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 I know … there’s no such thing as a magical fountain of youth, but there are things that you can do to keep yourself looking as youthful for as long as possible.
A delicious way to stop the aging clock is to eat lots of fruit ! All fruits have beneficial qualities, but certain fruits contain higher amounts of antioxidants which can keep your skin feeling firm, looking flawless, vibrant and youthful. It will give you that beautiful healthy glow. Eat these ten fruits to reduce wrinkles, discolouration and other signs of aging skin. Mixing them all up in a blender or bowl to make yourself a powerful anti-aging smoothie or fruit salad. Yum ! :) 1. Kiwi The strong antioxidant compounds in this little green fruit firm the skin and delay the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. This is mostly due to their high Vitamin C and E content which help reduce skin damage due to free radicals. 2. Pomegranate Pomegranate is a rich source of riboflavin, phosphorus and other vitamins and minerals that will promote beautiful skin by increasing its collagen. Collagen is what gives the skin its firmness and elasticity. 3. Watermelon Due to its high content of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, watermelon is another delicious way to keep your skin nourished and prevent wrinkles or skin discoloration that comes with aging skin. 4. Avocado Avocado is rich in Vitamin E and the B-complex vitamins, both wonderfully nourishing for your skin while the potassium it contains help keep it moisturized and hydrated. It also contains a compound called glutathione, which assists in the anti-aging process. 5. Figs Figs have multiple benefits for our health. Rich in fibers and a lot of important minerals such as potassium, calcium, iron and and vitamins such as vitamin C and A. Figs are a tasty treat that offers an important health and weight loss benefits. Containing more calcium than whole milk and more polyphenols than red wine they are an important addition to our anti aging diet. Certain studies even seem to suggest that this delicious fruit might have the ability to shrink tumors. 6. Papaya Whether eaten or used topically, papaya can work wonders on your skin. It is a natural complexion toner and fights the formation of wrinkles while its Vitamins A, C and E will nourish the skin. 7. Apple Applied topically, apple residue is great for the skin: its enzymatic actions help the skin to retain healthy water levels and keeps it fresh and healthy; apple cider vinegar as well makes an excellent natural toner. 8. Banana Youthful elasticity of the skin will be greatly helped by the high levels of Vitamin C and B-6, while its manganese and antioxidant contents prevent premature aging. It is also a wonderful natural moisturizer for the skin if applied topically. 9. Berries Berries have some of the highest concentrations of antioxidants out of any fruit and this, along with their high levels of Vitamin C, help maintain the collagen that keeps your skin looking firm and wrinkle-free. 10. Grapes Grapes are a rich source of both manganese and Vitamin C. Together, these compounds can prevent damage due to ultraviolet radiation while their antioxidant properties fight against the aging process. So the next time you are in the mood for something sweet, do yourself a favor and make up a fruit salad with some of the delicious fruits listed above. Not only will you be healthier for it, but your skin will feel young, firm and fresh because of the wonderful properties of these fruits. Enjoy !
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These ten superfoods mentioned below, have great implications for women’s health and arguably for men as well ! These superfoods will help regain or strengthen your health.
Superfoods are quite simply nutrient dense and complex foods that deliver an exponential punch in comparison to foods often consumed on a daily basis. Utilizing them consistently will dramatically alter your health. Here are a few that can really accelerate healing your body, or simply fortify it. Medicinal Mushrooms Medicinal mushrooms are high in the super immune enhancing polysaccharides such as beta glucans. They are also one of the best adaptogenic herbs/ superfoods on the earth. Reishi mushroom (also known as Ganoderma), the “mushroom of immortality”, is an immune system nutrient that is suitable for nearly anyone to take, even children. Reishi has antioxidant properties that can protect the human body from radiation and free radicals. It inhibits bacteria, viruses, treats tumours and its adaptogenic quality protects the body against stress. It also treats heart disaes and As quoted by David Wolfe, “High in super immune-enhancing polysaccharides such as beta glucans, medicinal mushrooms are one of the most intelligent adaptogenic herbs/superfoods on the planet. Reishi mushroom (also known as Ganoderma), the “mushroom of immortality,” is an immune system nutrient that is suitable for nearly anyone to take, even children. Reishi is the most well studied herb in the history of the world. Reishi has antioxidant properties that protect the body from radiation and free radicals. It inhibits bacteria, viruses, treats tumors and its adaptogenic quality protects the body against stress. It also treats heart disease and high blood pressure.” Reishi is one of the best ‘all round’ food remedies you can take for healing, regeneration and energy. It’s ability to balance and normalize bodily functions makes it a must for anyone who is serious about healing their body and taking their health to another level. Omega 3 Fatty Acids Good omega 3 fatty acids are one of those food remedies that are generally devoid in today’s world, and are required for proper brain function as well. Typically associated with fish intake, it has become more difficult to get a clean source due to mercury levels. However, there are other forms such as flax, hemp and chia that can help you avoid that issue if you are not comfortable with your source. Read labels and look for those who specifically indicate that they have gone through a purification process. B-Vitamins B-Vitamins are highly correlated with our ability to handle stress. B-12 gets used up in our body quickly just by the stresses and toxicity found in our environment on a daily basis. As a population gorging ourselves on conventional grains we get plenty of the lower B’s (although, when not organic this is suspect), but we miss getting the very important B-12. A super food not on this list, but excellent in B-Vitamins including 12, is bee pollen which should be noted due to its dramatic healing properties. Stress does deplete B-Vitamins, so it has become even more important to supplement in order to keep those levels at an appropriate range. Maca Maca is one of my favourite superfoods. It is adaptogenic, increases energy, endurance, strength and libido. Dried maca powder contains more than 10% protein, nearly 20 amino acids, and 7 essential amino acids. It offers incredible hormone regulation from the top down, supporting the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, the thyroid, and the adrenals. Maca is also rich in B Vitamins.” I consume maca regularly for its ability to help balance hormones, and it strength and energy giving properties. You may want to strongly consider this as one of your food remedies before, during, and after pregnancy. Probiotics Probiotics have become crucial to everyone’s health, including women. Since 80% of people are dealing with an imbalance within their inner ecosystem, and 30% have a severe issue, a quality source of probiotics is essential in order for proper healing in the body and maintain good health. This will lead to enhanced immunity as the beneficial bacteria in your body work as part of the immune system.” Astragulus “Astragalus has antioxidants that protects the cell against damage caused by free radicals and is used to protect and support the body’s immune system, including improving the power of the lungs.” This is another great adaptogen, and typically can be found in superfood formulations. Goji Berries Goji berries are regarded as a longevity, strength-building, and potency food of the highest order. This superfood contains 18 kinds of amino acids, all 8 essential amino acids, up to 21 trace minerals, high amounts of antioxidants, iron, polysaccharides, B and E vitamins, and many other nutrients. They are very high in antioxidants, especially eyesight improving zeaxanthin.” They are very healing to the liver, and have a wide array of nutrients and minerals to help address deficiencies you are undoubtedly dealing with due to poor quality food supply and other environmental factors. Cacao Raw Expert David Wolf’s favourite super food “cacao is the highest antioxidant food on the planet, the #1 source of magnesium, iron, chromium, manganese and is also extremely high in PEA. Cacao’s theobromine adds cardiovascular support. Raw chocolate balances brain chemistry, builds strong bones, is a natural aphrodisiac, and elevates your mood”. Cacao is a powerful super food, but has been bastardized and put into products that ruin it’s potency like conventional chocolate bars. If you can find pure cacao, you will note that it tastes a bit more bitter, but if balanced with other ingredients correctly, you will find it is delicious and MUCH better for you than the typical fare. Cacao is great healing superfood as it elevates your mood, and creates happiness. Aloe Vera “The gel of raw aloe vera contains vitamins A, C, and E, the minerals sulfur, calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium, and chromium, as well as antioxidants, fiber, amino acids, enzymes, sterols, lignans, and most importantly, polysaccharides. The polysaccharides in aloe vera have a particular lubricating effect on the joints, brain, nervous system and the skin. They also have immuno-modulating effects, allowing the body to fight back chronic viral, nanobacterial and fungal infections.” Aloe Vera is one of those food remedies that are excellent for intestinal health. It is antibacterial and very healing to the intestinal lining, which is a major plus considering most people are living with an abundance of bad bacteria in their system, and an inflamed intestinal wall as a result of it. Quite simply, aloe vera is a must in your superfoods list. A Superfood Cocoa Drink Recipe A simple drink that incorporates a few of these food remedies is a great way to start your morning: 3 tablespoons of Cacao 1 teaspoon of Maca 1/2 teaspoon of Reishi (Ganoderma) 1/2 teaspoon of Cinnamon 6 large pitted dates (or your choice of natural sweetener) 4 oz of Sprouted Almond Milk 12 oz of hot water 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the most common digestive disorder seen by physicians. Twice as many women suffer from the condition as men. IBS is also known as intestinal neurosis, mucous colitis, spastic colitis, or spastic colon. In IBS, the normally rhythmic muscular contractions of the digestive tract become irregular and uncoordinated. This interferes with the normal movement of food and waste material, and leads to the accumulation of mucus and toxins in the intestine which in turn creates abdominal pain, bloating, distention and constipation. It is a painful and debilitating condition that can cause a loss of the quality of life. It usually affects people between the ages of twenty-five and forty-five although it can appear at anytime.
There are many different ways to naturally and safely improve your health and alleviate your IBS symptoms. One of the most common ways to do this is to change your diet. There are a number of trigger foods, or foods that cause onset of an episode of IBS. These trigger foods are commonly fatty, rich foods, dairy products, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, or spicy foods. If you have IBS, avoid these trigger foods as much as possible. There are also many foods you can add to your diet to help alleviate your IBS. People you suffer from diarrhea should add soluble fiber into their diet. It helps by forming a gel which slows down the movement of food through the intestines. Raw fruits and vegetables, pulses, oats, barley and sweet potatoes are all excellent sources of soluble fiber. Keep in mind, that excessive amounts of coarse fiber should be avoided as this can cause intestinal comfort. Soluble fiber should come primarily from fresh fruit and vegetables. A recent study has shown that kiwi fruit is an excellent food to add to your diet if you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The researchers found that eating two kiwi fruit a day for a month significantly “shortens colon transit time, increases defecation frequency, and improves bowel function” in those with constipation type IBS. Not only is it high in soluble fiber, it is the most nutrient-dense fruit. It has twice the amount of vitamin C as an orange and is a good source of magnesium and potassium. Another interesting thing about kiwi fruit is that it is one of the few low-fat sources of vitamin E. This is especially important to IBS sufferers since most sources of vitamin E are high in fat. The kiwi fruit provides a good source of vitamin E to those who cannot tolerate high fat foods. Kiwi also contains high levels of actinidin, which is an enzyme that mimics pepsin. Pepsin is a natural enzyme that aids in digestion. The role of fruit, fiber, and antioxidants may help explain why people eating plant-based diets have improved bowel function in general. |
AuthorBarbara is a qualified nutritionist offering Health, Nutrition & Lifestyle Counseling. She gives Healthy weight loss advice and promotes the Mediterranean diet. She is the author of the Med Life Diet - creating healthy lifestyle habits and attitudes for life ! Archives
August 2024
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