Good Health and Longer Life Span

Cultivating healthy eating habits strengthens your body's resolve against diseases. Fruits and vegetables are the ultimate sources of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals which our body needs to function properly. These antioxidant-rich foods help fight the damaging effects of free radicals. By eating less fat and sugary foods, you are essentially reducing the risks of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and other chronic disorders.

Glowing Appearance
This is another tried and tested advantage brought about by healthy eating. People who eat more fruits and vegetables on a daily basis almost always exude that vibrant, youthful look. The secret is simply eating high antioxidant fruits and vegetables, along with foods rich in vitamins and minerals, and lots of water. Proper nutrition and hydration are the keys to healthy, younger-looking skin.
Positive Outlook in Life
Depression can be attributed to poor diet. Eating foods rich in B vitamins helps counter the blues. A happy disposition is the culmination of a healthy diet and a regular exercise program. The more you engage yourself in living a healthy lifestyle, the better it is for your emotional well-being. Nothing beats a well-nourished and active body, alongside good sleep and youthful appearance, to make you feel good about yourself. At the end of the day, happy people are healthy people.

Kate Trillin is a freelance writer who specialises in proper nutrition, healthy eating, and healthy living. She has been an avid health enthusiast for the past 5 years, and has recently ventured into the world of online publishing in an effort to reach a wider audience. Her writing focuses on providing useful tips and information on the benefits of healthy eating and healthy lifestyle. 



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Vegetarians Should Take Fax Seed As A Fatty Acid Supplement

It is very important to get enough essential fatty acids at they definitely affect your physical and mental healthy. Many people find taking fish oil supplements is a good way to ensure they get all the fatty acids they need. However, most vegetarians don't want to use fish oil. A great alternative for them is flax seed. It is a great supplement for the Omega 3 fatty acids yet it is derived from a plant.

Flax seed oil contains ALA that is broken down into EPA and DHA. These are the three essential fatty acids also found in fish oil. Most diabetics and schizophrenics find that they are not able to convert ALA into EPA and DHA. If you suffer from such ailments then you will also need to take DHA and EPA supplements as well.

There are several ways to add flax seed to a vegetarian diet. Raw flax seed offers the best option because in addition to the fatty acids it offers Lignan, Mucilage, vitamins, and minerals. These types of essential fatty acids are broken down when you cook, causing it to contain less Lignan and Mucilage. You can consume raw flax seed by grinding it and sprinkling it on cereal or salads. Some people enjoy it in smoothies, or adding it to water and then drinking it. If you choose this method then drink it quickly or the Mucilage will solidify in the water. It is also a good idea to take flax seed oil supplements.

Vegetarians will find flex seeds offer many benefits to their health. They can reduce the chances of heart disease, lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol levels, assist with depression, and reduce the effects of Attention Deficit Disorder. Lignan is a known antioxidant and it also contains properties that can help prevent cancer. Mucilage offers a natural laxative as well as a way to remove toxins from the body.

Adding raw flax seed and flax seed supplements to your vegetarian diet, you will get all the essential fatty acids you need. Remember that this is not true of vegetarians who also have diabetes or schizophrenia. Flax seed is a great alternative to fish oil for those who want to stick to their vegetarian regiment.


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11 Signs Your Body Needs More Magnesium

Anxiety: 7 Foods to Reduce Your Anxiety

Anxiety & Food

Foods that reduce anxiety is actually not a new concept. In the health industry and before modern medicine natural products including food have been used for many years to heal all kinds of ailments, but can it really help to reduce anxiety and improve our mental wellbeing?

Scientific evidence suggests that depression and anxiety can be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Serotonin which is a chemical that helps send messages from one brain cell to another is how the cells in the brain communicate. If serotonin levels become imbalanced then communication can be disrupted which leads to depression and anxiety.

Pharmaceuticals have found the solution to this with antidepressants so your brain can perform at its best and there products help restore a fine chemical balance. Interesting marketing, no wonder food and natural remedies are overlooked to improve mental wellbeing.

I do not advocate for people who are prescribed antidepressants to stop taking them. I think antidepressants can be very useful in the right circumstances and for a period of time. However if like me you would like the opportunity to explore all your options you may wish your doctor had told you this before writing a prescription for medication. For some people a healthy diet will need to be part of a holistic plan that considers medication, talking therapies and other help.

Food is the most abused anxiety drug so if you have been suffering for years, struggling to face the day, experiencing chronic tiredness at different parts of the day, beating yourself up and feeling like a failure. Perhaps you are thinking could food really be the cure for my anxiety but I want to show you how changing your food can change your mood.

7 Foods to Reduce Your Anxiety

1) Substitute processed grains for wholegrains. Substitute white bread, white pasta and white rice for Wholegrain pasta, rice and bread. They are rich in magnesium. Magnesium deficiency can lead to anxiety. Wholegrains also contain tryptophan which becomes serotonin a vital chemical for the brain. Avoiding complex carbohydrates like white processed foods will create a healthy energy while reducing your hunger.

2) Increase your super foods. Blueberries & acai berries both contain antioxidants that are extremely beneficial for relieving stress. They are also full of vitamin C which is great stress buster.

3) Omega 3. These fatty acids help keep cortisol and adrenaline from spiking when your feeling tense. Salmon is one of the best sources of omega 3 and spinach is also good too.

4) A handful of Almonds each day. Contain zinc which is good for maintaining a balanced mood and have iron and both healthy fats. Low iron levels can increase anxiety. They also contain vitamin B2 and E which boost the immune system.

5) Drink plenty of Water. Dehydration is known to cause more anxiety. However generally drinks plenty of water is good for you. Aim for at least 1.5 litres a day.

6) Avoid caffeine. Any stimulant will increase you anxiety. Substitute tea and coffee for herbal teas. Valerian and Chamomile are good for creating a calming effect.

7) Treat yourself to chocolate. I bet you thought you would never be encouraged to eat chocolate and yes there is a but. Dark Chocolate reduces cortisol the stress hormone that causes anxiety and it contains other compounds that improve your mood. Preferably dark chocolate with no added sugar or milk.

If you have been in a desperate place for long, then these simple steps could be a life changer, a message of hope. It is hard to believe that something as simple as food can be unbelievably successful in treating anxiety. This really does work to calm your anxious mind but it also will improve your mood and end cravings.

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Novice Guide To Yoga

For many people in the west, yoga can seem like a very strange practice. Doing yoga has many benefits and as you read this article, you will learn more about yoga and the benefits of beginning yoga.

Points I cover in this article:

* History of yoga

* Benefits of yoga

* Beginning yoga

History of Yoga

The history of yoga dates back to the Upanishad's. The Upanishad's a part of the Veda's and form part of the Hindu scriptures was written before the 7th century BC, which makes it one of the oldest texts known to man!

For many people in the west, the meditation aspects of yoga is known, however, there is more to yoga. Doing yoga for many people practicing yoga, is also a way to spiritual growth, and spiritual enlightenment.

Benefits of Yoga

When you start to do yoga, you will find many benefits, not just spiritual or physiological, but also psychological, and biochemical, not to mention the many more benefits of you doing yoga.

Some of the benefits of yoga, you may be able to get are your mood improves and subjective well-being increases, your level of Anxiety and Depression decreases, sleep improves, pulse rate decreases, and your weight normalizes. This is only a very small handful of the benefits of doing yoga.

For people who may be looking for the health benefits which can help heal certain ailments, you may be glad to know glucose and sodium levels in the body go down because of doing yoga. So the steps you are taking now can greatly benefit your health in a positive way.

As always, remember to get these health benefits from yoga, you will need to remember to keep to practicing yoga regularly. If you have old health issues, then also make sure you speak to your doctor before embarking on any new healthy health exercise regimen, such as yoga.

Beginning Yoga

Beginning yoga is much easier today, thanks to the major interest in yoga over the last few years, more and more yoga classes are being started. The first step in beginning yoga, is to decide to start! At this point, most people may wonder if they have what it takes to start yoga, what will be involved etc. Relax, yoga classes can teach you from beginning, even if you do not know the first thing about yoga.

Whether you want the spiritual benefits of yoga or the physiological benefits of yoga, you can get them by doing yoga at a yoga class. It is best to go to a yoga class to learn how to correctly do yoga. There are many great books and videos about yoga, and they can be beneficial. However, a yoga class can help you get the right yoga postures, and get the full benefit of yoga.

Finding a yoga class can be as easy doing a search online to find local classes. Perhaps speak to someone who you know who has an interest in yoga, check local adult education institutions. As more and more yoga classes are available, you can find a local yoga class.

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Are you depressed? (TEST)

How Important is Natural Omega 3 Complex For Promoting Health?

Natural omega 3 complex is required for controlling cholesterol levels in the body and for the prevention of problems and conditions related to the heart. Because of this reason many people take omega 3 supplements in large quantities to become overall fit and healthy.

It has been found that fish oil is the only richest known source of two of the most important omega 3 fats - DHA and EPA. Fish oil is therefore utilized in making omega 3 supplements like natrol omega 3 complex and many others.

These supplements are effective and a person of any age group and build can use them without any reservations. They don't have any side effects associated with their consumption and are totally safe and pure.

People also use omega 3 fish oil supplements to get relief in inflammatory conditions like arthritis and cystitis. EPA is known for reducing inflammation throughout the body and is therefore an essential nutrient for elderly people.

DHA is good for the memory and it also prevents mental conditions like depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. It has been found that schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease occur mainly due to DHA deficiency in the body. Hyperactivity which is becoming very common among growing children also occurs as a result of DHA deficiency.

The above mentioned facts show how much important omega 3 fats are for our health and body. They should be consumed on a regular basis either through diet or through nutritional supplements. Normally 300 to 400 mg of both fats combined is required by an average, healthy person.

If you eat fish regularly you are at reduced risk of developing heart disease, cancer, arthritis, diabetes and some degenerative diseases. A good fatty fish like salmon, herring and hoki provides up to 1000 mg of DHA and EPA combined. The oil of these fish can also be consumed in raw form or in the form of fish oil capsules which are easily available on the market for purchase.

It has been found that only pharmaceutical grade fish oil is effective and free from impurities. Other low grade fish oils are not refined and they may cause side effects, allergies and infections. Because of this reason it is strongly recommended that you buy a fish oil product from a reputable company.

Omega 3 supplements should be consumed by people of all ages since they are helpful in the prevention of many diseases and also promote overall health and well-being.

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Anxiety: 7 Foods to Reduce Your Anxiety

Anxiety & Food

Foods that reduce anxiety is actually not a new concept. In the health industry and before modern medicine natural products including food have been used for many years to heal all kinds of ailments, but can it really help to reduce anxiety and improve our mental well-being?

Scientific evidence suggests that depression and anxiety can be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Serotonin which is a chemical that helps send messages from one brain cell to another is how the cells in the brain communicate. If serotonin levels become imbalanced then communication can be disrupted which leads to depression and anxiety.

Pharmaceuticals have found the solution to this with antidepressants so your brain can perform at its best and there products help restore a fine chemical balance. Interesting marketing, no wonder food and natural remedies are overlooked to improve mental wellbeing.

I do not advocate for people who are prescribed antidepressants to stop taking them. I think antidepressants can be very useful in the right circumstances and for a period of time. However if like me you would like the opportunity to explore all your options you may wish your doctor had told you this before writing a prescription for medication. For some people a healthy diet will need to be part of a holistic plan that considers medication, talking therapies and other help.

Food is the most abused anxiety drug so if you have been suffering for years, struggling to face the day, experiencing chronic tiredness at different parts of the day, beating yourself up and feeling like a failure. Perhaps you are thinking could food really be the cure for my anxiety but I want to show you how changing your food can change your mood.

7 Foods to Reduce Your Anxiety

1) Substitute processed grains for wholegrains. Substitute white bread, white pasta and white rice for Wholegrain pasta, rice and bread. They are rich in magnesium. Magnesium deficiency can lead to anxiety. Wholegrains also contain tryptophan which becomes serotonin a vital chemical for the brain. Avoiding complex carbohydrates like white processed foods will create a healthy energy while reducing your hunger.

2) Increase your super foods. Blueberries & acai berries both contain antioxidants that are extremely beneficial for relieving stress. They are also full of vitamin C which is great stress buster.

3) Omega 3. These fatty acids help keep cortisol and adrenaline from spiking when your feeling tense. Salmon is one of the best sources of omega 3 and spinach is also good too.

4) A handful of Almonds each day. Contain zinc which is good for maintaining a balanced mood and have iron and both healthy fats. Low iron levels can increase anxiety. They also contain vitamin B2 and E which boost the immune system.

5) Drink plenty of Water. Dehydration is known to cause more anxiety. However generally drinks plenty of water is good for you. Aim for at least 1.5 litres a day.

6) Avoid caffeine. Any stimulant will increase you anxiety. Substitute tea and coffee for herbal teas. Valerian and Chamomile are good for creating a calming effect.

7) Treat yourself to chocolate. I bet you thought you would never be encouraged to eat chocolate and yes there is a but. Dark Chocolate reduces cortisol the stress hormone that causes anxiety and it contains other compounds that improve your mood. Preferably dark chocolate with no added sugar or milk.

If you have been in a desperate place for long, then these simple steps could be a life changer, a message of hope. It is hard to believe that something as simple as food can be unbelievably successful in treating anxiety. This really does work to calm your anxious mind but it also will improve your mood and end cravings.

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Stress: Is Meditation a Viable Alternative to Medications?

One of the biggest health concerns American adults face is stress.

 There's tons of research available that shows how damaging stress can be for your physical and mental health. Using stress management techniques is key to reducing your chances of developing ailments, such as depression, obesity, diabetes and heart disease. These diseases are indirectly related, since stress causes most people to overeat unhealthy foods. When you eat too much toxic foods, diseases like cancer can form. At this point, it would be best to obtain the services of a naturopathic oncologist.

You'll quickly learn that the best alternative cancer treatment is prevention. If you can minimize your chances of stress, you can in turn reduce your risk of developing related diseases. This is why it's recommended that you engage in stress-reducing activities, such as meditation.

Can Meditation Really Help Reduce Stress?

When you think of someone meditating, what likely comes to mind is someone sitting down with their legs crossed and their eyes closed. Some even meditate while lying down. However, this is only one way of practicing meditation. There's another concept called mindfulness meditation and it has shown to help lower stress.

What is Mindfulness Meditation?

Practicing mindfulness meditation is simple. All you're doing is living in the now, which means keeping your mind focused on the present only. You'll find that majority of one's stress stems from thoughts of the past and future. If you're at work thinking about the argument you had the night before or worrying about an upcoming event you have to plan for, then you're not mindful of the present.

These type of thoughts are distracting and only build up your stress levels. The key is to be mindful of the present, but without judgment. Studies show that those who learn how to effectively meditate in this manner are able to lower their stress levels. This was determined by measuring the stress hormone called ACTH, as well a pro-inflammatory cytokines (both of which were reduced).

Research shows inflammation is linked to disease, including cancer. Allowing your body to become toxic with stress hormones is only increasing your chances of this illness. You can consult with a naturopathic oncologist at alternative cancer treatments centers to learn preventive methods you can implement today.

But is it a Replacement for Medication?

This is the million dollar question, especially since millions of people are prescribed medications each day. Any chance you have of eliminating a prescription drug is a good thing. Studies show that this type of meditating can actually replace the need for pain medications. In the research, the participants who practiced it witnessed a 57 percent reduction in pain discomfort and 40 percent decrease in pain intensity.

This alone should convince people of the power of meditation. You can learn more about improving your lifestyle from a naturopathic oncologist, who also specializes in treatments like detoxification, IV vitamin therapy and chelation therapy.

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DIY Antistress Ball - How To Make Anti Stress Balls

TABLESPOON OF FLAXSEED OIL FOR A NIGHT

Fats not only gives us energy, but they also play very important role, as a regulator of many physiological processes.

Therefore, providing the body with the appropriate polyunsaturated fats, which are found in seeds and nuts, and olive oil is very beneficial for our health and figure.

A great source of beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) is our linseed oil, which can be added to salads and other dishes or sauces.

Composition of 1 liter (1000 ml) of flaxseed oil are the following essential fatty acids (EFAs):

– Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) (omega-3) – over 500 ml

– Linoleic acid (LA) (omega-6) – about 150 ml

– Oleic acid (O) (omega-9) – about 170 ml

– Saturated fatty acids- approximately 100 ml

Linseed oil supports the:

-Digestive system: it stimulates metabolism

-Nervous system: in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis and depression

– Treatment of tumor diseases

– Treatment of overweight and obesity: helps to reduce body fat, has a beneficial effect on the liver degreasing.

– The immune system

– Cardiovascular system: alpha-linolenic acid lowers cholesterol, prevents heart attack and hypertensive disease.

– Skin, hair and nails

Add to salads and other cold dishes and take one tablespoon at night before bedtime! Because …

Linseed oil is great for pregnant women, because it has Omega-3!

„Some scientists claim that the presence of children’s ADHD is associated with a deficiency of Omega-3 in child prenatal period. It was found that children of a women, that had diet rich in Omega 3 fatty acids during the pregnancy, show up to 19% higher level of intelligence in relation to their peers. In addition, the omega-3 fatty acids have a positive effect on the development of brain, central nervous system, vision, heart, and psychomotor function.” (source: Vivetia)

It is good for women, it’s adjusting the proportions of hormones in the body while also affecting the menstrual cycle by reducing menstrual pain and mood swings and alleviates menopausal symptoms.

Also it’s great for men, because it helps in the treatment of infertility.

Athletes should consume linseed oil as it improves muscle growth, reduce fat, produces hemoglobin which increases exercise capacity and it has regenerating effect on the body.

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10 Reasons To Drink Coffee Every Day

Our consumption of coffee has been steadily growing over the last few decades and is showing no signs of slowing down. High Street coffee chains are finding ever more innovative ways to keep our interest, and therefore, to keep drinking coffee more than ever before.
Countless articles have been written about the health benefits (or otherwise) of drinking coffee, so we thought we'd pull all this information together and see whether there really are good reasons to drink coffee on a daily basis.
It's been shown that an amazing 54% of Americans drink coffee every day, usually as a way of kick-starting their day at breakfast times, and some countries (particularly in Scandinavia and Southern Europe) have even higher numbers than this. So here are our top 10 reasons for being a regular coffee drinker.

1. Coffee Could Lower The Chance of Developing Skin Cancer
A study conducted by Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School followed 112,897 men and women over a 20-year period and their findings appear to indicate that women who drink three or more cups of coffee each day are less likely to develop skin cancer than women who drink no coffee at all. The study didn't mention any statistics for men though!
2. Consumption of Coffee May Lower Suicide Levels
A study conducted by the Harvard School of Public Health discovered that drinking between two and four cups of coffee each day reduces the incidents of suicide among both men and women by nearly 50 percent. One of the reasons put forward to explain this is that coffee has been shown to act as an antidepressant by aiding in the production of the body's neurotransmitters such as noradrenaline and serotonin. A number of other studies appear to concur with these findings.

3. The Aroma of Coffee Can Reduce Stress
A group of researchers at Seoul University in South Korea looked at the brains of laboratory rats who were displaying signs of stress caused by deprivation and found that the rats exposed to the aroma of coffee displayed changes in the levels of brain proteins linked to stress. The study only covered stress caused by lack of sleep rather than more general stress, though other studies have shown similar finding when looking at other specific causes of stress in humans.
4. Coffee Could Reduce The Symptoms of Parkinson's Disease
It was reported in ScienceDaily that drinking coffee may help people with Parkinson's disease control their movement. The study author, Ronald Postuma MD said that studies have shown people who regularly drink appear to be at a lower risk of developing Parkinson's disease. However, an additional study also found that caffeine can also assist movement symptoms for people who already have Parkinson's.
5. Coffee Makes People Happy
Another study, this time carried out by the National Institute of Health concluded that people drinking a minimum of four cups of coffee each day were 10 percent less likely to show signs of depression than those who drink no coffee at all. This has been put down to the levels of antioxidants present in coffee rather than a caffeine high (cocaine consumption can also give a caffeine high but actually increases the chances of depression).
6. Coffee Can Increase Your Brainpower
Really? Well think about it, you normally go for a cup of coffee when you're short of sleep or need to stay alert. That jolt not only helps to keep you from falling asleep, it really does mentally sharpen you up and improve your reactions. CNN reported that drinking coffee can allow the brain to function more efficiently. No matter what measure is used - reaction times, observation, attention span, logic, reasoning skills - all show an improvement after consuming coffee. So if you're in need of something to keep you alert on a long journey, it really is true that there's little that can beat a good cup of coffee.
7. Coffee Keeps Your Liver Healthy (Especially If You Drink Alcohol)
A huge study involving over 120,000 people published in 2006 concluded that people drinking at least one cup of coffee daily were up to 20 percent less likely to develop cirrhosis of the liver - a serious disease caused by the excessive drinking of alcohol that can result in liver failure or the development of cancer. The head author of the study, Arthur Klatsky, reported that the consumption of coffee has a protective effect on the liver, particularly against alcoholic cirrhosis, and the higher the daily coffee consumption, the lower the risk appears to be of developing fatal cirrhosis of the liver.
Further studies carried out elsewhere have concluded that drinking coffee can assist in preventing people from developing NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease). An international team of scientists discovered that drinking at least four cups of coffee a day can be beneficial in preventing the development of NAFLD.
8. Coffee Can Improve Your Sporting Performance.
An article in New York Times reported that "Scientists and athletes alike have known for years that a cup of coffee prior to a workout jolts athletic performance, especially in endurance sports like distance running and cycling." The caffeine present in coffee can increase the levels of fatty acids in the bloodstream, which in turn allows athletes' muscles to absorb and burn fats for fuel, and therefore saving small reserves of carbohydrates for later on in the exercise. This is particularly useful for endurance athletes such as marathon runners and long distance cyclists.

9. Coffee Can Lower The Risk of Type 2 Diabetes.
As we mentioned in one of our coffee articles a few weeks ago, coffee reduces the risk of Type 2 diabetes. A study carried out by researchers at the American Chemical Society concluded that cases of type 2 diabetes are around 50 percent lower among people drinking a minimum of four cups of coffee a day. Subsequently, the risk drops by a further 7 percent for every additional daily cup of coffee consumed, though of course there are other health implications in doing this.
10. Coffee Can Keep Your Brain Healthy.
Studies carried out by the University of South Florida concluded that both men and women over 65 years of age with higher blood levels of caffeine developed Alzheimer's disease between two and four years later than those with lower levels of caffeine in their blood. They pointed out that coffee consumption cannot be shown to completely protect people from Alzheimer's, but that moderate coffee consumption can appreciably reduce the risk of Alzheimer's or at least delay its onset.
We hope this article has been of interest, if you have anything to add to this, please let us know and we will include it in a future article.


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This Halloween Goodie Actually Helps You Lose Weight! Plus, 3 Tips For A Healthier Holiday

As Halloween approaches, we conjure up images of candy, candy, and more candy. But amidst this holiday of sugary snacks, there is a healthy treat you can dish up that actually helps you lose weight. This delectable treat is proudly displayed in most homes, yet often unseen. This treat is frequently discarded while carving the annual Jack-o-lantern. Have you guessed it yet?

It's the pumpkin seed! Pumpkin seeds provide more magnesium than virtually any other food. Magnesium is an essential mineral that is depleted by stress. Not surprisingly, deficiency is very common. Low magnesium levels contribute to a multitude of health problems including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Asthma, High Blood Pressure, Heart Failure, Heart Attacks, Childhood Behavioral Disorders, Tooth Decay, Anxiety, Depression, Irritability, Muscle Spasms, Restless Leg Syndroe, and Obesity. Magnesium is also known to protect the brain from the toxic effects of heavy metals such as lead or mercury.

So before you throw away those Halloween pumpkins, scoop out the seeds, roast them in the oven, and share them with your loved ones. Pumpkin seeds are a great addition to granola or your morning cereal. I keep a jar in my refrigerator and add them to my yogurt each morning.
If you are concerned about any of the medical conditions listed above and aren't overjoyed at the prospect of eating pumpkin seeds, you can obtain magnesium from other food sources such as green, leafy vegetables. (Although the pumpkin seeds far exceed other food sources in quantity of magnesium.) Another way to obtain this nutrient, which is one of the most frequent nutrient deficiencies in Americans, is to take a relaxing bath in Epsom salts, which contain magnesium.

(Remember that many medications such as nitroglycerine, estrogen, and nicotine are administered in patches because the skin absorbs the substance and deposits it into the blood stream for use within the body) If you prefer supplements, try magnesium citrate, which is easier to absorb than other forms of magnesium. Too much magnesium is rarely dangerous; it causes loose bowel movements.
Aside from eating pumpkin seeds, there is another tip to keep your health, and the health of your family, in check during this inherently unhealthy holiday. As a mother, I am aware that convincing children to forego the candy they have collected may not be realistic. Rather, here is a simple way to minimize the negative health effects of candy: simply allow children (or yourself) to eat a limited quantity, but only after consuming a high fiber meal or snack first. This strategy will help prevent the insulin surges that are associated with sugary foods and lead to a host of illnesses.

Having children wash their treats down with water rather than sugary juices or soft drinks is another simple way to minimize their impact on health.
So to insure a healthier Halloween, remember to save those pumpkin seeds, eat a healthy meal before indulging in those tasty treats, and wash them down with water.

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Mental Health Day

On Monday 10th October is world mental health day. Studies have shown that at least one in four people will have a type of mental health problem at some point in their lives. This can be quite traumatic for some people, especially those who feel that they have never had a mental health problem in their lives.

Mental health can be diagnosed in many ways; however in relation to food and nutrition, it is important that a healthy balanced diet is maintained, especially when maintaining this condition. As diet full of high amounts of sugar, saturated fat and salt can cause various health problems, especially weight gain, which can lead to increased cholesterol levels, and becoming obese during the long term.
People may not be aware but consuming certain foods can have an effect on the way that we feel. This can be advantageous for people with various mental health issues, as certain foods can be packed full of vitamins, and minerals that can help to control the experiences of anxiety, Poor concentration, depression, and a poor memory. Not only that but a balanced diet with increased exercise can also help to loose weight, reduce the chances of having coronary heart disease, and reduce LDL cholesterol.

Eating healthily does not need to be expensive; it just requires swapping certain types of foods for healthier versions.
Swap full fat cream, mascarpone or cream cheese for lower fat versions. This could be anything from a Greek yoghurt, half fat cream, cottage or Greek cheese. Finally try to include some beans in the diet as well. Why not add some kidney beans to a curry? Or try to have baked beans on toast as a lunchtime meal instead?
The examples above contain an amino acid called Tryptophan. This is classed as an essential amino acid, as the body does not produce this, so it can only be accessed by consuming certain foods. The examples above would help to regulate the body's appetite, and sleep patterns.
As stated in previous articles, the UK population does not consume enough fibre in their diets. Fibre is essential for the regulation of the bowel, and to help to reduce cholesterol, which can help to reduce the chances of further heart problems during later life. Fibre can be found in wholegrain based foods including oats, brown rice, wholemeal and granary bread. Fibre can also be found in vegetables and fruit as well. Therefore it is best to snack on a piece of fruit instead of sweets, chocolates, and cakes. Some fibre based foods also contain B vitamins. B vitamins are essential as they do a variety of jobs from protecting the nervous system, to supporting the release of carbohydrates to produce energy. As B vitamins supports brain health, it is important to ensure that enough B vitamins are maintained, as lack of B vitamins can cause a poor memory. They can also be found in fish, nuts and seeds, and potatoes.

Overall regardless if there is a mental health issue involved, we can all improve our diets a little just by making one small change and a pledge. It could be anything from increasing the amount of exercise, to reducing the amount of sugar in a mug of tea from two sugars to one sugar. A small change that we could make would make a big difference into the way that we feel and think.

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