the smallest (or skipped) meal of the day, and if you're not consuming it on a regular basis, you really need to start. You want to know the difference between brown eggs and white eggs? NOTHING! Although brown eggs are often thought to be more healthy as they look more "natural", there is nothing more nutritious about brown eggs when compared to the white variety.
In fact, all eggs start out as white in their development and any color change after is simply due to genetic factors. In the end, as long as the chicken is raised under the same conditions, there will be no significant difference in nutrition or taste between brown and white eggs! That said, brown eggs usually cost more because they typically come from larger hens who require more feed, and that cost gets passed on to you as the consumer. Want to save more money? Go with the white variety as apart from color, brown and white eggs are the same. biotrustnews.com Starting the day with your morining routine may suit your needs just fine. A bit of yoga, maybe meditation, a shower, a healthy breakfast with orgainc coffee, and then out the door. Does this sound familiar? If so, your morning routine is already exceptional. But we have a mighty elixir that can compliment your regimen wonderfully.
You may have heard that warm lemon water will get those pipes working in the morning and optimize your health. You may even drink warm lemon water with Himalayan salt, or warm lemon water with honey in the morning. However, have you heard of warm water combined with honey, cinnamon, and the most essential ingredient to this morning elixir, turmeric? If you have yet to try this one, you may be missing out on an excellent way to begin your day. All-natural lemon and turmeric are especially powerful ingredients that boast a wealth of beneficial properties. Lemons offer a tasty, tart flavor with many health-promoting properties. According to a study published in the Chemistry Central Journal (2015), lemons possess a treasure trove of natural metabolites. The study authors state, "Citrus fruits exhibit plentiful boiactivities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antimicrobial and anti-allergy activities, as well as cardiovascular effect, neuroprotective effect, hepatoprtective effect, obesity control, etc." Lemons are indeed a healthy ingredient to enjoy at the beginning of the day. However, when you couple lemon with turmeric, your health and wellness benefits increase significantly. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a yellow-orange spice that is part of the ginger faminly. Native to tropical South Asia, turmeric is well know in traditional Asian medicine and cuisine. More recently, its health benefits have been recognized in Western medicine. According to a study published in the journal of Nephropathology (2012), "Turmeric, a neglected Asian traditional drug might reemerge as remedy and/or preventive tool for various illnesses including different types of cancers, obesity, type-2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, CKD (chronic kidney disease) and ESRD (end stage renal disease), which are steadily increasing globally, claiming many lives and tremendous amout of resources worldwide." One active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, has been the focus of several academic studies. Curcumin may alleviate inflammation: According to research from the Department of Stomatology at the University of California, San Francisco, curcumin possesses anti-inflammatory properties. The research, published in the journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2004), found that curcumin, "may exert its anti-inflammatory activity by inhibition of a number of different molecules that play a role in inflammation." Curcumin's anticancer potential: Curcumin may play a vital role in cancer prevention, according to a study published inb BioMed Research International (2014). Previous research has highlighted curcumin's antioxidant, antibacterial and antitumor properties, according to the study, which concluded, "Curcumin, a vital constituent of the spice turmeric, is an alternative approach in the prevention of cancer." Therapeutic application of curcumin: According to a review study published in the AAPS journal (2013), "curcumin has shown therapeutic potential against a number of human diseases," including multiple types of cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, arthritis, peptic ulcers, psoriasis, H. pylori infection, Alzheimer's disease, acute coronary syndrome, atherosclerosis, diabetes, and respiratory tract infections. The Turmeric and Lemon Morning Elixir--1 serving--Prep Time- 5 minutes Ingredients 1/2 of a lemon, squeezed for juice 1/4-1/2 tsp turmeric 1/2 tsp honey (locally if possible) 1/4 tsp cinnamon powder 1 cup warm water, and/or coconut milk (the coconut milk adds healthy fats, and helps absorption of turmeric) Mix the lemon juice, turmeric and honey into your cup of warm water or milk. You will want to stir these ingredients well. Add cinnamon on top and continue to stir your morning elixir as you drink it--this will ensure that the turmeric does not settle at the bottom of your cup. Turmeric with its main active ingredient, curcumin, may be that one healthy addition to your morning routine you've been looking for, and can help you fight inflammation in your body. Enjoy!! thenutritionwatchdog.com There are so many of them, so many ways to apply them, and so many uses. When you first start out using essential oils it feels like your're going into it blind. However, with a little eduction and a bit of guidance, the amazing benefits of essential oils start to show themselves. If you've been wondering about the world of essential oils for a while, but don't know which oils to begin with, look no further! Here are the top ten essential oils for beginners. These essential oils are some of the most basic and universal oils, and are easy to use. Essential oils come from plants and are totally natural and safe to use. They are absorbed within seconds into the skin and travel to the bloodstream to help our cells and organs remain healthy. They can be used to treat a variety of ailments through application topically, internally, or aromatically. Not all essential oils are created equal!! Many essential oil brands are not safe for internal use because they are not toatally pure. When using essential oils, always find a brand that you can trust to be Totally Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade, such as DoTerra for example. Companies with this rating guarantee their oils are pure, safe to use and highly effective. 10 Oils Recommended for Beginners~~~ * Lavender-- this calming oil is great for your skin and helps heal burns within hours! Just apply 1 drop right on the burn! Also great for many other skin conditions and to calm your mood or promote restful sleep. * Peppermint--this oil is great to help ease headaches and migraines--just rub a drop on the back of your neck, on your temples and forehead to help relieve the pain. Also great to help soothe your digestive system. Or use it as a great pick me up to stay awake!! * Lemon--Lemon oil is highly alkaline and is a great oil to drink in your water everyday because it helps to detox your organs! Use 3-5 drops for every 16 ounces. Lemon is also great to help ease a sore throat and combat allergies. * Melaleuca or Tea Tree Oil--this oil is great for your skin and highly anti-fungal!! Use it as a first aid oil and to treat dry skin, rashes, bug bites and other conditions. 1 drop goes a long way. * Frankincense--this oil is very universal and can be used for a wide variety of things. Put a couple of drops under the tongue every day to help with thyroid issues, put on your skin daily to combat age spots, wrinkles and acne and rub on the back of your neck to help with emotional disorders like depression or anxiety. * Oregano--this is the Grandaddy of essential oils!! Use it to help fight off viruses and infections by putting a few drops of it inside and empty veggie capsule and taking it internally every few hours. Oregano helps with bladder infections within hours. This is the real deal!! * Clary Sage--this is a favorite oil of women since it helps ease symptoms of PMS, menstruation and menopause. It is recommended rubbing this oil right on the abdomen to help period symptoms subside. This is also a great oil for new moms as it helps soothe hormones and stimulate breast milk supply!! * Lemongrass--this oil is great for joints and ligaments. Rub right on the area of concern every day to help with symptoms. Also a great oil to take internally to help regulate your system. * Eucalyptus--use this one to help with your respiratory system! This is a great one to use in the diffuser when you are sick or are having a hard time breathing due to congestion or allergies. Also rub on the chest to help open lungs to promote easier breathing. * Hellichrysum--this healing oil is really good for anything skin related. If you need something to heal, put a drop of this oil on the area a few times a day. It is great at repairing anything that needs fixing. Please always remember that some oils need to be diluted before using and not all are safe for children. Do your research before using any products you are unsure of. |
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