Showing posts with label benefits. Show all posts
Showing posts with label benefits. Show all posts

Sunday, 24 December 2017

Art Of Kissing And Its Health Benefits



Everyone is infatuated with romantic scenes in movies especially if there are kissing involved. Like in movies, we express our emotions and love through many ways. One way of expressing love is through kissing. Did you know that kissing alone have many health benefits? This article will give you tips on how kissing can improve your over all health.
When people kiss, they actually releasing high level of stress hormones that releases tension. This makes them mentally relax and comfortable. It keeps their mental state peaceful, away from discomfort and problems. It is good to know that kissing activity has both mental and oral benefits.

First, kissing can give you confidence and will improve your self-esteem. It can make you feel good physically, giving you a boost in your confidence level. Kissing is an act that could mean forgiveness, love or appreciation. Its a universal language that can bound attitude and other differences in life. So when people kiss, they become one in many aspects of life.
Second, a kiss can help burn calories. Some experts suggests that the longer you kiss, the more you burn calories. As you know, too much calories can make you gain weight faster. An average 5 minutes kiss is enough to help you lose 3 calories. So if you want to lose weight, focus more on kissing activity.
Kissing is also good for the heart. When people kiss, high levels of adrenalin are activated into the bloodstream which results our hearts to pump more than usual. This are very beneficial to the heart and can avoid many cardiovascular including the dreaded heart attack.
Another benefits is for your skin health. When people kiss, movements take place in the muscles and skin of the facial area. This helps improve blood circulation into the skin which helps making the skin smooth and healthy.
Oral benefits is the most popular benefit. The exchange of saliva during a kissing activity can fuse natural antibiotics. This development can help prevent abdominal infections such as bladder and stomach pains. Kissing can also help increase the production of endorphins in the body. Endorphins are essential nutrients for the proper functioning of our nerve cells, much more powerful than morphine.

Recent study shows that people who often kiss are most likely to live a few more years than those who are not. So remember that kissing passionately has many benefits..

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Tuesday, 5 December 2017

What Are the Benefits of Aloe Vera Drinks?

Aloe has been known for its medicinal properties and over the years, people are discovering its many uses and benefits not only when applied topically but when taken internally as well. The healing properties of Aloe Vera come from the 18 amino acids it contains. Aside from cosmetic use, this medicinal herb can also serve as an alternative treatment for some ailments. There are numerous benefits of aloe vera drink and one is its ability to detoxify the body and help us get rid of free radicals.
Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd number of electrons and can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Why should we worry about them? Their danger comes from the damage they can do when they react with important cellular components like DNA or the cell membrane. When this occurs, cells function poorly or they can die. What do we need to combat free radicals?
To prevent the damage, our body needs antioxidants. Though our body naturally produces antioxidants, sometimes we need more to prevent accelerated aging and prevent cancer. Aloe provides a great antioxidant activity together with Vitamins A, C and E to eliminate free radicals in our body. This is one of the benefits of aloe vera drink that we can take advantage of.

To enjoy the benefits of aloe vera drink, you have to take at least two to four ounces a day. Its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties prevent the onset of certain diseases in the body. It helps boost the immune system thus making us healthier. It provides a sense of well being and energy. Long-time drinkers of the juice swear by its effectiveness and they claim that they never got sick again, not even a cold.
Drinking the juice regularly also promotes a healthier digestive tract. Since it is rich with natural detoxifying elements, it can help our body in having regular bowel movements. Aside from that, it can also help the body in the full absorption of nutrients from the food that we eat. Minimizing the amount of bad bacteria and yeast around our gut is one of the most important benefits of aloe vera drink. It aids in digestion and in improving your circulation because of its ability to detoxify the body and cleans the colon.
Aside from its detoxifying properties, aloe can give us daily does of vitamins and minerals. It contains Vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, E, Folic Acid and Niacin. Did you know that our body cannot produce much and store some of these vitamins? This means that we need to supplement them regularly and plenty of these nutrients can be found in aloe vera juice.
You may not know it but a healthy and glowing skin is one of the many benefits of aloe vera drink. Aloe prevents premature aging because of its ability to repair damaged skin tissues. To enjoy the full benefits, you can also apply aloe externally. There are several gels, creams and lotions available in the market today but make sure you purchase a product that has at least 90% of aloe in it.






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Sunday, 1 October 2017

Benefits of Barley - A Natural Fat Burner


Discover the incredible weight loss benefits of barley, how to best prepare it and how much you should eat to get maximum benefit from barley - one of nature's amazing fat burning foods.

Barley is a chewy, nutty-tasting grain. It looks a lot like wheat berries, only not as dark. You can buy barley in bulk or in individual packages in any kind of grocery store, or in organic or specialty stores. It comes in pearl, flake, and hull forms. Buy barley any time of the year.

Fat Burning Benefits of Barley

Barley is an outstanding food source for dietary fiber, selenium and tryptophan, plus it is a reliable food source for niacin, manganese, copper and phosphorus. At 270 calories per cup, barley is a low-calories food.

The fiber contained in barley is essential for a fat-burning diet. Fiber helps to create bulky stools and speeds up the elimination process of wastes and toxins in the body, plus foods containing fiber quickly make you feel full and satisfied. This enables you to cut back on consumption now, and at future mealtimes. Therefore, the fiber found in barley will curb your craving for food, which will help you to burn off more fat!

Barley contains dietary fiber, which gives your intestines friendly bacteria food to live on; this results in the better digestion of foods and also helps to keep the colon healthy. In addition, these beneficial bacteria produce acids that the liver and muscles require for energy. You can lower your cholesterol with the fiber found in barley. It binds to the bile acids in your digestive tract and eliminates them through your stools. Bile acids help to metabolize the fats that your liver produces from cholesterol. Therefore, eliminating bile acids that are filled with cholesterol and fat is healthy for your heart -- and the rest of your body, too. Fiber also helps to keep your blood sugar stable, a must for diabetics.

A recent study that was published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology indicated that women who eat a lot of fiber-rich foods are much less likely to get gallstones. Barley contains niacin, a vitamin that helps protect the cardiovascular system, due to its ability to lessen both cholesterol and lipoprotein levels. It might also play a role in preventing harmful free radicals from damaging blood vessel walls, and in reducing the aggregation of platelets, which can prevent the blood from clotting.

Barley contains magnesium, a mineral that acts like a reactionary compound in more than 300 different enzymes, and this includes the enzymes in your body that are related to the secretion of glucose and insulin. Barley has magnesium that safeguards against developing type 2 diabetes. Barley provides selenium to combat carcinogens that harm the colon. Barley supplies protein to protect us from the threat of cancer, particularly affecting the liver. Selenium's anti-oxidant properties help to provide protection against cardiovascular disease, and also help in the reduction of asthmatic and arthritic symptoms.

The copper found in barley offers relief from severe rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Copper is also good for strengthening our bones, joints, and blood vessels. Barely contains phosphorus, which is essential for the cells in your body.

Barley is not only beneficial to bones, but its phosphorus content is a necessary substance found in many different nutrients; a substance that is necessary for the health of the body, which includes its production and utilization of energy. Barley contains plant lignans, which help to protect the body from getting breast and other hormone-related types of cancer, plus lignans also protect the heart from getting cardiovascular disease.

Proper Preparation of Barley

When you buy barley in bulk, be certain that the receptacles are covered with a tight lid, and that the store in which you made your purchase sells a good amount of barley; this way, you can be sure you are purchasing fresh barley. Make sure the bin and the inside of the package are completely dry.

Store your barley in a cool, dry location, and in a tightly sealed glass jar, if possible. In the warmer months, barley can be refrigerated.

Before cooking barley, you should rinse it a few times under cold, running water in a pot or strainer so that any dirt or rocks will be removed. When cooking barley, use about one part barley to 3.5 parts liquid. Let the liquid come to a boil, then cover the pot, lower the heat, and let it simmer. Barley cooks slowly, about an hour for pearled barley and 1.5 hours for hulled barley.

Combine barley flour with whole grain wheat to make nutritious breads and muffins or use cracked or flaked barley in your morning bowl of hot cereal.

Enjoy a tasty cold salad made from cooked barley, chopped vegetables, and low fat dressing.

We already know that soups and stews containing barley are always tasty and healthy.

Here are a few ideas: barley posale, a South of the Border dish that includes hot chili peppers for an extra bite, chowder made with barley, a hearty winter vegetable soup made with barley, and Scotch barley soup with herbs.

Serving Size

A typical portion of barley is about 1/2 cup, but when cooking, check the recipe for the recommended amount per serving.



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Sunday, 10 September 2017

Turmeric: Nature's Wonder Drug - Or Not?


Unless you've been living underground, you have likely heard an overwhelming amount of information related to turmeric this past year. Somewhere along the way it was awarded super-spice status and now can be found almost anywhere you look, from supplements, to grocery store products, to even toothpaste!

The benefits of this wonder-spice are mainly anti-inflammatory in nature and for that it has been reported helpful in many diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, depression, and possibly even cancer. In Indian culture they even use it topically to speed wound healing. What can't this spice do?

Recently, however, a report came out saying that we were duped. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has little bioactive activity in the body. The report pointed out few studies showing curcumin itself to have any health benefits, and that in fact the compound often breaks down before it can elicit any sort of positive health impact.1

Oh no! How could we have gone so far astray, especially regarding an ancient spice that has been used for centuries therapeutically in other countries? Is it simply placebo effect.

Let's hold up for just one second. For starters, before we go dumping all our turmeric capsules down the toilet, let's read the article fully. What exactly are they saying?

Pay careful attention to the wording. The author in this article is mainly discussing the inability to successfully create a drug utilizing curcumin. Essentially they are saying we have been unable to isolate this active compound in such a way that has a positive and reproducible effect in the human body. Instead of acting on a target protein as they had hoped, the compound broke down and apparently produced no anti-inflammatory result. The article then goes on to say that we have very few published studies to show any benefits from turmeric, and specifically, curcumin usage, so in their conclusion, the time and money spent on turmeric is worthless.

That is all very interesting, however it is also misleading. First of all, just because they cannot isolate curcumin in a stable form suitable as a drug does not mean that curcumin does not work. The body, as we discover daily, works in mysterious ways. Simply because curcumin does not work on one specific target protein does not mean that it is not producing health benefits by other means.

Secondly, we do in fact have some studies to show beneficial effects. Do a quick search on PubMed and you will see what I mean. Some of these studies use the isolated curcumin, and others use the turmeric whole. Both do have research to show some effectiveness. One study, in fact, showed that turmeric was just as effective as ibuprofen in reducing pain from osteoarthritis.2 That is exciting news if you ask me! In fact there are many studies showing positive outcomes with arthritis patients.

Additionally, there are also many in-vitro and rat studies demonstrating the anti-inflammatory benefits this spice can have. While obviously these results are not always directly relatable or applicable to humans, the take-away is that this compound is very active and holds promise for a wide variety of disease states.

On the whole, based on this one critique, I would not be so fast to discount the powerful effects turmeric can have for our health. Ancient tradition and wisdom aside, there are actually studies showing benefit which should lead us to conclude that turmeric is actually doing something, but maybe not in the precise way we are looking at it currently.

Don't forget that like with most things in nature, compounds work synergistically. Another reason why food, not supplements and fortification, is paramount for health. For example, we know that the phytochemicals in fruit are more powerful when eaten together in the whole food. When we try to isolate specific phytochemicals to make a pill, we find that the compound is unstable and frankly doesn't work. But these compounds DO work when ingested in the right form and combination that nature intended.

All that to say, keep up with your turmeric if you find it to be working for you. Consider eating it in the whole form in cooking rather than isolated pill forms. If you do choose a pill, purchase from a reputable company and even consider purchasing the same forms used in the studies. When using the whole spice for the root, combine it with other foods known to enhance the bioavailability such as fats and black pepper.

The use of spices, and especially turmeric, is a great addition to an overall healthy diet. While important to take into consideration, don't let one detracting article like this completely change your viewpoint just yet.

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Wednesday, 26 July 2017

Grass Fed Beef Versus Grain Fed Beef


The recent growing popularity of organic products has sparked a debate about grass-fed beef benefits versus the price you pay for it. Is the 2 - 3x supermarket price markup worth it? The bigger issue is more likely the overall health benefits of eating grass fed beef over the conventional grain or corn fed beef. This article will discuss the differences in how the grass fed and grain fed meats are created, processed and ultimately affect your health.

Definition

How cattle are raised will determine the quality and specific makeup of the meat. There are three phases to the process:

Phase 1. This is the infant stage - the calf is born, consumes only milk from its mother and eventually eats grass for the first time in a pasture at 7 - 9 months of age.

Phase 2. This stage is where the type of feeding methods change in the process. This phase will last from the end of phase 1 to just before the slaughter to yield the meat. grass fed beef eat grass from the ground while grain fed will eat a variety or different grains in a lot of cases in an enclosed environment.

Phase 3. This finishing stage is just before harvest which involves rapid growth. Some producers will use grain at this stage even though the cattle have been fed exclusively grass up to this point. This is the time when the cattle increase in weight faster than any other time frame. How they are fed will drastically change the finished product in both weight and quality of meat.

Your local supermarket or butcher shop will offer four types of meat which will vary in exposure to grain.

1. Veal - this is calf meat from phase 1 above. It has never been fed grain and will be predominantly males as they do not produce milk so are of lower value as adults.

2. Organic or 100% grass fed - cattle that have spent their whole lives in a pasture.

3. Initially grass fed beef but finished in phase 3 with grain.

4. Grain fed beef that have been raised in the conventional manner and have not eaten grass in a pasture at all.

This list (not surprisingly) is also in order of most expensive to least expensive.

The Benefits

Unfortunately the research on this topic is fairly limited as it is not a really popular concern to the public. With limited data, we will compare only the two extremes - 100% grass fed and 100% grain fed beef.

One research group did a comparison of grass fed and grain fed beef using samples from different farms in the continental USA. Having samples collected in this way takes into account the different regions of the country with differing quality of both grass and grains as feed. The meat tested is the same beef that you would find in a supermarket. All of the farms are the suppliers of meat to the local grocery stores, restaurants, burger joints, etc.

The results were not overly surprising - the nutrient profiles of the two types were very similar.

- the fat in grass fed meat is a darker yellow color possibly due to larger amounts of vitamin A and carotenoids

- slightly less marbling (lines of fat in the meat) in grain fed which makes it a little leaner

- a little less unsaturated fats but more omega-3's and saturated fats in grain fed beef (but not by very much)

- the ratio of omega-6 fats to omega-3 fats is much lower in grain fed beef at 2.45 compared to 9.6 for grass fed meat. Omega fats are known to have anti-inflammatory properties so the high ratio is much better.

There was a different study that looked at the effect of using grain in the last two months of cattle development. The findings showed that the longer grain was used, the more saturated fats were produced. This is the opposite of the previous research. The other results were the same.

Overall, the findings make the two types of meat very similar with only omega fats being better in grass fed beef.

Human Benefits

We have taken a look at the research involving the meat itself but what about feeding it to humans and seeing the result? Another group did a 4 week test where they fed two groups of people beef that was either grass fed or grain fed in the final phase of growth. The subjects underwent blood analysis which showed the grass fed beef group had significantly better levels of omega-3 fats, lower omega-6/omega-3 fat ratio and higher levels of DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). DHA is a fish fatty acid that has been shown in research to improve memory and slow the progress of Alzheimer's disease.

Based on these findings, anyone who does not eat very much fish to obtain DHA would benefit from grass fed beef to obtain it, even if the amount is not as significant.

Commercial grain fed beef is notorious for containing antibiotics and artificial hormones as the cattle are treated in captivity. Grass fed beef would help lower the risk of exposure. Testing in this area is quite limited so some of it is speculation.

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Sunday, 23 July 2017

What You Need To Know About Fish Oil


Fish oil is a type of fatty acid that is derived from the tissues of oily fish. It contains omega-3 fatty acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). If you can't access the fish oil, there are plenty of supplements in the market that you can take.

Benefits of fish oil

There are plenty of advantages that come with taking the oil. Some of these advantages include:

Cholesterol control: Cholesterol levels in your body are not only essential for the health of your heart, but they are also important to your entire body. Experts show that taking 3-6 grams of fish oil every day aids in promoting a healthy balance of high-density lipoproteins and low-density lipoproteins. The oil has also been found to promote healthy levels of triacylglycerol concentrations in the body.

To support healthy cholesterol levels, you should support the intake of the oil by taking diets rich in fresh fruits and vegetables.

Bone support: Bone support is important to women, especially those entering the menopausal years. As you get older as a woman, there aren't the standard progesterone and estrogen hormone levels, and this provokes the bones to begin thinning. Studies show that oil from fish promotes bone health thus you don't lose as much calcium as you should.

To get the most from taking fish oil, you should maintain a good balance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Remember that taking more too much or too little of each would put your bones at even more risk.

Mood support: Do you struggle with anxiety and depression? Consumption of this oil has been attributed with increased mood and positivity in life. According to scientists, when you consume fish oil you increase serotonin levels in the body. As you know, serotonin is a "feel-good" hormone thus you feel good about yourself. To get the most from this hormone, you should take oil of fish after eating a carbohydrate-heavy meal.

Tips to consider when using fish oil

While many companies are selling the supplements both online and offline, not all are reputable. To be confident that you are buying a genuine product, buy the oil from a renowned company. In addition to buying from a reputable company, you should also ensure that you take the oil correctly.

The AHA recommends that you take up to 3 grams of fish oil every day. Taking high doses is often accompanied by side effects that include: fishy breath, fishy taste in the mouth, loose stools, nausea, and stomach upset. You also have increased the risk of bleeding.

If you want to take high doses of the supplement, you should talk to your doctor first who will come up with a plan on how you can safely take the supplements without developing the side effects. Some people have high triglyceride levels, if you are one of the people, you should speak to your doctor before you start taking the supplements.

Conclusion

This is what you need to know about this oil. To get the most from the supplements, buy them from a reputable company. You also should take them correctly.

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Tuesday, 9 May 2017

Benefits Of Turmeric For Skin And More


In India, you can't imagine a curry without turmeric in it. Then again, it's but now that individuals are acknowledging that turmeric has various superb powers and is much more than a spice which can be relegated to a corner on your home. Turmeric is packed with loads of benefits and nowadays, scientists are furthermore substantiating this fact with research to prove it.

Turmeric is a miracle product that has obtained fame in modern times though in India, people have been using it right from medieval times. At present, turmeric is one spice which will normally be found in each and every Indian kitchen and is used to add flavor to curries and stir fries. However its skin benefits are more notable as turmeric is famous for its germ killing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Beauticians throughout the globe are waking up to the wonderful benefits of turmeric and it's also getting incorporated in beauty products. What is wonderful about turmeric is that it's easily accessible and you can use it in numerous ways using ingredients that are accessible right in your own house.

If you are able to find 100 % pure turmeric powder, you can use it in numerous ways to add shine to your skin.

Turmeric helps you reduce pigmentation on your face and smooth out your skin tone. It can be quickly done at home. Combine a small turmeric with cucumber or lemon juice and apply to your face. Leave it for some time and rinse off. A one-time application could be of little help and only frequent use will give a soft glow to your face.

Troubled with pimple? Whether it is for you or your teenager, turmeric is a beauty ingredient that is safe and yet offers good results. Turmeric combined with sandalwood powder and a little water, and applied to the face can considerably lessen the appearance of acne. It's undoubtedly an inexpensive substitute to all those creams and gels that are typically not as powerful as desired or they claim.
Here is an excellent idea for an all over body scrub. Mix some turmeric with gram flour and water and use it to scrub all over your body before your shower. Performing this often will indeed help you get a glowing skin. Ask any bride in India and she will say that this is the beauty regimen that they dutifully stick to days prior to their wedding ceremony to get a spotless skin.

One problem that usually besets pregnant women is the physical appearance of stretch marks on their tummy. In case you've wondered exactly how stretch marks can be avoided, consider applying a combination of turmeric with yoghurt to the belly and then it wash off after five minutes. If you continue this regularly, it will help in maintaining the elasticity of the skin and avoid stretch marks.

Turmeric has also been called the super product as a result of its power to attack free radicals. This excellent anti-oxidant is recognized to help prevent various disorders as well as cancer. In fact, turmeric is one of the best known remedies used to reduce the restoration time of various skin conditions that are caused by chicken pox etc. Turmeric helps in reducing skin rashes as well.

For those who want to reduce the hair growth on their face, turmeric once again comes to the rescue. Regular washing with turmeric minimizes facial hair growth significantly.
Grandmas in India often prefer to apply a paste of turmeric to small cuts, bruises and bumps as it lessens the inflammation just as an ice pack would do, without the discomfort. Turmeric's numerous antiseptic properties are great for using it for minor cuts, injuries and abrasions and it assists in quickening the healing process.

If you have by accident burnt your hand in the kitchen, here's an easy remedy to ease the burn. Blend a teaspoon of turmeric with some aloe gel and apply to the burn.
Up to now, we've study about the cosmetic results of turmeric for the skin. However did you know that turmeric is a wonderful natural way to combat that cough that has been bothering you for so many nights? Lose those expectorants and just blend a spoonful of turmeric in warm milk and drink it down. The hot milk eases the throat and the turmeric combats infection in the throat.

Turmeric helps lessening gum infections as well! Apply a mixture of turmeric, rock salt and mustard oil to the afflicted area around two to three times a day. Comply with this by cleansing your mouth with a little warm water.

Feeling listless and tired? If you suspect you have anemia, then a teaspoon of turmeric powder blended with honey, taken every day can help in countering anemia.
Turmeric powder mixed with water is also recognized to help diarrhea.

Just before you get started with any cosmetic or skin related remedies with turmeric, do create a note that it can stain the skin a light yellow. It's an excellent idea to use it at night and then bathe off with water and a gentle facial cleanser in the morning.

As you have likely understood by now, turmeric is not just excellent for applying on the skin but has a host of fantastic benefits if you ingest it as well. It's a sharp and pungent spice and no Indian food is complete without it. Try including it to your food while cooking and while it could give off a yellow touch, bear in mind all the wonderful benefits you will have. Of course, the amount of turmeric used in meals is rather minimal but it's a good food habit.

Numerous scientific findings regarding turmeric also reveal that it can definitely prevent leukemia by safeguarding DNA from dangerous toxins. Turmeric is also known to minimize the ill results of processed foods and also smoking. Among the active compounds of turmeric, Curcumin, is held responsible for a lot of this benefit.



Friday, 17 March 2017

Why Is Exercising In The Morning The Best Time?


There are several benefits when exercising in the morning in contrast to other times of the day. If this sounds surprising consider the time factor. We are getting more done and performance in general is better in the morning than at other times of the day. Getting the most benefits from an effective exercise program it has to become a pattern or routine, and the best time is in the morning. If you schedule your exercise later in the day, invariable, there will be something competing for that time, and you will miss out on that exercise.

Set aside those half n hour to 60 minutes for whatever exercise you may do in the morning. It will become such a routine that you can hardly do without it once it is in your system; even your breakfast will taste better afterwards. Another disadvantage of exercising late in the day or at night is it tends to rev up your system when its time for your body to relax, winding down and preparing for bed and a good night's sleep. This question often gets asked: What type of exercise is best? This can vary; it depends on what your objectives are. For sport purpose you would choose a different exercise than anyone who wants to improve his overall fitness or to overcome some health issues.

The best exercise and equipment!

When people are looking which exercise machine to buy, the best one is with four legs: A dog! A dog will remind and even force you to walk it every day which makes two positives: The dog is happy and pays you back with affection, and "You" will become fit and healthy. For a gradual exercise program to build a stronger body and overcome some health problems there is no better than walking. With 30 to 60 minutes brisk walking early in the morning you get better results than at any other time during the day. For some staying motivated is difficult. It can help to do this together with a friend or in a group where you feel more committed, this way it's not as easy to make excuses and to say no. Some other crucial element in exercising is enjoyment; having to force you into this exercise every time will soon lead to abandonment. Make sure to wear the appropriate footwear as walking can put pressure on your feet which can cause pain and become uncomfortable. Most cities have walking paths to keep away from traffic, or choose walking through park land or grass areas. Walking on grass if possible is better; it cushions and absorbs the impact on your joints and ligaments, this especially applies when you are jogging.

Long extended exercise is not always better for your health!

Long cardio sessions of exercise may not benefit your health; it could have just the opposite effect. By having or staying on for long periods such as marathons can pose a significant risk and damage to your heart. Long distance running can cause acute overload and stress to your body, but the heart is usually the most affected and sudden cardiac arrest is possible. According to research a more effective and safer exercise is high intensity interval training, in a time frame from 30 to 40 minutes, which consists of short bursts of intense exertion. Give your body a rest period after intense training and between workouts. It is also recommended a diet high in nutrients and a good amount of fluid intake, the best is water. Good exercise should consist of a balanced program. Just jumping on to a treadmill or exercise bike at a gym will not give you this level of fitness or health benefits.

It will make all the difference in your life being fit, flexible, no pain and feeling strong. With regular exercise you will be reaping the rewards and feel better than you ever did before. For a mere few hours a week of putting in some effort you get the benefits of regaining the energy you need, being able to do anything in life you want to do. In the morning combine the two most crucial strategies together: Exercise and a good breakfast. They say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Having these two in that order, exercise and a healthy, protein-rich breakfast is the best start for the day and for taking control of your health.



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Saturday, 4 March 2017

Some Benefits of Practicing Yoga


The benefits of yoga vary depending on the type of yoga practiced. Although many forms of yoga practice are safe, some are strenuous and may not be appropriate for everyone. With easier movements performed at a slower pace than more advanced forms of yoga, hatha yoga is perfect for beginners seeking the benefits of yoga. There are many styles of yoga asana practice including Ashtanga, Integral, Iyengar, Kundalini and Bikram.

Hatha is one of the most common styles of yoga, and some beginners find it easier to practice because of its slower pace and easier movements. Hatha yoga is one of most popular forms of yoga poses all over the world.

The Health Benefits And Medical Uses Of Yoga

The benefits of yoga extend far beyond the typical benefits of which people are aware of. Perhaps the physical health component of yoga is secondary for you and you are looking more for the spiritual health benefits. Most women are not aware of the health benefits of yoga to increase fertility. The health benefits of yoga are innumerable and so are the benefits for the mental, emotional and spiritual self. Yoga is ideal for anyone wishing to get health conscious as it addresses all areas of health, both physical and mental. Many people are still unaware of all the great benefits of practicing yoga as a way to better their health.

The Regular Practice Of Yoga Asanas

Practicing yoga is about creating balance in the body by developing both strength and flexibility. There are five key areas where you benefit when doing yoga, and each of them improves your overall well-being. As your self-awareness increases, you will become more aware of your body, taking better care of it. Most sports build muscular strength and stamina, often in specific areas of the body. One of the many joys of advancing in a yoga practice is the ability to tackle more challenging poses. The regular practice of yoga does show a benefit towards increasing lung capacity, although it is tough to say whether the improvement is completely credited to yoga.

Yoga Cultivates Mind And Body Awareness

Yoga teaches you to become more self aware of how your mind and body are connected and what it feels like to be still and calm. Yoga will have a profound effect not only on the functions of your body, but also on the functions of your mind. After doing an hour of yoga exercise, you will tend to feel more settled and clear, as it is extremely beneficial to the mind, body, and spirit. Yoga brings the body and mind together, and many of the poses help to sharpen the mind and improve concentration skills. Once your body is relaxed and your mind is calm, all energies are focused on the Third Eye, the inner sanctuary located between the eyebrows. Yoga means to join together, so the principle is to join the body, mind and soul together.

The Effectiveness Of Yoga In Reducing Physical Issues

Yoga has been shown to be safe and help improve sleep and quality of life in a group of older adults with insomnia. Yoga is one of the most helpful things you can do for arthritis. Yoga will help you fall asleep sooner and improve the quality of your sleep. Having too many stress factors in life can lead to some mental illnesses, the main one being depression. When stress takes over your life yoga can help you relax and feel better. Practicing yoga as a family has been shown to reduce stress, reduce anxiety, and lead to healthier lives because of it.

The Role Of Yoga Breathing

The practice of pranayama (focused breathing) with simple postures is highly useful in controlling asthma. The practice of yoga involves stretching the body and forming different poses, while keeping breathing slow and controlled. One can remain content practicing simple yoga postures, breathing exercises and meditation techniques after learning them from a qualified teacher and enjoy whatever good that may come out of them. The breathing techniques, which are central to yoga, are called pranayamas. This practice of a combination of meditation, poses, and breathing techniques will help you achieve deep relaxation and mindfulness. The true goal of yoga, which involves not only physical postures, but also chanting (if you want), breathing and meditation, is to attain enlightenment.

A Helpful Treatment For Back Pain

Practicing yoga can provide chronic pain sufferers with useful tools to actively cope with their pain and help counter feelings of helplessness and depression. Back pain can be classified anatomically as upper, lower and middle back pain. Yoga poses vary from balancing, strengthening, twisting, back bending, and inverting. Chronic pain sufferers will be able to counter feelings of depression and helplessness and actively manage their pain by practicing yoga regularly. Yoga helps ease back pain by strengthening and stretching the muscles that support the spine. No kind of pain or nausea should be felt during or after yoga.

Yoga Works Different Muscles And Joints Of Your Body

The postures work every part of your body down to a cellular level flushing toxins out of your system. Yoga helps loosen and lengthen all the muscles of the body, to reverse the muscle tightness caused by running, and to make your body more flexible and stable. All of the organs of the body, including the glandular and endocrine organs, are massaged and guided back to functioning normally. One of the two control centers of the body is the nervous system, with the other being the endocrine, also known as glandular, system. To reshape and change your body safely, you have to heat it up because a warm body is a flexible body. The warm temperatures and practice of poses can make your body feel looser and more flexible than normal, which can make it easier to pull a muscle.

Get Rid Of A Stressed Life Full Of Tension

After an intense yoga session, you could feel a very high, euphoric happy feeling. Incorporating soft movements and tactile sensation, the practice has proven beneficial for people old and young.

The Flow Of Blood

Increasing the circulation of your blood increases helps with relieving you of muscle pain and making you feel fresh and energized. Yoga enhances blood circulation, which in turn, helps the various parts of body get oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood. When the twist is released, fresh blood is allowed to flow back in. When you turn upside down, you are increasing the blood flow to your brain. Yoga may be able to improve blood flow to the head, which further stimulates the vessels leading to the brain.

Blood Pressure And Heart Rate

Regular yoga practice can help your cardiovascular activity which will help get you in shape and help your blood sugar and blood pressure improve substantially. Although regular practice of Yoga has been linked to reduced blood pressure, it would be too early to say that you can go without medication after starting it. Fasting blood sugar in people without diabetes is usually below 120. High blood pressure is one of the most prevailing ailments in the world right now which is affecting people of all ages. Yoga has the ability to lower blood sugar levels when practiced on a regular basis as it helps reduce your stress levels.

A Doctor Or Other Appropriate Health Care Professional

You cannot buy good health but you can buy good health information. As with all physical activity, be sure to consult your doctor before beginning yoga or any new form of exercise. Depending on your age and health, you may not be able to do the poses the way others can. By attending practices for improving, regaining or retaining general good health, a person is likely to find that some of his more specific difficulties tend to disappear. With regular and diligent practice, you can improve your condition greatly.

Did You Know?

Teens taking yoga classes had better scores on several of the psychological tests. Many of the healing effects of yoga is clinically verified. Yoga meditation benefits both the experienced and the novice alike.

This is a small summary of the benefits of yoga. You might be able to come up with more.


And Get Tips For Practicing Yoga to Burn Belly Fat



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Saturday, 18 February 2017

Top 5 Benefits of Chewing Gum


History tells us that chewing gum has been a favorite pastime of people for thousands of years. In fact, the Greeks used to chew masticha, their version of the gum, made out of the resin from the mastic tree. The Mayans also made use of the sap of the sapodilla tree and made their own gum. But it was only in 1871 that a man named Thomas Adams patented a machine that produces the chewing gum we know today.
So why exactly do we chew gum, apart from the fact that it gives us something to do when we are bored? What benefits do we derive from chewing on gum? Here are 5 ways chewing gum can help you:
1. Chewing gum helps you manage your weight
A standard gum contains about 5 to 10 calories per serving. This is really low compared to other popular snack choices. Popping a piece of gum keeps you occupied and will thus stop you from eating food with higher calorie content. It suppresses your appetite, so that by the time you finish chewing, you will not be as hungry as you were before you opened a pack of gum.
2. It is a great stress reliever
Have you ever been stuck in heavy traffic? Have you ever experienced being in a ridiculously long line in a grocery store? Sometimes, in these situations, people get stressed simply because they are not doing anything except to wait for their turn. They begin to worry about the time they are wasting; they become very edgy and unable to keep still.
When you find yourself in a similar situation, chew a piece of gum and you will realize that you are chewing your worries away. This is because chewing is a physical activity where you are able to channel your frustrations.
3. It encourages you to focus
Often, athletes and soldiers are given gum to help improve their concentration and stay in the game. Also, various studies point out that gum improves memory. Those who continuously chewed gum throughout a battery of memory tests scored better than the non-gum eaters. This is why students are encouraged to chew gum whenever they are studying or taking their exams.
4. It is a great travel aid
Those who are not habitual plane travelers can find relief from ear irritation in the form of chewing gum. This is because the effects of changing air pressure are dampened by chewing gum. Also, a number of people say that chewing game reduces episodes of motion sickness.
5. It can be customized to suit various needs
Because chewing gum is a versatile product, it can made in such a way that it caters to the different needs of consumers. For instance, there are chewing gums with caffeine, so as to prevent drowsiness and give a jolt of energy to those who need it. There are also chewing gum substitutes for smoking, flavored with nicotine to help wean smokers from their nasty and self-destructive habit. Sugarless gum is also widely available, helping those with diabetes get their daily sweet fix without the guilt.

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Monday, 9 January 2017

Energize and Enjoy With Nettle


Winter is my season. I love the snow and the cold; I crave the deep and nourishing dark; I delight when the sun makes rainbows in the snow. The holidays grant us all permission to glitter and shine, to be golden and glowing, to twinkle like a star and smile at strangers; and that is nourishing to my soul.
But winter isn't for everyone. For some, winter is a time of sadness and exhaustion. The reduced hours of daylight can bring the doldrums. Too much permission to drink alcohol and eat refined sugars can leave one feeling less than lively, even leaden.
There are numerous remedies for those who wish spring were around the corner, but the two I like best are St. Joan's wort and stinging nettle.
St. Joan's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is also known as St. John's wort. But since it is a plant associated with fire, I figure St. Joan is the better name. No matter what you call it, this yellow-flowered plant is a real sun-lover. It soaks up as much sun as it can all summer, even stretching itself horizontal to catch those rays. And it stores that laughing sunshine in its leaves and flowers, which I harvest in the heat of July and tincture. You don't have to make your own, of course, you can buy it. Just be sure to get a tincture made with fresh plants, not dried ones.
I imbibe St. Joan's wort's sunny disposition by taking a dropperful in a little water or tea as often as every hour, or as needed, to chase the blues. Though the popular press seems confused by the studies, scientific medicine is convinced: St. Joan's wort is as effective in altering mood, even for those severely depressed, as the most commonly-used drugs. And even high doses of the tincture are without side-effects.

Do be careful, as capsules and tablets may increase skin sensitivity and interfere with the effectiveness of drugs you may be taking. For safety's sake, I use only Hypericum tincture, no other form.
Since St. Joan's wort is a powerful antiviral as well, it does double duty. Taking several dropperfuls a day can drastically reduce the number and severity of colds and flu episodes. And that makes everyone happy, as well as healthy.



  Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a common weed throughout much of the world. The dried herb makes a nourishing herbal infusion that packs more energy per cup than any stimulant, and without the downside of caffeine or stimulating herbs like cayenne and ginger. Tired teenagers, sleep-deprived new moms, stressed executives, wakeful menopausal gals, and wise women of all ages depend on stinging nettle to restore mood, replenish energy, and guarantee sound sleep.
Nettle is amazingly rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, especially the critical trace minerals: anti-cancer selenium, immune-enhancing sulphur, memory-enhancing zinc, diabetes-chasing chromium, and bone-building boron. A quart of nettle infusion contains more than 1000 milligrams of calcium, 15000 IU of vitamin A, 760 milligrams of vitamin K, 10% protein, and lavish amounts of most B vitamins.
There is no denser nutrition found in any plant, not even bluegreen algae; and nettle is much more reasonably priced than any supplement, especially if you buy more than an ounce or two at a time.
But we must consume lots of nettle to get this power-packed nutrition. I infuse a full ounce dried nettle in a quart of water to make a brew that nourishes my ability to think and supports my desire to work. Infusing nettle maximizes its energy-enhancing effects too. Teas, tinctures and capsules of nettle contain too little herb to make a difference in vim and vigor. To experience the miracle of nettle, you'll need to take the time to make a real infusion.
A student writes: "After drinking a quart of nettle infusion daily for only four days, I now have more energy then my toddler! Now, when he goes to sleep, I get some time to myself, instead of falling asleep with him. I can't thank you enough for the gift of nettle."
Nettle builds energy from the inside out by nourishing the adrenals, which I think of as "energy central." Nettle smoothly and persistently carries optimum nourishment to every cell in the body, and brings a smile to your face. Because the minerals in nettle infusion are polarized to the blood, they are literally magnetized into the blood stream without needing to be digested. Drinking a glass of cold nettle infusion pumps so much nourishment into the blood you'll feel invigorated in just a few days.
Regular use of stinging nettle (I drink 2-3 quarts a week) not only increases energy, it brings a shine and swing to the hair, strengthens fingernails, clears and firms skin, restores elasticity to blood vessels, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, counters incontinence, improves digestion, reduces cancer risk, and strengthens the lungs.
Another student writes: "My doctor is astonished. He insisted that I had to take drugs to deal with my severe osteoporosis. Instead, I drank two quarts of nettle infusion a week for several years. According to my latest bone scan, I now - at the age of 67 - have the bone mass of a woman half my age. Ha, ha, ha! With nettle, I get the last laugh on modern medicine."

To make a nettle infusion: Measure out one ounce of the dried herb. Boil a quart of water. Put the dried herb into a quart jar and fill to the top with the boiling water. Stir with a wooden spoon and add water until the jar is full to the top. Lid tightly and set aside to brew for at least four hours, or overnight, whichever is easier for you.
To use: Strain and squeeze the liquid out of the herb. Be sure to refrigerate your infusion, as it will go bad at room temperature once it is done brewing. (If that happens, I use it as plant food. And you should see how my roses adore it!)
Nettle infusion is delicious over ice. Its rich green taste is not at its best when served hot. Adding honey can make it taste quite strange. Some folks like to add a little apple juice to sweeten it. Or stir in some miso, for a salty drink. However you consume it, do drink it up within a few days, as nettle infusion doesn't last.
Green blessings surround us, even in the middle of winter.
Legal Disclaimer: This content is not intended to replace conventional medical treatment. Any suggestions made and all herbs listed are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, condition or symptom. Personal directions and use should be provided by a clinical herbalist or other qualified healthcare practitioner with a specific formula for you. All material on this website/email is provided for general information purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Contact a reputable healthcare practitioner if you are in need of medical care. Exercise self-empowerment by seeking a second opinion.

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Thursday, 29 December 2016

Benefits of Using the Slow Cooker



The slow cooker or crock pot has become one of the most useful appliances in the kitchen for every family. The slow cooker has gained much popularity due to the many benefits of using it. The slow cooker can help to prepare a great variety of delicious food. There are many slow cooker recipes widely available to provide more choices of the types of dishes you can prepare using the slow cooker. By simply following the recipes, you can cook many types of delicious meals for your family everyday.
The best benefit of using the slow cooker for cooking is that the dishes it prepares are nutritious. This is because mainly fresh, wholesome ingredients are used in the cooking. The ingredients are cooked at a low temperature for a long period of time, thus they become extremely tender and delicious. As there is little evaporation, the food will not dry out. The natural juices from the meats and vegetables are retained in the pot, thus, the cooked food are nutritious as well as tasty. Hence, if you are looking for healthy food, using the slow cooker to cook your meals is a way to attain it.

Although using the gas stove, electric burner or grill are fast and efficient methods to do cooking, these methods require attention and supervision. For example, if a piece of meat is left unattended on a hot grill, it will become charred. If stirring is not done regularly while simmering tomato sauce in a pot, sticking and burning will occur at the bottom of the pot. Similarly, if a tray of butter cookies is placed in a heated oven, the cookies will blacken if they are not removed on time. Hence, we see that although these methods are fast but they require monitoring and the food items need to be stirred, flipped or turned. The advantage of the slow cooker is that it is able to do the cooking without any human intervention. The cooker takes the heat and indirectly applies it to the food so that the food cooked slowly and evenly. As the slow cooker uses low heat, the food is not burned without stirring.
Due to the fact that slow cookers are safe, easy to use, and require no attention while cooking, people who use it save much time and effort in cooking their meals. Nowadays, many working adults avoid cooking because they are either too tired after a long day of work, or they have no time to do so. The slow cooker provides them with the convenience of being able to work and still can enjoy eating home-cooked food without having to spend time in the cooking process. In the morning before leaving for work, they can easily place all the food ingredients in the slow cooker and set it on low. By the time they come back from work in the evening, a tasty, nutritious, home-cooked dish will be ready for them. They can choose to add a salad or whole-grain bread to the dish and it will form a complete meal. Thus, by using the slow cooker, people can spend their time at work, in school or anywhere enjoying some recreation, and still have the opportunity to eat nutritious food.


                               



During hot weather, when using the stove and oven for cooking may increase the heat in the surroundings, the slow cooker provides a good alternative. Furthermore, the slow cooker is an economical appliance to use for cooking. It uses as little electricity as a 75-watt light bulb and substantially less energy as compared to an electric oven.
As you can see from the above, crock pot cooking has many benefits. If you wish to enjoy fully the advantages of slow cooker cooking, it is best to equip yourself with a book of slow cooker recipes. It can provide you with a great variety of ideas so that you can prepare delicious and sumptuous meals everyday.
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