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20/10/2017 1 Comment Heard of Moringa ?Move over spirulina .... we have a new favorite superfood for our smoothies. It’s called moringa. It comes in powder form, teas, smoothie mixes and as an oil. The powder is loaded with antioxidants, it also packs a punch of protein and fiber. Basically, it contains everything you need to start your day or recover from your workouts—and it may even help you lose weight. Moringa powder is actually ground leaves from the tropical moringa tree, namely the moringa oleifera species. According to research from Food Science and Human Wellness; because it grows fast and survives with very little water, the drumstick tree, as it’s also commonly known, has moved beyond its native Himalayas and is often grown in tropical and subtropical areas, like southeast Asia, South America, Africa, and the Caribbean, where natives have been grounding the leaves into a medicinal and nutritional powder for centuries. MORINGA’s BENEFITS Moringa powder has two huge perks: It’s ridiculously nutritious and packed with antioxidants, so it offers a ton of disease protection. According to the USDA, one cup of fresh, chopped moringa leaves contains two grams of protein, vitamin B6, vitamin C, iron, vitamin B2, vitamin A, and magnesium. Compared to kale; moringa powder can have twice the amount of protein, four times more calcium, six times more iron, 1.5 times more fiber, 97 times more B2, and five times more B3. It can be especially helpful for women who tend to need more iron and calcium. Further research shows moringa has such high levels of minerals that the powder could help reduce micronutrient deficiencies in malnourished populations. Another study in Phytotherapy Research reports that it is high in antioxidants such as polyphenols, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, moringa leaf extract can help protect tissue, including the liver, kidneys, heart and lungs, act as a pain reliever, protect against ulcers, protect against hypertension, and boost immune function. Consuming moringa may actually help you lose weight by boosting your metabolism due to it’s high levels of B vitamins. B vitamins act as co-enzymes, so they help foster a more efficient metabolism. A more efficient metabolism burns more calories, which can in turn help with weight loss. HOW TO USE IT Moringa comes packaged in a few different ways. It is in powder form, as teas, smoothie mixes or as an oil which can be used on the body. Moringa oil is extremely stable so it doesn't lose its antioxidant capacity after sitting on the shelf like other good-for-you oils. The other most accessible form is a moringa leaf powder. Research shows extracts from this part of the plant exhibit the greatest antioxidant activity. The best way to add moringa powder into your diet is by adding it into your smoothies or drinking it as a tea. Please follow us on facebook – Moringa Oleifera Cyprus.
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Golden Rule No. 1: Eat A Vibrant Fruit Meal A Day Fruits are cleansing, help strengthen our immune system and are high in antioxidants. Fruit should be eaten on an empty stomach and preferably in the morning. The three main ways which you may eat fruit are by having a fruit smoothie, a fruit salad or whole fruit pieces such as an apple or a banana. It is best to add some protein or fat to the fruit meal such as a tablespoon of yoghurt, raw nuts and seeds or coconut oil. Golden Rule No. 2: Add In A Fresh Raw RAINBOW Salad Meal A Day. Salad should make up 4/5 of your plate. The remaining 1/5 is made up of toppings. Use as many different coloured vegetables as you can. Below are some topping ideas you may choose from: Sardines Beans, chick peas, lentils Shrimps Feta cheese Raw nuts and seeds (e.g. walnuts, sunflower seeds, pine nuts) Avocado Boiled Eggs Steamed vegetables (artichokes, green beans, boiled potato) Sprouts These are just some suggestions, feel free to use your imagination and create your own healthy delicious salad ! Golden Rule No. 3. Use Herbs And Spices Daily The World Health Organization estimates that 80 per cent of the earth’s population today depends on plants to treat common ailments. An easy way of incorporating herbs in your daily routine is by drinking them as teas and using their essential oils. A simple way of preparing teas is to place the herb or herbs in a large 1 ½ liter thermos, pour boiling water over them, close the thermos and let them steep for a minimum of twenty minutes. Drink the tea throughout the day. Some Common herbs to consider using are: cinnamon, anise, peppermint, fennel, chamomile, sage, dandelion, ginger, rosemary and nettle. Golden Rule No. 4. Take Wholefood Supplements Everyday Supplements which are whole, organic, plant based, derived from natural sources and are minimally processed are always the preferred choice. Given our polluted and stress filled world it can be difficult, if not impossible to get our full quota of nutrients in our diet. Favourites are chlorella, spirulina, maca, bee pollen, royal jelly, ginseng, Aloe Vera, Golden Rule No. 5. Exercise Regular exercise can firm muscles, shed pounds, and add a healthy glow to your complexion. Add in 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least three times a week. Golden Rule No. 6. Limit Exposure To Toxins There are so many new substances, some highly toxic in nature, which are proving difficult for both the Earth and our bodies to handle.
Golden Rule No. 7. Fun And Laughter ! Play : Quite simply ….. take time out and have Some Fun ! Health and wellbeing includes this balancing of challenge and nurturance. The Med Life Diet - 12 Essential Steps to Creating Healthy Eating and Healthy Lifestyle Habits and Attitudes ! goes into more detail. 25/9/2017 0 Comments Carrot Cake / Healthy VersionIngredients
2 Medium eggs 200g Soft Brown Sugar (coconut sugar) 150 ml olive oil 200g grated carrot - or any grated root vegetable such as celeriac, parsnip or beetroot 50g walnuts or pecans roughly chopped 75g diced pineapple, fresh or tinned, roughly chopped 50g desiccated coconut 200g plain flour or gluten free or almond flour (Almond flour: substitute 1:1 with all-purpose (white) flour. Note: Almond flour typically requires more egg or binding agent, so the recipe might need to be altered - i.e. add in another egg) 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 tsp salt For Icing 100g cream cheese 50g unsalted butter 400g icing sugar (To substitute maple syrup for sugar, for every cup (8 oz / 225g) of sugar called for use 3/4 cup (6 oz / 175 ml) maple syrup, 1/4 tsp baking soda, and reduce other liquid in the recipe by 3 tbsp) Heat oven to 150C (300F or gas mark 2). Line an 8in(21cm baking tin with baking parchment or greaseproof paper. The icing needs to be prepared in advance so that it can be chilled before spreading. Beat cream cheese and butter together thoroughly - easiest with an electric whisk, but strong hand- beating will also work. Add the icing sugar in three equal batches, beating well between each addition. Leave in the fridge to set. In a large bowl, using an electric beater, whisk the eggs at high speed until doubled in volume. Add the sugar and continue beating until pale and fluffy. With the whisk still on high speed, add the oil, in a slow steady stream and keep beating until mixture holds its shape. Using a metal spoon, gently fold the carrot (or chosen root veg), using a figure-of-eight technique to mix without knocking out the air, in with the nuts, pineapple and coconut. Sift flour into a bowl and gently fold in the cinnamon, bicarb, salt. Transfer mixture to the tin and bake for about an hour - test by poking a skewer into the center of the cake; it should come out cleanly, without any mixture sticking to it. Leave to cool for 10-15 minutes then turn out onto a wire rack. When completely cooled, slice across the cake and spread a third of the cream cheese mixture over the bottom half. Put the top back on and cover the whole cake with the remaining icing. Hemp seeds or hemp hearts are produced from the hemp plant, Cannabis sativa L. While hemp is commonly confused with marijuana, as it belongs to the same family, the two plants are quite different. Most notably is the level of THC, or delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol. Hemp contains less than 1% of the psychoactive drug while marijuana contains up to 20% or more.
Why Hemp Seeds are Good for you: 1. High in GLA GLA is a fatty acid which is thought to help: • Weight-loss as it promotes feeling of fullness • Reduces PMS (premenstrual syndrome), tender breasts • Wards off rheumatoid arthritis • May help drug-resistant cancers • Keeps skin supple, smooth and helps to retain its moisture. • Anti-inflammatory properties • Assists in the protein synthesis to build muscle tissue • ADHD • Diabetes and diabetic neuropathy • Heart disease • Multiple sclerosis • Skin allergies / conditions 2. Arthritis and Joint Pain Research has shown that hemp seeds and hemp seed oil can be helpful in relieving rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. For treatment, take one tablespoon of hemp seed oil daily along with a quality fish oil. 3. Weight Loss Hemp is a natural appetite suppressant and can help you feel full longer and reduce sugar cravings. Some experts recommend that adding four tablespoons of the seeds to your breakfast will help curb excess hunger the entire day, this is probably due to its high fibre content. One to two tablespoons added to your smoothie or oats will suffice. 4. Digestive Health High in insoluble and soluble fiber, hemp seeds provide more than enough bulk to keep your gastrointestinal system regular. Additionally, this healthy mixture of roughage feeds the probiotics in your gut and helps to ensure a healthy immune system. One of the benefits of high-fibre foods like hemp seeds is the ability to help relieve constipation. 5. Hair, Skin and Nails Hemp seed benefits for skin and hair go a long way in improving dry, red, flaking skin. The oil in hemp seeds penetrates the inner layers of the skin and promotes healthy cell growth — the recipe for smooth, soft skin. Internal and external use of hemp seed oil helps improve skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. 6. Cancer A report in the British Journal of Cancer stated that the THC in hemp seeds can stop and possibly reverse glioblastoma multiforme (a deadly form of brain cancer). In another report published in the journal Breast Cancer Research and Treatment confirmed that THC in hemp seeds improved advanced stage breast cancer. Researchers from the University of Rostock, Germany, discovered similar evidence that cannabinoids derived from hemp seeds can inhibit cancer growth and metastasis, particularly in lung cancer. 7. Heart Health Research in animals and humans strongly suggests that hemp seeds can improve cardiovascular health and high blood pressure. Consuming two tablespoons of hemp seeds to a morning breakfast such as oats, muesli, yogurt or a smoothie can help to naturally lower blood pressure, reduce LDL cholesterol, raise HDL cholesterol and improve triglycerides. Nutrition Profile “Perfect protein” not only containing all 20 amino acids, but also each of the nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot produce. One ounce (28 grams) of hemp seeds contains about: • 161 calories • 3.3 grams carbohydrates • 9.2 grams protein • 12.3 grams fat • 2 grams fiber • 2.8 milligrams manganese (140 percent DV) • 15.4 milligrams vitamin E (77 percent DV) • 300 milligrams magnesium (75 percent DV) • 405 milligrams phosphorus (41 percent DV) • 5 milligrams zinc (34 percent DV) • 3.9 milligrams iron (22 percent DV) • 0.1 milligram copper (7 percent DV) In the Western world, one out of every four children had a body mass index that puts them in the overweight category. As stated by Dr. Khalsa, "Preschool children who are overweight or obese have a four-fold odds of being overweight or obese as adults.” "Preventing obesity is critical to averting obesity-associated diseases, such as metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular abnormalities." The 5-2-1-0 message was started by the Maine Youth Overweight Collaborative obesity prevention program "Let's Go! 5-2-1-0" and has been promoted widely in the USA. The 5-2-1-0 guidelines recommend children eat at least five servings a day of fruits and vegetables, view less than two hours of screen time, participate in one hour of physical activity and consume no sugar-sweetened beverages daily. Numbers to Live By! A Healthy Eating, Active Living Message Aim for 5 fruits and vegetables every day A diet rich in fruits and vegetables provides vitamins and minerals, important for supporting growth and development, and for optimal immune function in children. In adults, a high daily intake of fruits and vegetables is associated with lower rates of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes and possibly some types of cancer. Emerging science suggests fruit and vegetable consumption may help prevent weight gain, and when total calories are controlled may be an important aid to achieving and sustaining weight loss. Keep recreational screen time to 2 hours or less every day Watching television occupies many children for several hours each day and is associated with physical inactivity, increased energy intake, exposure to marketing (while sitting in front of the TV, many people snack more than they should) and increased prevalence of overweight and obesity. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children under age 2 not watch any television. Too much TV has been linked to lower reading scores and attention problems. Include at least 1 hour or more of active play every day Regular physical activity is essential for fitness and prevention of overweight and chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer and osteoporosis. While most school-age children are quite active, physical activity sharply declines during adolescence. Children who are raised in families with active lifestyles are more likely to stay active as adults than children raised in families with sedentary lifestyles. Skip sugar sweetened beverages, drink more water every day Sugar-sweetened beverage consumption has increased dramatically over the past 20 years; high intake among children is associated with overweight and obesity, displacement of milk consumption and dental cavities. Whole milk is the single largest source of saturated fat in children’s diets. Switching to low, non-fat or alternative plant milk products significantly reduces dietary saturated and total fat, as well as total calories.
The word ‘Superfood’ is a broad term used to describe foods which are nutrient-dense, rich in antioxidants and various other beneficial photochemical such as flavonoids. Keeping in mind that superfoods cannot be substituted for a healthy diet packed with fruits and vegetables they can be a wonderful addition to it. There have been an increasing number of seeds, plants, herbs, spices, algae’s, berries and other unprocessed superfoods which are showing promise of fighting disease, have anti-ageing properties, keep your heart and brain healthy and are cancer-preventative. Quite often, we buy these superfoods but end up not using them as we do not know how to incorporate them in our diet. Here are three ways you can add superfoods to your diet: As Sprinkles: Start your day with a heart-friendly punch. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of omega-s rich chia or hemp seeds on your breakfast oats, muesli or yogurt. You can also add anti-oxidant rich goji berries or cacao nibs and a drizzle of fat-burning coconut oil. Sprinkle superfoods on salads too ! Blend it Up in a Smoothie! Smoothies are a great way to mask the taste of some of the more ‘hardcore’ superfoods such as spirulina, chlorella or acai. Throw some berries a banana a handful of kale or spinach, top up with water, almond milk or some freshly squeezed orange juice. Blend it up and enjoy ! A recent study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that people with the highest levels of folate lost 8.5 times more weight while dieting. So don’t leave the greens out. Superfood Green Smoothie 1 banana (or fruit of your choice i.e. berries ) 1 Tbsp Spirulina or Chlorella or Moringa 1 Tbsp Maca Powder 1 tbsp ground flaxseeds or flaxseed oil 1 Tbsp Coconut oil 1 Tbsp Hemp seeds 1 Date, pitted (optional) 1 large glass water 1/4 tsp powdered cinnamon or nutmeg or pinch of cloves or all three Blend and enjoy ! Drink it Hot ! There’s nothing like a hot superfood drink in the afternoon to give you an energy boost. Put a teaspoon of cacao, carob, maca or lucuma powder in a mug, add hot water and a teaspoon of manuka honey and enjoy ! Four most common superfoods you should be trying: 1. Moringa Oleifera Moringa, sometimes described as the "miracle tree," has small, rounded leaves that are packed with an incredible amount of nutrition: protein, calcium, beta carotene, vitamin C, potassium. It has 3 times more iron than spinach, 3 times more potassium than bananas and 7 times more vitamin C than oranges, moringa really is amazing. … you name it, moringa's got it. No wonder it's been used medicinally (and as a food source) for at least 4,000 years. Also noteworthy are its isothiocyanates, which have anti-bacterial properties that may help to rid your body of H. pylori, a bacteria implicated in gastritis, ulcers, and gastric cancer. 2. Goji Berries Goji beries have recently experienced a recent surge in popularity. They stimulate the immune system, and are also high in anti-oxidants. 2. Chia Seeds Chia seeds are more commonly known to be high in omega-3 and protein, but are also revered for their weight-loss and blood sugar-stabilising benefits. They are also known to be high in fibre hence creating a long-lasting feeling of fullness and in turn assisting with weight-loss. 3. Spirulina: Spirulina is a blue-green algae noted for having the highest percentage of complete protein by weight of any food on earth. Rich in a wide variety of vitamins, phytonutrients and antioxidants, studies have established a strong correlation between spirulina intake and enhanced endurance as well as expedited recovery induced by exercise stress. It also protects against oxidative damage from exercise, increases exercise performance and fat oxidation. Spirulina has been identified by the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation as a potential tool in the fight against widespread malnutrition. And according to NASA scientists, “one gram of algae has the nutritional equivalent of 1000 grams of fruits and vegetables”. (Boston MZ [PRWEB], August 2012). Research findings Research has also shown that Spirulina has, gram for gram, 300% more calcium than whole milk, 2300% more iron than spinach, 3900% more beta carotene than carrots and 375% more protein than tofu. Three grams of Spirulina has more antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity than five servings of vegetables (Moorhead K, Capelli B, Cysewski Dr GR: Spirulina, Nature’s Superfood, Cyanotech Corporation 2006). One last tip before you go superfood shopping.. superfoods should be minimally processed and resemble their natural state as much as possible. By keeping this rule of thumb in mind, you can be sure you are consuming a quality product high in valuable vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Fennel is known for its strong anti-oxidant properties due to the presence of a number of phytonutrients.
Benefits of Fennel and its Seeds:
To prepare fennel tea, simply place 1 tsp of fennel seeds in a pot, add about 1/2 litre. Boil for 2 minutes and let it steep for another 3/5 minutes. Fennel Salad Recipe 1 celery stalk, thinly sliced 1 small fennel bulb, thinly sliced 1 orange, segmented - save excess juice 1 ripe avocado, cut into wedges 8 mint leaves, torn 2 -3 baby spinach leaves chopped 1 lemon juiced 1/4 tsp freshly ground corriander seed Pinch of fresh black pepper, red cayenne pepper and sea salt. Chop in a bowl. Add in turn mint leaves amd seasoning and toss gently. Let the salad stand for a few minutes before serving to allow the spinach leaves to soften and flavours to meld. Enjoy ! Note: You may substitute the spinach leaves with lettuce leaves for a milder flavour. Barbara is a qualified Holistic Nutritionist, a Health, Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, and author who promotes an authentic Mediterranean diet, teaches healthy eating and healthy lifestyle habits and attitudes for life ! Barbara is also the Founder of Conscious Living providing services and products for a healthy lifestyle. She specializes in sales and trading of Moringa Oleifera (oil, seeds, leaf and end products such as teas, smoothie mixes and leaf powder), healthfoods, wholefood supplements and other products to enhance a healthy lifestyle. Follow/Connect with Barbara on Facebook/Twitter 30/5/2017 2 Comments 23 Health Benefits of Mint Leaves, According to Science (+11 Delicious Recipes)Most of us are familiar with the distinctively spicy, refreshing taste and invigorating, minty fragrance of a stick of peppermint or spearmint; it's a classic ingredient in breath fresheners, candies, gums, and herbal teas. Few, however, are aware that mint also has an impressively wide range of scientifically confirmed health benefits.
The popular, aromatic herb Mint, scientifically known as Mentha, is a perennial plant which is actually a genus comprising 15-20 known species, and hundreds of varieties. Peppermint and spearmint are just two of the most well-known of these species; some other varieties of mint you may have heard of are catnip, bergamot and lemon balm. Having originated in Asia and the Mediterranean region, the herb is now grown across Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and Australia. It actually grows best in wet environments with moist soils, where if left unattended it can reach heights of up to 120 cm, and spread rapidly over a large area. Humans have been cultivating and using the leaves of mint for many centuries; peppermint leaves have actually been found in the Egyptian pyramids! (1) With its trademark fragrance and taste, the versatile little herb is widely used in ice-creams and candy, tea, toothpastes, breath fresheners and inhalers, cosmetics and beauty products, insecticides, and even in cigarettes, where it masks the foul taste of tobacco and soothes the irritation it causes the smoker's throat. Mint leaves, whether fresh or dried, have long been a mainstay of cooking as well. Fresh leaves in particular add flavor to many different recipes, whilst drinks and foods containing mint cool you off in the summer. Mint has long been valued for its medicinal properties, too, and those are what we shall focus on in this article. Mint was used as a herbal medicine as far back as the ancient Egyptians thousands of years ago (2). Science is only now catching up on the ancients, with modern research confirming that this remarkable plant has a wide variety of potential health benefits, including treatment of gastrointestinal disorders; promotion of proper digestion; weight loss; relief from depression, memory loss, headache and nausea; treatment of common cold and asthma; prevention of skin problems, and more. And the good news is that, with recipes available for dishes ranging from mint smoothies and shakes, to jellies and fruit salads, to sauces and mint salsas, there are endless ways you can reap the health benefits of magical, marvellous mint. If you wish to better your health whilst also treating yourself to a delightful snack, then this heroic little herb is the one for you. Mint leaves can't be beat! Health Benefits of Mint LeavesHerbs often get overlooked when talking about what makes up a healthy diet. Because of their high antioxidant content, the myriad vitamins, minerals and other nutrients they contain, and the numerous health benefits with which they are associated, fruits and vegetables usually grab the health food headlines. But herbs also contain a wide variety of nutrients and offer a significant number of health benefits. As well as being low in calories, fresh mint, including spearmint and peppermint, actually has one of the highest antioxidant capacities of any food (3). Because of this, mint can help alleviate a variety of common ailments. For example, anti-oxidants have been scientifically proven to possess anti-aging properties (4), (5), and are also thought to have a role to play in preventing cancer. But its high antioxidant content is just one of the many characteristics that make mint such a wonder for your wellbeing. This herb also contains vitamins A, B2 and C; plentiful fibre; and numerous minerals like iron (which you need to make red blood cells), potassium, zinc, calcium, copper and magnesium (6), (7), (8). Menthol, the compound in mint leaves that gives them their distinct aroma, also has soothing, pain relieving and local anesthetic properties (9). Here are some of the specific health benefits of those maestro mint leaves... 1. Mint Leaves Help Treat Gastrointestinal DisordersMuch of the existing research on the therapeutic properties of mint suggests that the herb may be particularly effective in treating gastrointestinal disorders, including: Irritable Bowel Syndrome – The use of peppermint oil in enteric-coated capsules has been found to be a safe and effective treatment for those suffering from abdominal pain and discomfort caused by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (10), (11). One study conducted in 2007 showed that an impressive 75 percent of subjects who consumed peppermint oil saw a greater than 50 percent reduction in their IBS symptoms score, compared to those who took a mere placebo (12). In fact, peppermint oil "may be the drug of first choice in IBS patients with non-serious constipation or diarrhea to alleviate general symptoms and to improve quality of life" (13). The beneficial effect also extends to kids. In one children's trial, approximately 75% of those taking peppermint oil experienced reduced IBS-associated pain within 2 weeks (14). Functional dyspepsia – A study performed in 2000 found that when subjects suffering from dyspepsia took a daily infusion of peppermint and caraway seed oil, 67 percent of them reported a significant improvement in their symptoms (15). Gastric ulcers – In certain animal studies, it has been demonstrated that menthol helps to protect the lining of the stomach against the harmful effects of ethanol and indomethacin, making it a useful means of preventing the formation of gastric ulcers associated with prolonged use of painkillers and alcohol (16). Gastric Emptying Disorders – humble peppermint has also been shown to facilitate gastric emptying, indicating its usefulness for patients that have various gastrointestinal disorders (17). Colonic spasm – Other scientific studies suggest peppermint oil may be a safe and effective alternative to the drug Buscopan given its capacity to reduce colonic spasms in barium enemas (18), (19). Infantile Colic – Another study done in 2013 discovered peppermint is just as if not more effective at treating infantile colic as the synthetic chemical with which it is usually treated, simethicone (20). Bottom Line: Mint leaves have the potential to treat a number of gastrointestinal disorders, including Irritable Bowel Syndrome, functional dyspepsia, gastric ulcers, gastric emptying disorders, colonic spasm, and infantile colic. 2. Mint Leaves Aid DigestionIn addition to ameliorating the effects of gastrointestinal disorders, marvellous mint also promotes orderly digestion, and soothes stomach muscles beset by indigestion and inflammation. Mint is a soothing herb that has been used through the millennia to assist with indigestion and upset tummies (Michael T. Murray and Joseph E. Pizzorno, authors of "The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods"). Did you know the aroma of mint by itself helps to activate the salivary glands along with the glands that excrete digestive enzymes, thus promoting smooth and proper digestion of food? (21) This is precisely why mint has for long been used in appetizers and as an ingredient in palate cleansers. What’s more, peppermint apparently increases bile secretion and makes bile flow more efficiently - and may also promote healthier cholesterol levels (22). Mint in addition is a good relaxant, and the muscles in your digestive tract are one of the things it relaxes (23). Each of these factors help to speed up and ease the digestive process. Meanwhile, for sufferers of indigestion, a calming cup of peppermint tea after meals may be just what your sick stomach needs to feel better (24). Mint contains menthol and methyl salicylate which both ease stomach spasms, and help your gut to settle down. Peppermint further functions as a carminative, which means it helps to relieve discomfort and pain from gas and bloating. Peppermint tea is a traditional home remedy for flatulence! (25) Bottom Line: Consuming mint leaves prevents indigestion and keeps your gastrointestinal tract in good shape. It also prevents wind! 3. Mint Leaves Relieve Nausea The menthol oil derived from freshly crushed mint leaves can also help soothe nausea and motion sickness (that makes it a very useful thing to take onboard flights!). Again, the mere aroma is often enough to ease your symptoms (26). One study from 2013 showed peppermint oil achieved good results in alleviating chemotherapy-induced nausea, and what’s more at a much cheaper price compared to standard pharmaceutical-based treatments (27). Were you aware that lots of people keep mint-containing products or menthol oil on their person at all times precisely to ward off feelings of nausea should they arise? Bottom Line: The menthol in mint helps dispel the unwelcome sensation of nausea. Peppermint oil helps relieve chemotherapy-induced nausea. 4. Mint Leaves Provide You With Pain Relief From HeadachesIn addition to relieving nausea, mint leaves double up as a natural alternative to aspirin in the event of headaches. For example, it is known that when mint oil, or balms whose base is comprised of mint, are rubbed topically on the nose and forehead, they give rapid relief from headaches and migraines (28). Whereas brazilian mint (scientific name Hyptis crenata) has been scientifically demonstrated to be just as effective at providing pain relief as synthetic aspirin-style drugs when consumed as a "tea" (31). Magical mint is an inherently soothing substance, and so naturally it helps to ameliorate the symptoms of inflammation and fever that frequently accompany these conditions (29). In fact, applying peppermint extract externally has been found to increase the pain threshold in humans (30). Bottom Line: Mint, whether applied topically or ingested as a tea, provides you with much needed (and all-natural) relief from pain caused by headaches and migraines. 5. Mint Leaves Help Soothe Irritated SkinBecause of its soothing properties, applying mint topically can also be an effective treatment for skin irritations and itchiness, such as those caused by rashes, reactions, and the like (32). Next time you have an unwelcome run-in with some poison ivy, try applying a wet rag soaked in peppermint tea, some cold mint tea bags, or a mixture of water and peppermint essential oil. The anti-pruritic properties of mint oil also come in handy in treating bites from insects including mosquitoes, honeybees, hornets, wasps, and gnats (34). Mint oil is a natural antiseptic, which makes it useful for healing skin infections caused by cuts and insect bites. The cooling properties of mild mint will provide you with relief from the sensations of itchiness and irritation, at the same time as its anti-inflammatory attributes bring the swelling down. Suffer from shingles? A study conducted back in 2002 found that applying peppermint oil topically to shingles resulted in a rapid improvement in patients' shingles-associated neuropathic pain symptoms; what is more, the effects lasted throughout the entire 2 months of follow-up treatment (33). Finally, mint juice is also an effective skin cleanser. In addition to helping to eradicate pimples, it can also assist those with acne (34). In the same vein, mint juice can also be applied to heal and soothe burns (36). Bottom Line: Mint leaves help soothe skin irritated and inflamed by rashes, reactions, burns and insect bites. Mint is a good anti-septic. Studies have found it is effective in reducing pain caused by shingles. Mint leaves can also help reduce pimples and acne. 6. Mint Leaves Make An Excellent All-Natural Insect RepellantOne study on natural insect repellants discovered that applying Australian bush mint essential oil to the arms gave great results, preventing mosquitoes both from landing on the skin and from biting it (37). If you don't have a bottle of the essential oil, you can rub the leaves directly on the skin (though it probably won't be as effective). In fact, mint oil is already found frequently in insect repellent devices such as citronella candles, as the smell alone is sufficient to ward off the majority of insects (35). Bottom Line: Mint leaves can be used to make an all-natural, eco-friendly insect repellent. 7. Mint Leaves Promote Healthy HairA 2014 study showed that topically applying peppermint essential oil to the scalp positively affected the growth of new hair follicles (38). That's great news for those of you concerned about thinning hair or pattern baldness! Consider trying out an organic hair serum with mint and rosemary (39). Bottom Line: Applying mint leaves topically promotes healthy hair growth and prevents hair thinning and baldness. 8. Mint Leaves Promote Weight LossYet another surprising health benefit of mighty mint, is that it can help you in your attempts to shed those burdensome kilos! Not only is it low in calories but, as we have seen, mint is a natural stimulant, and it dutifully stimulates those digestive enzymes that absorb nutrients from food into the bloodstream, and catabolize fat into energy that can be used by your body (40). The more mint leaves you eat, in other words, the more of your fat gets consumed and converted into fuel, instead of being stored as KGs in your body! Bottom Line: Eating mint leaves will get you looking trim, taut and terrific! 9. Mint Leaves Improve Your Eyesight Spearmint and peppermint leaves both contain generous quantities of vitamin C and vitamin A, which are known to contribute to improved vision (41), These elements also protect our delicate orbs from damage caused by roaming free radicals, which in turn prevents the occurrence of eye diseases like cataracts and macular degeneration (42). Mint is rich in vitamin A, especially: a half-cup of peppermint leaves provides 23 percent of the daily vitamin A requirement for men, and 18 percent for women; meanwhile, the same amount of spearmint leaves contains 62 percent of the male and 79 percent of the female requirement (43). Bottom Line: mint leaves promote better vision, whilst preventing cataracts and macular degeneration. 10. Mint Leaves Have Anti-Cancer Properties Here is another startling health benefit of this remarkable little herb: it prevents cancer! As we have seen, mint contains anti-oxidants, and science has repeatedly shown a connection between a diet rich fresh fruits and vegetables - which are packed full of antioxidants like vitamin C - and reduced likelihood of contracting various cancers (44). In particular, mint may have a special role to play in preventing prostate cancer. Preclinical research shows that peppermint contains a compound called menthol which apparently slows and inhibits the growth of prostate cancer (45), (46). Peppermint also contains a phytonutrient called monoterpene, which has been shown to stop the growth of pancreatic, liver and breast cancers in animal studies (human research awaits!). In addition, peppermint has a compound known as perillyl alcohol, which may halt the development and spread of cancer (Michael T. Murray and Joseph E. Pizzorno, authors of "The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods"). Yet other enzymes found in mint may also help prevent and treat cancer (47). Bottom Line: Mint leaves contain antioxidants and other compounds which may inhibit the growth of cancers. One study suggests the menthol in peppermint may retard the spread of prostate cancer. 11. Mint Leaves Are An Effective Anti-AllergenEach year, legions of people worldwide are afflicted by allergies such as hay fever (scientific name rhinitis) during certain months. In a 2001 preclinical study on rats, mint leaf extracts were found to have inhibited release of the chemical histamine, which is known to exacerbate symptoms of allergic rhinitis and other seasonal allergies (48). Mint also contains an anti-inflammatory agent called rosmarinic acid which has been shown to be effective in relieving symptoms of seasonal allergy symptoms (49). Bottom Line: Mint leaves have been shown to be effective in addressing seasonal allergies like hay fever. 12. Mint Leaves Are Good For Your Respiratory SystemMint contains menthol, an excellent natural decongestant. Again it’s actually the aroma of the herb that’s responsible for breaking up phlegm and mucus in the lungs, bronchi, nose and throat, clearing up congestion and giving you relief from respiratory disorders associated with common cold and asthma (50). For example, a 2009 study found that inhaled essential oil of peppermint was able to alleviate inflammation resulting from tuberculous, with the authors of the study concluding: "This procedure may be used to prevent recurrences and exacerbation of pulmonary tuberculosis" (51). Mint is also a good relaxant, and has a cooling effect which can help soothe sore throats, noses and other respiratory airways, and relieve the irritation associated with chronic coughing (52). Actually, it is for this reason that many balms contain mint - and why they tend to have greater effectiveness (and are more eco-friendly!) than aerosol-based inhalers. Bottom Line: Mint is a natural decongestant, relaxant and coolant, and thus helps soothe the symptoms of respiratory disorders like common cold and asthma. One study also found it may be effective in treating tuberculosis. 13. Mint Leaves Improve Your MemoryHere's yet another example of how the mere smell of mint can improve your health! A study from 2006 reports that aromatherapy using peppermint leaves enhances the memory and increases alertness (53), (54). You can try this yourself at home: simply add a few drops of peppermint essential oil to your next bath. Or: boil up some shredded mint leaves in water and let the scent waft throughout your home. Even if it doesn't improve your memory, it will still leave the house smelling clean and refreshed! Another recent study exploring the link between mint and cognitive function, discovered that those who regularly ate mint-flavored chewing gum, had significantly improved memory and alertness compared to those who did not (55). For the students among you, you’ve now actually got a good reason for bringing that stick of chewing gum with you into the classroom every lesson! Bottom Line: The stimulating properties of mint leaves extend to stimulating your brain, leading to enhanced memory, alertness and cognitive function. 14. Mint Leaves Help You Fight Depression and Fatigue As we have seen, mint is an excellent natural stimulant; the smell by itself can be sufficient to recharge the batteries and dust the cobwebs out of your brain (56). If you've been feeling depressed, anxious, or tired lately, then consuming some mint or its derivative oils might be just what the doctor ordered! (57) It can either be ingested, applied topically, or the vapor inhaled - all of those techniques can give you a quick and welcome energy boost! Or you can put a drop or two of menthol oil upon your pillow before going to bed, and let the mint work its magic upon your brain and body as you sleep (58). Bottom Line: In the same vein as No. 13, mint leaves can help perk you up when you’re feeling tired and depressed. 15. Mint Leaves Improve The Functioning Of Your Nervous System Adding copper to your diet helps you make phospholipids - a certain fat needed for healthy nerve function - and improves overall brain cell communication. And guess what? Spearmint leaves are also a good source of copper. A half-cup serving offers 12 percent of the daily copper needs for men and women (59). Bottom Line: The copper in spearmint leaves helps improve the overall functioning of your nervous system. 16. Mint Leaves Help Support Your Immune SystemAs we have seen, mint contains vitamin A, one of the perks of which, so far as your body is concerned, is that it stimulates the creation and improves the functioning of white blood cells, the foundation of your immune system (60). One recent study found that consuming peppermint helped to inhibit the activity of acyclovir-resistant Herpes Simplex virus type 1 (61), (62). Bottom Line: Mint leaves are also good for your immune system. 17. Mint Leaves Strengthen Your Bones Spearmint is also a rich source of manganese, which helps your body synthesize certain proteins required for the healing of wounds, and also helps your bones maintain their proper strength. A half-cup serving of spearmint leaves provides 28 percent and 22 percent of the daily manganese requirements for women and men, respectively (63). Bottom Line: The manganese in spearmint leaves helps keep your bones strong. 18. Mint Leaves Promote Good Oral Health This is a long-known health benefit of magical mint. Because mint is a natural anti-microbial agent and breath freshener, it aids oral health and hygiene by preventing the growth of harmful bacteria inside the mouth (which makes your breath smell better!), whilst cleaning your tongue and whitening the teeth. In fact, this is the reason why people in the Middle Ages would rub mint leaves onto their gums and teeth! In the modern age, and for similar reasons, mint is a commonly-found element in toothpastes, flosses, mouthwashes, and the like. In fact, concentrated peppermint oil extract has been found to be superior to the mouthwash chemical chlorhexidine, in killing the germs that cause bad breath, along with the streptococcus driven biofilm that are associated with dental cavities (64), (65). Bottom Line: Mint promotes good oral health, by killing off the bacteria that cause bad breath and dental cavities. 19. Mint Leaves Prevent Cell Damage Caused by Radiation Preclinical studies indicate that peppermint protects you against radiation-induced DNA damage and cell death (66), (67). Good news for those of you who work in or around radiology and imaging, or the nuclear industry! Bottom Line: consuming mint leaves prevents cell and DNA damage associated with exposure to radiation. 20. Mint Leaves Help To Halt HiccupsDrinking a glass of mint water is an old-fashioned (but effective!) home remedy for curing hiccups (68). Simply infuse a few sprigs of mint in a glass of water and drink up. Alternatively, you can try chewing on the leaves themselves. The reason mint helps suppress those hiccups is because of the menthol in it, which is thought to be effective in easing the muscle spasms in your digestive tract (69). Bottom Line: Eating or drinking mint helps cure the hiccups. 21. Mint Leaves Prevent Breastfeeding Associated Nipple Pain and Damage Here's one for the ladies. Despite the sublime phenomenon of a mother breastfeeding her newborn child, an unpleasant byproduct experienced by many women is pain and damage (cracks) to their nipples. A study published in 2007 found that drinking peppermint water may be effective in preventing nipple cracks and pain in first-time mothers who are breastfeeding (70). Bottom Line: Mint leaves may save breastfeeding mothers from the painful, cracked nipples often associated with breastfeeding. 22. Mint Leaves Prevent Anemia As we've seen already, spearmint supplies your body with quite a few essential nutrients: two more to add to the list are iron and folate. Both of these are required for the formation of healthy red blood cells, so that a surfeit of either results in anemia. A half-cup serving of spearmint leaves contains contains 30 percent and 68 percent of the recommended daily intake of iron for women and men, respectively, along with 12 percent of our daily folate needs (71). This is another good reason for pregnant women to get some mint into their diet, as anemia is extremely common among expectant mothers, with negative effects for both parent and child. Bottom Line: the iron and folate in spearmint contributes to the formation of healthy red blood cells. 23. Mint Leaves May Reverse Female Sterility Some research indicates that mint may be used to successfully treat sterility in females. Spearmint has been found to have significant antiandrogenic effects in subjects suffering polycystic ovarian syndrome (72), whilst also ameliorating the related condition of mild hirsutism, marked by excessive hair growth in females, and which is also associated with female sterility (73). But suffice to say, a great deal of further research must be done on the effects of mint on female sterility. In fact, some argue that due to the insecticidal and germicidal qualities of the herb, prolonged use may in fact facilitate female sterility, killing off a woman’s ova and lessening the chances of conception. Bottom Line: Mint leaves may prevent conditions associated with female sterility, though more research is needed. Make Mint A Part of Your Meals ... There are obviously loads of ways you can reap the health benefits of this tantalising little herb, in fact you've probably tried a few already - whether it’s a comforting cup of herbal tea, or a hearty chicken salad spiced up with some chopped mint leaves. You can add mint leaves to home-brewed iced tea and lemonade, or work it into your next fruit salad. Whatever you do, remember that mint is a tender herb, with the leaves best used raw or added right at the end of cooking so as to preserve their delicate flavor and texture. When buying mint, also look for bright, unbruised leaves. Store it in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to a week at a time. Here are some delicious recipes that incorporate mint, which allow you to get all the aforementioned health benefits while at the same time enjoying a variety of lip-smacking drinks, snacks and meals... 1. Limeade with Mint This invigorating (though non-alcoholic!) concoction makes a perfect beverage for a hot summer's day. The inclusion of mint adds a delicate though refreshing flavour to a decidedly tangy drink. All you need to do is combine lime juice with water and lime zest, then garnish with several sprigs of fresh mint, and presto! you’re done. Make sure to include the lime zest for extra tanginess. Here's how to get the best results: make a simple syrup from sugar, water and grated lime zest, bringing to the boil in a small saucepan until all the sugar is dissolved. Strain out the lime zest using a sieve. Serve chilled. 2. Green Mojito (& Mint) SmoothieSmoothies share with mint the trait of versatility: you can drink them at breakfast to help get the day off on the right foot, or they are just as welcome throughout the day, whether as a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, or as part of your post-workout recovery drink. A lot of modern blenders come with to-go cups, so you can toss your pre-blended smoothies into your bag as you head out the door in the morning. This recipe combines both. Blend coconut water, mint, pineapple, lime, avocado and robust kale and you're done. Add in some grated ginger to give it some extra 'zing'. Chock full of nutrients from the mint, kale and avocado, this POWER drink aptly has a brilliant green colour. The Green Mojito and Mint Smoothie is another one best served chilled; if you want to drink immediately throw in some ice cubes before blending. 3. Cucumber Salad With Mint and Feta This cucumber salad with mint and feta makes a perfect side dish, or a refreshing mid-afternoon snack on a warm day. Spicy, refreshing mint enhances the cooling effect of fresh cucumber. Simply toss sliced cucumbers together with radishes, red onion and mint leaves. Sprinkle with a simple dressing made from vinegar, salt, pepper, and olive oil; then right before serving add feta cheese, crumbled. 4. Greek Lamb Kebabs with Yoghurt and Lemon Mint Sauce Get a double dose of mint magic by making your salad the entree to this dish of lamb kebabs. Dunk pieces of lamb in your very own, homemade marinade of olive oil, garlic and red wine vinegar. Once marinated, thread onto rosemary sprigs and grill on the barbeque. Serve with the equally delicious sauce made from Greek yoghurt, lemon juice, mint, parsley, oregano, garlic, capers and anchovy also mentioned in the recipe. Bon appetit! 5. Basil Mint Pesto This mint pesto recipe is easy to make and goes well as a topping with any number of savory dishes - chicken, pasta, you name it. Blend toasted walnuts with mint leaves, basil, sunflower seeds, lemon juice and garlic. Use it straight away or refrigerate in airtight containers for later. Make extra large batches and you'll have enough pesto for months to come! Its yet another way to make mint a regular part of your diet, thereby reaping those many mint health benefits. 6. Mint Julep This is another recipe for a minty drink, this one for those of you who like your grog! This mint julep makes for a feisty shot to enjoy with friends at your next cocktail party. Prepare an infusion of mint, dissolved caster sugar and water, then stir through Gentleman Jack whiskey. Serve chilled or topped with ice. You can actually save some of the mint and use it to make minted ice cubes, too. Toss them in a punch bowl and top with the whiskey concoction; garnish with lemon wedges, and serve. 7. Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Here's some good news! There are many ways you can make mint a part of your desserts as well. This is one such recipe. This homemade mint chocolate chip ice cream leaves the store-bought varieties for dead! Whisk together milk, cream, eggs, vanilla, dissolved sugar and salt; add freshly bruised mint leaves and let them infuse the mixture. Strain out the mint, and whisk and cook the mixture again, until it forms a custard. Freeze in an ice cream maker, adding in dark chocolate (chopped into chunks and flakes) while you’re at it. Freeze again before serving. You’ll find that this ice-cream has a much more delicate, fragrant flavor than the ultra-sweet variety you buy in the store. 8. After Dinner Chocolate Mints You chocoholics will be in heaven with these after dinner chocolate mints! They make a simple yet oh so delicious dessert option. Plus they allow you to get some healthy mint in your diet AND contain far less sugar than most after dinner mint morsels. Simply take some fresh mint leaves and run them through a dish of melted chocolate until both sides are covered. Place on baking paper, or in the refrigerator, and allow them to set. 9. Fresh Fruit With Mint Salad Mint plays well with fruit too. Bring a touch of the tropics into your kitchen today with this fruit and mint salad recipe. Chop your trusty mint leaves into tiny pieces and toss together with sliced mangos, kiwis, oranges, strawberries and a banana for good measure. Stir through honey and the citrus juice from the oranges. Add mixed berries, and serve with cream. This dish gives you another dessert option incorporating mint; but you can also have it as a refreshing snack throughout the day. Make sure to invite your friends over to share: to get them through the door, photograph and put it on Snapchat, as this dish is a feast for the eyes alone! 10. Mint Tea This ultra-refreshing mint tea makes a comforting, herbal drink for the evenings. Simply infuse boiling water with tea, mint leaves and sugar. Strain, and serve with mint sprigs. 11. Chocolate Mint Brownie Sauce To round things out, we've got yet another chocolatey treat for those of you whose sweet tooth is insatiable: luscious homemade brownies topped with an equally homemade mint brownie sauce. For the brownies, beat together butter, eggs, caster sugar, chocolate sauce, vanilla, flour, and chocolate mixture. Spread the mixture into a pan and bake in the oven. Meanwhile, mix together the mint layer from icing sugar, melted butter and creme de menthe liqueur. Spread over the cooled brownies, then top with a layer of mixture of chocolate blended with melted butter. Enjoy! Summary Marvellous mint is a truly versatile little herb. In addition to its many other uses - as a flavoring agent, in cosmetics, medicines, inhalers and breath fresheners - the leaves also provide many fantastic health benefits, ranging from curing indigestion to preventing cancer. And with its invigorating, spicy taste and aromatic fragrance, it will make a friendly presence in your kitchen too. It's super easy to grow in your own garden (or even in small pots on the windowsill), so head down to your local nursery and collect some seeds or seedlings; pick out a few different varieties and see which ones you like the most. Be warned though: mint grows very rapidly, so you could well end up with more than you know what to do with! Making mint a part of your diet lets you improve your health and at the same time adds some extra zing to your drinks, desserts and meals. Once you've had that first mouthful of mint, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it! Ever wondered what’s the best milk alternative ?
While less than 5% of the UK population is affected, up to 50% of the populations of South America, Africa and Asia suffer from it. With lactose intolerance (or dairy intolerance) becoming more and more of a common problem, many people are turning to alternative milks. These vary in levels of nutrition, colour, flavor and texture. Most alternative milks are now fortified with calcium (which helps build strong bones and teeth, and ensures that blood clots normally) and vitamin D (which is important for encouraging the absorption of calcium from food) so they have many of the benefits of normal milk. 1. Almond Milk Made from ground almonds, water and in most cases it is sweetened. Almond milk has a bland, flavor and is one of the healthiest powerfoods among foods. It is rich in antioxidants including anti-ageing vitamin E, which fights off free-radicals. The fats in almond milk are healthy omega-6 fats and not saturated fats, which have been shown to have a negative effect on cholesterol as well as on the heart. It is a great weight-loss aid as it only contains 30 calories per serving. Almond milk’s negative is that it contains far less protein than dairy milk or soy milk. 2. Soy Milk Soy milk is very common among vegan, vegetarian and health-conscious bodybuilders. It is best to choose a soy milk that is GMO free and made from organic edamame. Soy milk provides more protein than a regular glass of milk as well as a good amount of calcium, manganese, magnesium, choline, folate, thiamin, riboflavin, selenium and potassium. Soy milk also resembles the taste of cow’ milk more so than other alternative milk. Certainly, people with soy allergies and hypothyroidism must stay away from soy milk. Hypothyroidism is generally treated with synthetic thyroid hormone — and soy has long been thought to interfere with the body's ability to absorb the medication. However, there's no evidence that people who have hypothyroidism should avoid soy completely. It has also been shown to negatively impact male fertility. 3. Hazelnut Milk Hazelnut is the new “in” alternative milk, especially in Californian coffee houses where they’ve added it to their own coffees since it tastes much better with coffee than conventional cow’s milk. The hazelnut has a wonderful aroma, tastes absolutely heavenly, and it has supreme nutrition over a number of other vegan milk alternatives. It is a good source of calcium, vitamins E, B1, B2 and B6 which are all essential in blood formation and mental health and the omega-3 fatty acid ALA, which has been proven to help keep cholesterol and blood pressure under control. 4. Coconut Milk Coconut milk most resembles the texture of dairy milk. It is made from the exotic coconut fruit and has become a staple in the kitchens of vegans, the health conscious and people who avoid dairy. It is rich in essential minerals, including manganese, selenium, copper, zinc and iron. Coconut milk has far more potassium per cup than dairy milk and also higher in fat content than other alternative milks. 5. Rice Milk Rice milk is one of the more popular alternative milks. It is made from boiled rice and brown rice syrup, making it healthy blend of carbohydrates and protein with very little fat per serving unlike the other nut and seed milk alternatives. It is also one of the cheaper alternative milks. This alternative milk is the most hypoallergenic alternative as it is free from soy, gluten, nuts and seeds, which is important for those who are allergic and cannot tolerate these ingredients. Rice milk is not ideal if you are trying to lose weight as it is high in carbohydrates and low in calcium and protein compared to cow’s milk. It is also not a good milk to be used in baking or cooking as it is thin and watery. All in all rice is a great alternative milk to start with for anyone trying to find a healthy alternative milk product. 6. Flax Milk Flax milk is sweet, a little thin yet quite creamy and delicious. Flax milk is high in alpha linoleic acids which are a group of Omega-3 fatty acids which has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. Most flax seed milk is produced by organic, ethically responsible companies that use non-GMO flaxseeds. Flax milk is low in protein and also tends to be heavily sweetened, so choose brands with less sugar in them. Flax milks are fortified with calcium, so it is good for those who tend to need adequate levels of this mineral. 7. Hemp Milk Hemp is an incredibly healthy choice know for it’s “earthy” flavor. It contains ten essential amino acids, making it an excellent choice for vegan athletes, body builders or others who need to refuel and build muscle. Hemp milk also contains a very ideal ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids, and also contains a good deal of thiamin, niacin, calcium, fiber, potassium, etc. A great choice for the health-conscious person, hemp milk is a great way to get all of your essential vitamins and minerals. It is also a good choice for those avoiding or have allergies to gluten, nuts or soy. Beware of added sugars as the store bought varieties may have more sugar added than is thought healthy ! You can also attempt to make your own if need be. Hemp milk is a great way to get all of your essential vitamins and minerals making it a great choice for the health-conscious person. 8. Oat Milk Oat milk is one of the nutritious milks made from oat groats. Oats have been shown to reduce “bad” cholesterol while raising “good” cholesterol levels. It provides about 4-5g of plant protein per serving. Many oat milks are also fortified with vitamin D making it a sensible alternative to dairy milks. There are only two categories of foods: whole foods and processed foods.
A healthy balanced diet should be primarily whole foods with restricted consumption of processed foods. There are numerous ways to differentiate between these two. Processed food that's organic is still processed food ! If a food comes out of a box and is labeled organic, it means it's healthier only in that it was minimally produced without artificial ingredients, preservatives, or irradiation. And you can feel good that workers, animals, and the environment were all treated better in the process. However, it might not be nutritionally better for you! Processed Foods Generally speaking, processed foods are produced using manufacturing methods to transform raw ingredients into neatly packaged goods, which have a longer shelf life. Some of the artificial ingredients used include monosodium glutamate (MSG), flavors, preservatives, hydrogenated oil, fillers, and artificial sweeteners. Usually, consumers can prepare them quickly allowing immediate intake. Disappointingly, they don’t offer much in nutritional value. Most likely, it's processed food if it's wrapped in several layers of plastic, cardboard, and/or foil, and it didn't exist until after 1903 when the hydrogenation process was invented. In addition to being excessively advertised, this food category is well funded by government subsidies. These foodstuffs are located on the shelves of the inside middle aisles in grocery stores. Examples of processed foods include sugary drinks including juices, cereals, and crackers, rice cakes, cakes, biscuits. Whole Foods On the other hand, whole foods are grown in orchards, gardens, or greenhouses, are unprocessed and unrefined, and have a shorter shelf life. These foods are authentically flavorful, have vibrant colors, and rich textures. Moreover, they are full of the micronutrient vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytochemicals, and fiber. Typically, they require longer preparation times. In contrast, they receive very little media advertising, and are not well funded with government subsidies. When you are in grocery stores, these foods are mainly found on the store’s wall aisles to the sides and back of the store. Additionally, this food category can be found at farmers markets, and at fresh fruit and vegetable stands. Examples of whole foods include unpolished grains, fruits, and vegetables, nuts and seeds. The easiest way to swop your snacks to whole foods is to just add in fresh, raw fruit and vegetables as snacks such as apples, pears, carrot, cucumbers and pepper sticks with a tablespoon of humus or tahini, nuts and seeds with dried fruits, or even making your own health bars, energy balls, truffles, using wholesome ingredients conventional or organic. Another all time favourite healthy snack made from fresh, raw, ingredients are smoothies. You can make them with fruits or veggies, add in some goat’s / sheep’s yogurt, tahini, alternative milks, goat’s milk, superfoods / powerfoods (spirulina, moringa, bee pollen, maca, carob powder, aloe vera, chia, hemp, acai etc..) and leafy greens like kale, spinach, parsley, coriander. What is Greenwashing ? 22 Brands that you Think are Green but aren’t.
Have any of you heard of Greenwashing before ? This is what I found out the other day while I was researching another topic. I knew that some companies do what they do to see, but had no idea that there was a term for it. Here’s the definition that I found: Greenwashing (a compound word modelled on "whitewash"), or "green sheen",[1][2] is a form of spin in which green PR or green marketing is deceptively used to promote the perception that an organization's products, aims or policies are environmentally friendly.[3] Evidence that an organization is greenwashing often comes from pointing out the spending differences: when significantly more money or time has been spent advertising being "green" (that is, operating with consideration for the environment), than is actually spent on environmentally sound practices.[4] Greenwashing efforts can range from changing the name or label of a product to evoke the natural environment on a product that contains harmful chemicals to multimillion-dollar advertising campaigns portraying highly polluting energy companies as eco-friendly.[5][6] In an academic paper Greenwashing has been defined as "co-creation of an external accusation toward an organization with regard to presenting a misleading green message",[7] indicating that an accusation is necessary to speak of Greenwashing. 22 brands that are not so “Green” as you may like them to be. (In alphabetical order)
http://greenbeautyteam.com/toxic-ingredient-glossary/ Your liver is a workhouse that can even regenerate its own damaged cells. However, it is not invincible. When it lacks essential nutrients or when it is overwhelmed by toxins, it no longer performs as it should. Hormone imbalances may develop.
Fat may accumulate in the liver and then just under the skin or in other organs. Toxins build up and get into your bloodstream. Among the signs of “toxic liver’ are:
When your liver is sluggish, every organ in your body is affected, and your weight loss efforts are blocked. Blood vessels enlarge, and blood flow becomes restricted. A toxic liver is unable to break down the adrenal hormone aldosterone, which accumulates to retain sodium (and water) and suppresses potassium. This can raise your blood pressure. The liver fails to detoxify the components of estrogen (estrone and estradiol) for excretion, so symptoms of estrogen dominance arise. Unable to carry out its activities to control glucose, a toxic liver can lead to hypoglycemia, which can produce sugar cravings, weight gain, and candid overgrowth. A toxic liver is unable to process toxins, enabling them to escape into your blood stream and set an immune response. With repeated assaults from escaped toxins, your immune system becomes overworked. Fluid accumulated and you may develop one of more autoimmune diseases such as arthritis or lupus. A liver overloaded with pollutants and toxins cannot efficiently burn body fat, and thus will sabotage your weight loss efforts. Common liver stressors are: caffeine, sugar, trans fats, medications and inadequate fibre. Common Liver Detoxifiers: lemons, eggs, sugar-free cranberry, flaxseed oil, kale, cruciferous vegetables and garlic high in sulforaphane, dandelion root, turmeric, milk thistle and ginger. (Excerpt: Louise Anne Gittleman - Fat Flush Plan) 24/3/2017 0 Comments Why Use Rosemary ?Whilst walking in my neighbourhood, much to my delight, I came across a large rosemary bush. Ofcourse I couldn't help myself and cut a large handful of sprigs to make some tea with and also to have handy to use in my kitchen. Pungent fresh rosemary has strong medicinal benefits, can fight the symptoms of colds and flu and help prevent diseases and has anti-ageing properties (my personal favourite). Traditionally, rosemary has been used as a mental stimulant, memory booster, general tonic and to aid circulation. An infusion of rosemary tea has long been recommended by herbalists to treat colds, flu and rheumatism. Like several other herbs, rosmary has been shown to fight bacteria that can cause throat infections such as E.coli, and staphyloccocus, so an infusion of rosemary makes a good gargle. In addition, recent research has found that rosemary is one of the leading herbs for its antioxidant activity, helping to reduce the risk of diseases and ageing effects.
Practical Tips: Rosemary dries well and retains some of its antioxidant effects Hang sprigs up to dry in a warm kitchen then remove the leaves and store in an airtight container. Fresh rosemary leaves can be chopped and mixed with thyme, sage and oregano and then added to Mediterranean casseroles or omelette fillings. Use fresh or dried sprigs with garlic to season roast chicken or when making bread, add some chopped leaves to the mix. Note: Avoid large quantities of rosemary when pregnant. Rosemary may have uterine and menstrual flow stimulant effects, it is best to avoid using it. It is safe in culinary amounts of a pinch here or there in food. 10/3/2017 0 Comments Is Feta Cheese Healthy ?My Greek roots must have had an influence as feta cheese, being one of my favourite cheeses, I set out to find out the nutritional benefits and if any from eating it. Feta is a well known soft, white brine cheese found in Greece and Cyprus. It turns out that it is very nutritious and is an excellent source of calcium. As part of Mediterranean cuisine, this cheese is used in all sorts of dishes — from appetizers to desserts — because it can enhance the taste of foods. Most feta is made with milk from sheep and goats raised on local grass. It is this particular environment which gives the cheese its unique characteristics. Some feta can be found with a mixture of cow’s milk and goat’s/ sheep’s. Make sure to choose the goat’s/ sheep’s over the cow’s milk. Feta is considered a fresh cheese because it has not been aged or cured. It is produced in blocks and is firm to the touch, yet easy to crumble. Nutrients Found in Feta Cheese: One ounce (28 grams) provides : • Calories: 74 • Fat: 6 grams • Protein: 4 grams • Carbs: 1.1 grams • Riboflavin: 14% of the RDI • Calcium: 14% of the RDI • Sodium: 13% of the RDI • Phosphorus: 9% of the RDI • Vitamin B12: 8% of the RDI • Selenium: 6% of the RDI • Vitamin B6: 6% of the RDI • Zinc: 5% of the RDI There are relatively decent amounts of vitamins A and K, folate, pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5), iron and magnesium. Compared to aged cheeses like cheddar or Parmesan, feta is lower in fat and calories. Additionally, it contains more calcium and B vitamins than other fresh cheeses like mozzarella, ricotta, cottage cheese or goat cheese. It Can Support Bone Health: Feta cheese is a good source of calcium, phosphorus and protein, all of which have been proven to promote bone health. Calcium and protein help maintain bone density and prevent osteoporosis, while phosphorus helps your bones absorb calcium. Feta Cheese Is Good for Your Gut: Probiotics are live, friendly bacteria that can benefit your health. Feta has been shown to contain Lactobacillus plantarum, which accounts for about 48% of its bacteria. These bacteria can help promote immune system also provide anti-inflammatory benefits. CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid): CLA is a fatty acid found in animal products. It has been shown to help improve body composition, decreasing fat mass and increasing lean body mass. CLA may also help prevent diabetes and has shown anti-cancer effects. Greece has the highest consumption of cheese in the European Union and also the lowest incidence of breast cancer. Disadvantages of Eating Feta: Salt: Feta is high in salt. One serving contains 312 mg of sodium in a 1-ounce (28-gram) serving, which can account for up to 13% of your RDI. To reduce the salt content, you can rinse it with water before eating it. Lactose: It is made from whole milk, hence it is higher in lactose. People intolerant to lactose should avoid eating feta. Pregnant women: Listeria monocytogenes is a type of bacteria found in water and soil that can contaminate crops and animals. Pregnant women are usually advised to avoid consuming raw vegetables and meats, as well as unpasteurized dairy products, because they have the potential to be contaminated with these bacteria. Cheeses made with unpasteurized milk have a higher risk of carrying the bacteria than cheeses made with pasteurized milk. Therefore, feta cheese made with unpasteurized milk is not recommended for pregnant women. How to Eat Feta Cheese: Feta is quite a versatile cheese and can be added to a variety of dishes, such as salads, omelets, wholegrain bread, potatoes, cooked vegetables. It can also be grilled or cooked in dishes such as saganaki. At the end of the day, feta cheese seems to be a healthy, delicious choice ! 17/2/2017 0 Comments What is the Best Way to Keep Track of What You Eat When You Want to Create Healthier Eating Habits or for Weight-Loss ?If weight- loss is your main aim then counting calories or carbohydrates is a time-tested way to do it. There are numerous studies which show that tracking your food intake and the amount of exercise that you do are effective ways to shed excess weight. In fact calorie counting led participants of a study to lose 3.3kg more than those who didn’t and in another one where participants monitored everything that they ate for 12 weeks, lost twice as much weight as those who didn’t monitor consistently. Those that did not monitor at all actually put on weight. In conclusion the more consistent you are at recording, the better. Counting calories whether on paper, online or in a mobile app helps you lose weight by giving you an overview of what you eat each day. This in turn can help you identify eating patterns to correct which in turn keeps you on track to reach your health and weight goals. There are several ways of counting calories or monitoring your food consumption. According to various studies, the method you pick doesn’t really matter so long as it’s the one that you have personally chosen and is most suited for you and your lifestyle. The top four most popular apps are: MyFitnessPal, Lose It, FatSecret and Cron-o-meter. Most of us have a natural tendency to inaccurately estimate how many calories we eat. To counteract this, I suggest that for about two to three weeks you measure your food using cups or scales. This will help you measure food portions more accurately. You might also want to try using the following visual guidelines to estimate your portion sizes. They’re less accurate, but useful if you have limited access to a scale or measuring cups:
An important point to take into account is that counting calories only allows you to evaluate your diet from a quantity perspective and not from a perspective of good quality, nutritious food. When it comes to health, 100 calories from strawberries will affect your health differently than 100 calories from donuts. Therefore, avoid picking foods solely based on their calorie content. Instead, make sure you also consider their vitamin and mineral contents. You can do so by picking foods which have been less processed i.e. the less brightly coloured packaging the food has the better ! The only way to lose weight is to eat fewer calories than you burn. Those interested in monitoring their food or giving calorie counting a try, should keep in mind that not all calories are the same. Therefore, make sure to build your menu around whole nutrient dense foods and don’t base your food choices on calories alone. In Asian cuisine seaweed is quite a common ingredient which most of us may be familiar with when we dine at Japanese restaurants. It is used in miso soup and nori sheets are used to make sushi amongst other things. Eating seaweed is a fantastic way to add extra vitamins and minerals to your diet which in turn may protect you from certain diseases. What Is Seaweed? Seaweed is a general term used to describe many different species of algae and marine plants. The most common edible types of seaweed are red, green, blue-green and brown which can be eaten fresh, dried, cooked or as a powdered supplement. Common types of seaweed are:
Seaweed is Especially High in Many Nutrients: Edible seaweed contains a wide spectrum of vitamins, minerals and trace elements at higher levels than other common foods. Dried seaweed varieties such as spirulina and chlorella are especially rich sources of complete protein. Depending on where seaweed is sourced it differs in nutritional value, but generally, 100g of seaweed provides you with:
Dried algae is more concentrated in nutrients. One tablespoon (8 grams) is sufficient to provide most of the nutrient amounts listed above. Twice as much protein is found in spirulina and chlorella per portion. Unlike other types of algae, they also contain all of the essential amino acids required by the human body. This makes them complete sources of protein. There is some debate when it comes to vitamin B12 which is found naturally in meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products. Some claim that seaweed is a good plant source of vitamin B12 and others claim whether the form of vitamin B12 found in algae is active in humans. If you are vegan it is best not to rely on this source and to supplement your vitamin B12. Seaweed is a rich source of antioxidants and they also contain good amounts of sulfated polysaccharides (sPS), which are beneficial plant compounds thought to contribute to seaweed’s health benefits. Promote Thyroid Function: Your thyroid requires a good intake of iodine to function properly. Iodine is found in large amounts in seaweed. Failure to get enough iodine from the diet can lead to hypothyroidism. The iodine RDI is 150 micrograms per day. This requirement can be met by eating several servings of seaweed per week. Keep in mind that certain varieties such as kelp, kombu and dulse tend to contain very high amounts of iodine and should not be eaten frequently, or in high amounts. Others, such as spirulina, contain very little, so don’t rely on them as your only source of iodine. Improve Heart Health: seaweed contains a good source of soluble fiber and contains long-chain omega-3 fatty acids both of which are beneficial for heart health. In addition the sulfated polysaccharides (sPS) found in seaweed may have the ability to reduce blood pressure, prevent blood clotting, reduce LDL (the “bad”) cholesterol and total cholesterol levels. A two-month study gave type 2 diabetics either a spirulina supplement or a placebo every day. The supplement group’s triglyceride levels dropped by 24%. Participants in the spirulina group also improved their LDL-to-HDL cholesterol ratio, whereas the ratio in the placebo group worsened. In another study, a daily spirulina supplement reduced participants’ total cholesterol levels by 166% more than the placebo group over the two-month study period. Participants in the seaweed group also reduced their LDL cholesterol levels by 154% more than the placebo group. Although these results seem promising, not all studies found similar results and more human studies are needed before strong conclusions can be made. It May Stabilize Blood Sugar Levels: Researchers believe that certain compounds found in seaweed may play a beneficial role in stabilizing blood sugar levels and preventing type 2 diabetes . Fucoxanthin, antioxidant that gives brown algae its characteristic color, is thought to help reduce insulin resistance and stabilize blood sugar levels. Seaweed May Help You Lose Weight: Researchers believe this may be due, in part, to seaweed’s ability to affect your levels of the weight regulating hormone leptin. Combined with seaweed’s high fiber content, this may help reduce hunger and enhance feelings of fullness. Fucoidan, a type of sPS found in seaweed, may enhance fat breakdown and prevent its formation. Studies in obese participants report that those given a seaweed supplement for 12–16 weeks lost around 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg) more than those given a placebo. What’s more, seaweed is low in calories, making it a great low-calorie snack option. Seaweed May Strengthen the Immune System: Marine plant compounds believed to have antioxidant, anti-allergenic and disease-protecting properties. Research shows that these compounds may have the ability to fight viruses such as herpes and HIV by blocking their entry into cells. A recent study looked at the effects of taking seaweed supplements in HIV-positive women. Those given 5 grams of spirulina per day developed 27% fewer disease-related symptoms, compared to the placebo group. However, no differences in immune cell levels were observed over the 12-week study period. Additional studies are needed before strong conclusions can be made. Seaweed May Improve Gut Health: It is rich in fiber, which can help prevent constipation and ensure smooth digestion. It also contains agars, carrageenans and fucoidans, which are thought to act as prebiotics. Prebiotics are a type of non-digestible fiber that feed the beneficial bacteria in your gut. The more good bacteria you have in your gut, the less space there is for harmful bacteria to thrive. It May Reduce the Risk of Cancer: The presence of seaweed in your diet may help reduce your risk of developing certain types of cancer. For instance, researchers believe that seaweed may help decrease estrogen levels, potentially reducing women’s risk of developing breast cancer. The soluble fiber found in seaweed may also help protect against the development of colon cancer . What’s more, some studies suggest that a class of compounds found in brown varieties, such as kelp, wakame and kombu, may help prevent the spread of cancerous cells. Other Potential Benefits: Seaweed may offer some additional protection against metabolic syndrome, skin damage, bone disease and rheumatoid arthritis. Is Eating Seaweed Safe?: Eating fresh seaweed is considered to be safe for most people. Consuming it regularly or in high amounts may cause some side effects. Depending on where they’re grown, some varieties of seaweed can contain high levels of mercury, cadmium, lead and arsenic. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the levels of these chemicals and heavy metals in fresh seaweed. However, supplements are not regulated and may contain levels that are detrimental to health. It is important to find a company that you can trust. A High Intake May Interfere With Kidney Function and Blood Thinners: Certain varieties of seaweed may contain high levels of sodium and potassium, which can be harmful to individuals suffering from kidney disease. Seaweed also contains vitamin K, which may interfere with blood-thinning medications. Those taking blood thinners should make sure to check with a doctor before making it a regular part of their diet. Some Are Very High in Iodine and May Interfere With Thyroid Function: While iodine is necessary for proper thyroid function, getting too much iodine can be harmful. Kelp, dulse and kombu are types of seaweed with the tendency to contain very high levels of iodine. For instance, 25 grams of fresh kombu can contain close to 22 times more iodine than the safe daily limit.Therefore, these varieties should not be consumed too often, nor in large quantities. Where to Find Seaweed and How to Eat It: In Cyprus seaweed can be purchased dried from most Asian corner shops, healthfood shops and some supermarkets. In addition to their use for sushi, nori sheets can also easily be used to replace tortilla bread when making wraps. Wakame can be soaked and made into a salad with some avocado, lettuce and pine nuts. I sometimes add it to my pulse dishes which is a good way to make them more nutritious as it releases all those minerals into your food. Dried nori or dulse make for nice savory snacks. Or, try crumbling them over salads to add a dash of umami flavor. Spirulina and chlorella can be added to smoothies, while kelp can be used instead of salt to add flavor to just about anything. Many types of seaweed can also be incorporated into warm dishes, including pulses, soups, stews and baked goods. Get imaginative ! There’s no right or wrong way to go about it. 9/12/2016 0 Comments Amazing Benefits of Berries Delicious and nutritious, berries are among some of the healthiest foods that you can add to your diet, providing a number of health benefits. Here are 11 good reasons to include berries in your diet: 1. Berries Are High in Antioxidants Berries are high in antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, ellagic acid and resveratrol which protect your cells and reduce the risk of disease. The berries which have the highest antioxidant activity next to pomegranates are blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. Several studies have shown that antioxidants in berries may help to reduce oxidative stress, making it an ideal addition especially to an athlete’s diet. A single 300 – 500g portion of berries was found to protect against free radical damage. 2. Berries May Balance Blood Sugar and Improve Insulin Response Berries may balance blood sugar and insulin levels in healthy people and those with insulin resistance. In a six week study, obese, insulin-resistant people who consumed a blueberry smoothie twice per day experienced greater improvements in insulin sensitivity than the group who consumed smoothies without berries. 3. Berries Are High in Fiber Berries are a good source of fiber, including soluble fiber. Soluble fiber slows down the movement of food through your digestive tract, leading to reduced hunger and increased feelings of fullness. This helps to decrease your calorie intake and makes weight-loss easier. Berries are a low sugar, high fiber fruit. In one-cup of berries there are:
4. Berries Provide Many Vitamins and Minerals In addition to being low in sugar and calories, berries are extremely nutritious. Strawberries are high in vitamin C. In fact, one cup of strawberries provides a whopping 150% of the RDI for vitamin C. With the exception of vitamin C, all berries are fairly similar in terms of their vitamin and mineral contents. 5. Berries are Anti-inflammatory Berries have anti-inflammatory qualities which help to decrease to the development of diabetes, heart disease and obesity, among other diseases. They also help to speed up recovery in athletes caused from post-exercise soreness. 6. Berries May Help Lower Cholesterol Levels Berries (especially black raspberries and strawberries) are a heart-healthy food which have been shown to lower cholesterol in obese people and those with metabolic syndrome. When obese people consumed 1.5 ounces (50 grams) of freeze-dried blueberries for eight weeks, their oxidized LDL levels decreased by 28%. 7. Berries for Beautiful Skin Berries may help reduce skin wrinkling. This makes sense, given that the antioxidants in berries help control free radicals, one of the leading causes of skin damage that contributes to skin aging related to sun-damage. 8. Antioxidants in Berries May Protect Against Cancer Several antioxidants in berries, including anthocyanins, ellagic acid and resveratrol, may reduce the risk of cancer (esophagus, mouth, breast and colon). Berries have been shown to reduce markers associated with tumor growth in animals and people with several types of cancer. In one study, 20 patients with colon cancer consumed 2 ounces (60 grams) of freeze-dried raspberries for 1–9 weeks. This treatment was found to improve tumor markers in some patients, although not in all. 9. Berries Keep Your Arteries Healthy In addition to lowering cholesterol, berries provide other benefits for heart health. Berries have been found to improve arterial function in several studies of healthy people, those with metabolic syndrome and smokers Berries make a wonderful, delicious and nutritious addition to your diet. Add them to your smoothie, health bars, healthy oat cookies or muffins, yogurt or snack on them with a handful of almonds. Fresh berries are considered the healthiest, followed by frozen and freeze or sun-dried. Baked commercial berry products are considered processed and hence it is better to avoid them. For most healthy people, it’s perfectly okay to have a snack before bed, yet keep in mind that there is no recipe for an ideal bedtime snack, only some guidelines.
Avoid Junk Foods and Sugary Desserts: Loading up on sugary, processed junk foods like ice-cream or crisps right before isn’t a good idea. These foods are high in unhealthy fats, sugars and salt which trigger cravings and overeating. They make it very easy to exceed your daily calorie needs for the day. Eating before bed doesn’t necessarily make you put on weight, but filling up on high calorie foods certainly can. If you happen to have a sweet tooth, try some low-sugar berries a couple of squares of dark chocolate or if you crave for something salty have a small handful of salty, roasted pistachios, almonds or other nuts or seeds. Combine Protein or Fat With Carbs: If you don’t have any stomach or digestive problems combining complex carbohydrates with protein and a little healthy fat is a good way to do it. Complex carbs such as whole grains, fruits and vegetables provide you with a steady source of energy as you fall asleep. Teaming it up with protein or a small amount of fat can help keep you full through the night and keep your blood sugar stable. Some evidence suggests that eating a carb-rich meal with a high glycemic index before bed can help you fall asleep. The reason for this is that carbohydrates improve the transportation of tryptophan an amino acid, which can be converted into neurotransmitters that help regulate sleep. The same effect you may also receive from tryptophan rich foods such as fish, red meat, poultry and dairy. In other studies a meal rich in fat can improve sleep quality. Some snack ideas include an apple with peanut butter, whole grain crackers and a slice of turkey, or cheese and grapes. Conclusion: eating a carb with protein and fat snack before bed is fine for most people if you haven’t surpassed the amount of calories needed for the day. A definite no, no is eating junk foods and desserts before bed. So the big question. Should you eat before bed ? The answer to whether or not it’s a bad idea to eat before bed really depends on you and your habits. It’s not a good idea to make a habit of snacking on unhealthy foods before bed. It’s also unwise to eat a large portion of your calories during the night. Keeping that in mind, it’s perfectly fine for most people to have a healthy snack before they Zzzzzz. :)) We all know that stress can be hard on the stomach. Remember the last time you felt nervous, I am sure that you had an iffy feeling in your gut.
The truth is that the impact of stress on the stomach goes far beyond indigestion. In recent years, scientists and doctors have discovered a remarkably complex connection between the brain and the digestive system. In fact the entire system is extremely sensitive to our moods. Experts now see stress as a major player in a wide range of digestive problems, including irritable bowel syndrome, indigestion and heartburn. In fact people who are “continually sick” with infections are the ones who have a tendency to suffer from long term low-grade stress. Stress affects the whole body, but it is the immune system that is most affected by chronic low-grade stress. People under chronic low-grade stress had above normal levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), an immune-system protein that promotes inflammation and has been linked with heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, severe infections and certain cancers. It appears that stress increases levels of IL-6, which in turn accelerates a variety of age-related diseases. The Brain and the Digestive System Most of us talk about "gut feelings," but few of us really appreciate the amazingly strong connections between the brain and the digestive system. Did you know that the stomach and intestines actually have more nerve cells than the entire spinal cord, leading some experts to call the digestive system a "mini brain." There is a highway of nerves which runs directly from the real brain to the digestive system, and messages flow in two directions. To make a point; 95 percent of the body's serotonin -- a hormone that helps control mood -- is found in the digestive system, not the brain. Under stress the brain releases a number of hormones that can badly affect the digestive system. One of these hormones is called CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone) which is one of the body’s main alarm bells. In stressful situations, the brain produces CRH which in turn triggers the adrenal glands to start making steroids and adrenaline, chemicals connected to “fight or flight” situations. CRH can diminish your appetite which explains why some people don’t want to eat anything when stressed or it can make you hungry explaining why others turn to foods (usually junk foods) when stressed or upset. As we can see, different people have different responses to stress, yet we can say through observation that short-term stress can cause stomach aches, nausea and diarrhea. In the long-term, prolonged stress can aggravate chronic diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, heartburn and cause stomach ulcers. Healing …. According to a report from the University of North Carolina, as many as 80 percent of people with IBS or another functional gastrointestinal problem never discuss symptoms with a doctor or other health professional… There is no need to suffer in silence. Firstly it is important to get a diagnosis from your doctor so that you can check for any underlying diseases that might explain the symptoms. A doctor can also prescribe medication that will help to get the digestive system back on track temporarily. It is important to go to the root of the problem. Healing in most cases involves a holistic approach which is a combination of healthy eating, (nutrition), exercising regularly, getting enough sleep and relaxation techniques such as power chiyoga, meditation (breathing exercises) and time spent outdoors in nature. When it comes to losing weight and keeping it off it is essential to keep your metabolism high.
There are a number of common lifestyle mistakes that may be slowing down your metabolism. The following eating and lifestyle behaviours slow down your metabolism and make losing weight harder than it should and also makes you prone to future weight gain. 1. Eating Too Little Calories Eating too little calories can cause a major decrease in metabolism. Although a calorie deficit is needed for weight loss, it can be counterproductive for your calorie intake to drop too low. When you dramatically lower your calorie intake, your body senses that food is scarce and lowers the rate at which it burns calories. To ensure optimum weight-loss women can consume around 1,800 calories per day and for men around 2,000 per day. 2. Skimping on Protein Eating enough protein is extremely important for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. Studies have shown that, in addition to helping you feel full, a high protein intake can significantly increase the rate at which your body burns calories. The increase in metabolism that occurs after digestion is called the thermic effect of food (TEF). The thermic effect of protein is much higher than the thermic effects of carbs or fat. Indeed, eating protein has been observed to temporarily increase metabolism by about 20–30%, versus 5–10% for carbs and 3% or less for fat . One study found that people needed to eat at least 0.5 grams of protein per pound (1.2 grams/kg) of their body weight in order to prevent their metabolism from slowing during and after weight loss. 3. Living a Sedentary Lifestyle Living a sedentary lifestyle may lead to a significant decrease in the number of calories you burn every day. Unfortunately, many people have lifestyles that mainly involve sitting at work, which can have negative effects on metabolic rate and overall health. Although working out or playing sports can have a major impact on the number of calories you burn, even basic physical activity such as standing up, cleaning and taking the stairs can help you burn calories. This type of activity is referred to as non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT). One study found that performing a high amount of NEAT regularly could burn up to 2,000 additional calories per day. However, such a dramatic increase is not realistic for most people. Simply taking the stairs or getting up to walk around several times per day can help increase your NEAT and prevent your metabolism from dropping. 4. Not Getting Enough High-Quality Sleep Sleep is extremely important for good health. When you sleep for fewer hours than you may need you increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes and depression. Inadequate sleep also lowers your metabolic rate and increases your Several studies have found that inadequate sleep may also lower your metabolic rate and increase your probability of gaining weight. 5. Drinking Sugary Beverages Sugar-sweetened drinks are the absolute worst beverages for health. A high consumption of soft drinks, juices and other sugary drinks has been linked to all sorts of health problems, including insulin resistance, diabetes and obesity. Most of the negative effects of sugar-sweetened beverages can be attributed to fructose. Table sugar contains 50% fructose, while high-fructose corn syrup contains 55% fructose. Results from a 2012 study suggest that frequently consuming sugar-sweetened beverages may slow down your metabolism and promote fat storage in the belly and liver. 6. A Lack of Resistance Training Adding in some strength training with weights keeps your metabolism from slowing down. Strength training has been shown to increase metabolic rate in healthy people, as well as those who have heart disease or are overweight or obese. Resistance training increases muscle mass, which makes up much of the fat-free mass in your body. Having a higher amount of fat-free mass significantly increases the number of calories you burn at rest. Even 11 minutes per day for three days a week can increase your metabolic rate by 7.4% and burn an extra 125 extra calories per day, on average. Strength training also has anti-aging benefits by reducing muscle loss as you get older. In conclusion engaging in healthy eating and lifestyle behaviours helps to keep your metabolism working at its optimum rate, prevents you from weight gain over time and keeps off the weight that you lost. Protein is a micronutrient that is used to build and repair muscle. One of the roles it plays is in revving fat-burning metabolism and reducing the hunger pangs that can lead to making unhealthy choices by eating products high in sugar and fat like cakes and biscuits.
Protein helps to slow the release of carbohydrates into your bloodstream, which can prevent the sudden spikes in blood sugar that are thought to encourage fat storage and sagging energy levels. So how much protein does one need ? It can vary from physique-minded individuals that should seek out at least 2 g of protein for each 1kg of body weight to maintain and build muscle to 1.2 to 1.8g of protein per kilogram of body weight for endurance athletes such as triathletes, long distance runners and cyclists. For the average sedentary person, the DRI (Dietary Reference Intake) is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, or 0.36 grams per pound. This amounts to: 56 grams per day for the average sedentary man. 46 grams per day for the average sedentary woman. It can be quite daunting trying to figure out which foods to eat to cover your protein needs. Here’s a list of foods to add to your protein-friendly grocery list: 1. Greek Yogurt Protein Power: 23 g per 8 oz. serving ~ You also gain gut friendly probiotics bacteria and bone-building calcium. Note: Plain Greek yogurt can contain up to three times less sugar than flavored types. If you are intolerant to cow’s milk opt for goat’s yogurt which has 7g protein per 8oz serving. 2. Cottage Cheese Protein Power: 14 g per 1/2 cup serving ~ a great bedtime snack to help build muscle. Need to Know: Cottage cheese is known to be high in sodium. Choose a brand that contains less salt. 3. Emmental Cheese or similar types (Swiss Cheese - USA) Protein Power: 8 g per 1 oz. serving Note: If you're concerned about the calorie density of full-fat Swiss, low-fat versions have a protein-to-fat ratio of around 8-to-1, while still providing good flavor. 4. Eggs Protein Power: 6 g per 1 large egg Egg whites are near perfect muscle food. Note: Choose omega-3 eggs, free range and organic eggs. The best eggs are from home chickens roaming around a yard. 5. Whey Protein Protein Power: 24 g per scoop, on average Whey protein is one of the cleanest, fastest-digesting proteins on the market. It’s the perfect addition to any fat-loss or muscle-building diet. Note: Whey protein is extremely anabolic, or good for building muscle, because it’s a particularly rich source of branched chain amino acids, or BCAAs. 6. Yellowfin Tuna Protein Power: 25 g per 3 oz. serving Tuna delivers easily digested, premium-quality protein. You'll also benefit from the healthy amount of B vitamins and the potent antioxidant selenium in its flesh. When possible look for albacore tuna, dolphin friendly tuna. 7. Halibut Protein Power: 23 g per 3 oz. serving This is a great choice as it is also low in fat 2g per 3 oz serving. Need to Know: Pacific halibut is generally considered a more sustainable choice than Atlantic. 8. Octopus Protein Power: 25 g per 3 oz. serving Need to Know: Frozen octopus actually has an advantage over fresh because the subzero process works to help tenderize the meat. Canned octopus might also be an option to use as a salad topping. 9. Sockeye Salmon Protein Power: 23 g per 3 oz. serving Not only does wild salmon like sockeye taste better than its farmed cousin, it also supplies about 25 percent more protein. You’ll also get lots of anti-inflammatory, fat-fighting long-chain omega-3 fatty acids. Need to Know: Look for salmon with the skin still intact, as it provides added flavor during cooking. 10. Light Tuna Protein Power: 22 g per 3 oz. serving Less pricey canned light tuna actually provides a little more protein than more expensive canned white tuna. Need to Know: To save yourself some calories opt for water-packed tuna instead of the oil-packed gift of the sea. 11. Sardines Protein Power: 21 g per 3 oz. serving Sardines are little superfoods of the sea. Packed with minerals, omega-3, protein and vitamin-D which can also boost testosterone production. 12. Navy Beans Protein Power: 20 g per 1 cup serving Beans are a fantastically cheap source of protein, and of the most commonly available canned legumes, navy beans lead the way. Each cup also supplies an impressive 13 g of dietary fiber. 13. Dried Lentils Protein Power: 13 g per 1/4 cup serving 14. Roasted Turkey Breast Protein Power: 18 g per 3 oz. serving Being nearly fat-free, slices of deli turkey are almost pure muscle-making protein. So when it comes to lunch sandwiches, pile it high. Need to Know: Steer clear of flavored turkey and other deli meats to avoid bringing home stuff you don't need more of, like salt, sugar, and lab-made flavorings. 15. Peanut Butter Protein Power: 8 g per 2 tbsp serving Peanut butter delivers more protein than the other trendier butter like almond and cashew. Need to Know: Forget the reduced-fat versions. All they do is replace the healthy fat with not-so-healthy sugar. Choose sugar free versions where possible or with very low sugar content. 16. Mixed Nuts Protein Power: 6 g per 2 oz. serving Peanuts, cashews, almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds make for a crunchy way to add more protein and healthy unsaturated fats to your diet. Need to Know: Choose raw unsalted nuts and seeds. Avoid the salted and roasted. 17. Smoothie Drinks Protein Power: 16 g - 20g per 1 cup serving Add in fruit, a cup of yogurt or some whey protein and you have yourself a refreshing high protein drink. 18. Edamame Protein Power: 8 g per 1/2 cup serving Found in the frozen-food section of most supermarkets, these green soybeans will give your diet a boost of plant protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Need to Know: To upgrade your snack time, prepare shelled frozen edamame according to package directions, then season with fresh lemon juice, a pinch of chili and salt. 19. Green Peas Protein Power: 7 g per 1 cup serving While protein is not abundant in most vegetables, subzero green peas contain enough that you'll want to keep a bag stashed in your freezer at all times. They're also a good source of fiber to help keep cravings for junk food at bay. 20. Wheat Germ Protein Power: 6 g per 1 oz. serving The wheat grain is made up of three components—endosperm, bran, and germ. The germ is the most nutrient-dense part and includes notable amounts of plant-based protein. You can use it to add a protein boost to your oatmeal, pancakes, and even shakes. Need to Know: To preserve freshness, it's best to store wheat germ in the refrigerator or freezer. 21. Soba Noodles Protein Power: 12 g per 3 oz. serving Consider using these buckwheat Japanese-style noodles for your pasta nights since they contain more protein than most wheat-based noodles. Even better, they cook in about half the time as whole-wheat pasta. Need to Know: To remove the excess starch that can make the noodles gummy, it's important to rinse cooked soba after draining. 22. Quinoa Protein Power: 8 g per 1 cup serving This whole grain contains a full arsenal of essential amino acids, meaning that it's a complete protein with muscle-making potential. Need to Know: Toasting quinoa in a dry skillet or saucepan before simmering it in water can enhance its natural nutty flavor. 9/9/2016 0 Comments Herbs to Improve LibidoPeppermint has such a strong reputation that it was forbidden to ancient Greek soldiers in wartime in case it distracted them and reduced their courage ! For centuries Arab men have drunk peppermint tea to stimulate virility. Myrrh is considered in Ayurvedic medicine to be one of the best rejuvenating herbs to slow down the aging process. It is still used today as it was thousands of years ago to restore the female reproductive system, increase energy and to dispel repressed emotions. Peppers, particularly cayenne pepper, increase the “fire” in the body, stimulating energy and enhancing vitality. They have long been used to increase sexual energy and fertility and to prolong life. Rose is a traditional symbol of love, and a tonic to the female reproductive system, used to treat infertility and to enhance sexual desire. In men, roses have been used to treat lack of sexual interest and impotence. In aromatherapy oil of rose is used to treat a wide range of problems associated with the reproductive tract - including emotional problems related to sexuality causing problems such as frigidity and impotence. Cloves are wonderfully stimulating and warming. The lift the spirits, relax tension, increase energy and have a reputation from ancient times for “stirring up lust” when eaten. Rosemary is an excellent tonic, in the past seen as a symbol of love and fidelity. It has rejuvenating action, and its antioxidant properties help to slow the aging process. Ginger is another stimulating and warming spice, increasing energy and vitality and stimulating the circulation. It is used for a variety of menstrual problems, and it is recommended for impotence or lack of sexual energy caused by deficiency of vital warmth in the body. It is taken as an aphrodisiac in many countries of the world. Garlic acts as an invigorating tonic, used in the past in many places as an “elixir of youth”. It imparts energy and vitality and its antioxidant properties help to slow the aging process. It has been widely acclaimed as an aphrodisiac. Cinnamon has been used since the time of the Crusaders in love potions and as an aphrodisiac for both men and women. It is a wonderfully strengthening tonic, increasing the circulation, enhancing energy and vitality and has been used for centuries for frigidity and impotence. Parsley was said to enhance beauty and youthfulness, and it was used in love potions for “unwilling” women for its aphrodisiac powers. It stimulated circulation and increases energy, and makes a very nutritious tonic. There are many different ways that eggs can be cooked, including boiling, poaching, frying, baking and scrambling. One of the main reasons why you should cook eggs is that it makes them safer to eat and also makes some of their nutrients such as the protein and biotin easier to digest. Studies show that the protein in eggs is easier to digest when it’s been cooked. One study found that the human body could use 91% of the protein in cooked eggs, compared to 51% in raw eggs. Eggs are a good source of biotin, which is an important nutrient used in fat and sugar metabolism. It’s also known as vitamin B7, or vitamin H. Avidin a protein in raw eggs binds to biotin making it unavailable for your body to use. When the eggs are cooked the heat causes structural change to avidin, making it less effective at binding to biotin hence making it easier to absorb. On the other hand, high cooking may damage vital nutrients found in eggs such as vitamin A. It is reduced by 17-20%. Cooking eggs by microwaving, boiling and frying reduces the amount of antioxidants the eggs by 6-18%. Shorter cooking times (even at high temperatures) have been shown to retain more nutrients. Eggs baked for 40 minutes may lose up to 61% of their vitamin D, compared to up to 18% when they are fried or boiled for a shorter amount of time. Though cooking may reduce some nutrients in eggs, they are still a very rich source of vitamins and antioxidants. The cholesterol in eggs cooked at high temperatures may become oxidized and produce compounds known as oxysterols. Oxysterols may be a concern for some people, as oxidized cholesterol and oxysterols in the blood have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Five cooking tips to eating healthier eggs:
In conclusion, shorter and lower-heat cooking methods cause less oxidation of cholesterol and help retain most of the nutrients in the eggs. Hence poached and boiled (either hard or soft) eggs may be the healthiest way to eat your eggs. Figs, are truly nature’s mouth watering delicious delights. They are native to the Mediterranean region and still common in traditional dishes from that area. Typically sweet and mild flavored, figs can be eaten whole and raw, yet almost 90% of the world’s fig crop is sold as dried fruit. I much prefer them raw.
Health Benefits
Figs are today’s featured powerfood because, overall, their nutritional value is quite impressive. They have the highest mineral and fiber content of all common fruits, nuts, or vegetables. One serving of figs (fresh or dried) provides 6% of the Daily Value for calcium and iron, and 7% of the Daily Value for potassium. Figs are an excellent source of dietary fiber (1 serving provides 5 grams of fiber — 20% of the Daily Value!). The fruit also is rich in antioxidants, which appear to increase as they ripen. It’s no wonder they’re called “nature’s most nearly perfect fruit.” One of the easiest ways to give your body a super nutritional head start first thing in the morning is by having a smoothie.
Optional add ins: Protein powder (hemp, pea or rice proteins), chia seeds, bee pollen, spirulina, cacao, maca powder, super green powders and more. You choose ! If you are pressed for time, you can prepare smoothie ingredients and keep them in zip lock bags in the freezer. Take them out in the morning to use. Just add liquid. You may also just have the fruit chopped and ready in a container in the fridge from the night before. Smoothie tip: Frozen banana makes for a creamier smoothie. Keep a container of peeled, frozen bananas in the freezer. 1. BARBARA’S CREAMY SESAME APPLE PIE FRAPPE ! Rich in calcium, magnesium and zinc
4. FRUITY YOGURT SMOOTHIE
5. PEACHY COCONUT MANGO
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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
April 2024
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