Foods That Cleanse The Liver | Best Health Tip And Food Tips | Education

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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7 Reasons Why You Should Be Using Coconut Oil

It is a common misconception that coconut oil is bad for you. People all over the world are experiencing the healthy benefits of using coconut oil. It is actually one of the healthiest oils you can consume. Here are the top seven reasons why you should use coconut oil as an alternative to other common cooking oils.

1. Coconut oil doesn't turn to fat in your body.

Unlike many other common oils, like soy (vegetable) and corn, coconut oil won't make you fat. Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), which are an easy fuel for the body to burn, without turning to fat. Most other cooking oils and fats contain long-chain triglycerides (LCT). LCT's are usually stored as fat. Since coconut oil is a MCT, it is more easily absorbed and converted to energy quicker.

People in the tropics have relied on coconuts as a traditional staple in their diet for centuries. They consume large amounts of coconut oil every day. Instead of getting fatter, it helps them stay healthy, lean and trim. When they switch from coconut oil to our modern oils, they develop obesity and the health problems that our modern society faces.

Some other people who have known this truth for a long time are people who are in the animal feed business. When livestock are fed vegetable oils, they put on weight and produce more fatty meat. When they are fed coconut oil, they become very lean.

2. Coconut oil increases your metabolism.

Not only does coconut oil convert to energy quicker in your body, it increases your metabolism, which promotes weight loss. Because it boosts your metabolism, it helps your body burn fat more effectively.

Coconut oil may triple your calorie burn. Since coconut oil is a MCT, it is converted to energy so quickly that it creates a lot of heat. In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, MCT's burn three times more calories for six hours after a meal than LCT's.

The February 15, 2005 issue of Woman's World magazine stated that coconut oil is the "underground high-metabolism secret."

This is great news for people who have thyroid problems, since coconut oil improves sluggish thyroids by stimulating the production of extra thyroid hormones. Most other common oils, like vegetable (soy) and corn have been shown to inhibit thyroid function.

3. Coconut oil has omega 3 fatty acids.

Most cooking oils contain omega 6 fatty acids, something we get way too much of in the United States. Our omega 6 to omega 3 ratio should be 1:1 but it is more like 50:1. We need to drastically cut back our omega 6 oils and consume much more omega 3 oils to be healthy. And coconut oil is filled with these healthy omega 3 fatty acids.

4. Coconut oil gives you energy.

Because of the healthy omega 3 fatty acids and the fact that it increases the metabolism, most people that switch to coconut oil feel a burst of added energy in their daily life.

This is because coconut oil is nature's richest source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCT's), which increase metabolic rates and lead to weight loss. MCT's promote thermogenesis, which increases the body's metabolism, producing energy.

Many people with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia have found that adding coconut and coconut oil to their diet was helpful to them, too.

5. One of the best things you can use on your skin and hair is coconut oil.

Coconut oil one of the best things you can apply directly on your skin and hair. It gives temporary relief to skin problems like rashes. It aids in healing and restoring skin to a younger appearance. It has also been known to help with people who suffer from yeast infections in the skin, as well as many other skin problems.

Not only does is soften and smooth your skin, coconut oil has antioxidant properties that protect the skin from free radical damage. Coconut oil makes excellent massage oil too.

6. Coconut oil has healthy benefits that most other oils do not.

Evidence is mounting that coconut oil has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-viral effects when both consumed and used topically on the skin.

Most oils oxidize and turn rancid very quickly causing free radical damage in our bodies. Coconut oil is not easily oxidized and does not cause harmful free radical damage like polyunsaturated vegetable oils. Free radical damage is thought to be responsible for many ailments in our body from arthritis to increased susceptibility to cancers.

Coconut oil also helps our bodies absorb other nutrients more effectively, such as Vitamin E.

7. Coconut oil is one of the best oils you can use for cooking.

It has a higher smoke point than olive oil, which means it can take higher temperatures better. There are several healthy omega 3 oils we can choose to consume, such as flax and olive oil, but they don't do well under the high heat we use for cooking. Coconut oil can be used in higher cooking temperatures.

It is harder for coconut oil to go rancid, unlike other cooking oils, which are usually rancid long before you even bring them home. Rancid oils cause free radical damage in the body, which is a leading cause of cancer. Coconut oil is stable for over a year at room temperature.

Because of the misinformation we have been given for years, we have lost out on the healthy benefits that coconut oil has given the people of the tropics for centuries. But now it has been rediscovered! Coconut oil is so effective, it won't be long before we see coconut oil supplements promoted, but you can get the jump on the popular crowd and start consuming and cooking with coconut oil today!

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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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How to Lower Your Triglycerides

A part of being healthy is taking an all round approach to your lifestyle change. If you lead a healthy life style in general you are not going to have to worry about this, your body naturally sorts itself out. However, high triglycerides are a problem that many people suffer from, and it is important that you understand they why and how. The main form of fat in foods is called triglycerides. Our blood contains certain levels of triglycerides. However, if you consume more bad calories than we need, our body will transform the excess calories into triglycerides and be stored as body fat. It is more common to see high triglycerides in overweight people. High triglycerides are associated with increased risk of heart disease.

Your body has endless storage space for this fat. Some of these triglycerides are not stored as fat, but remain in your blood stream. Excess levels of triglycerides thicken your blood, which increases the possibility of clotting and blockage which can lead to a heart attack or stroke. This is why it is doubly important to know how to lower your triglycerides.

High triglycerides are usually caused by other conditions, like:

Obesity

Poorly controlled diabetes

An underactive thyroid.

Kidney disease.

Regularly eating more calories than you burn.

Drinking a lot of alcohol.

Healthy lifestyle choices are the key to naturally lowering triglycerides

Exercise regularly: aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity at least five or more times a week

Choose healthier fats: avoid trans fats, limit saturated fat found in meats for healthier monounsaturated fat found in plants, such as olive, peanut and canola oils. Substitute fish high in omega-3 fatty acids - such as sardines and salmon - for red meat. Food labels should tell you what kind of fat you are eating. Choose nonfat or low-fat dairy products.

Include high fibre foods such as wholegrains, oats, fruits and vegetables.

Limit sugar intake such as soda, cordial and other sweetened beverages

Limit alcohol: Alcohol is high in calories and sugar. If you choose to drink, try mixing it with low calorie beverages such as tonic water, or diet soda. Alcohol consumption can raise triglyceride blood levels by causing the liver to produce more fatty acids.

Cut back on calories. Remember that extra calories are converted to triglycerides and stored as fat. Watch your portion sizes.

Keep a healthy weight. Often losing as little as a 5-10 pounds can help lower your triglyceride level

Quit smoking

A healthy lifestyle takes an all round approach. If you lead a healthy lifestyle in general, eat a lot of fruit and vegetables, exercise regularly, and make the right choices, then it is likely that you won't have to worry about excess triglycerides. Stay healthy and make changes for life, and you will see the benefits.

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Wild Salmon Vs Farm Raised Salmon

Many people don't know the difference between wild salmon and farm raised salmon. For example, when you go to the grocery store and see fresh wild salmon fillets it is usually not from the Pacific Ocean. The fillets came from the Atlantic Ocean where they have farms, that raise salmon that were wild at one point in time and were given special formulated feed in a fish farm. True wild salmon thrive out in the Pacific Ocean. They are born in a stream, swim out to the ocean, grow in the ocean, swim back to where they were hatched from, mate, lay eggs, and will shortly end up dying afterwords.

Atlantic Salmon are placed in a hatchery, grow, and feed in a restricted area, majority of the time they are turned into commercial food products and are exported across the world to other countries or in grocery stores. This Atlantic Ocean process of salmon hatchery is called aquaculture and is done in other countries and places like, The Great Lakes. In the United States the salmon farms make approximately is higher than 80 percent of the salmon that are on the market each day. Thirty percent comes from the traditional hatcheries and the other fifty percent are raised in aquaculture or open pen nets off shore. These farms can raise up to one million salmon a time. The farmed salmon are confined, fed a steady diet of special formulated protein food pellets, and when they eat it, they become fatter than wild salmon, with not much more omega-3 than expected, but actually less per every three ounces.

Farm raised salmon don't have as healthy amount of fatty acids as wild salmon does. Carcinogenic chemicals are found in farmed raised salmon and are purchased from U.S. Grocery stores have so much higher levels of PCB that pose an increased risk for cancer. The United States has banned PCB to be used in all items, but they persist in the environment and end up in animal fat. When the farmed salmon from U.S. Grocery stores were tested, their salmon that was farmed contained up to twice the fat of wild salmon. The test also found sixteen times the PCB compared to those found wild salmon, four times the levels in beef, and 3.4 times the levels found in other types of seafood.

Other studies have shown in Canada, Ireland, and Britain have found their results the same or similar. Diseases and parasites, which normally exist in extremely low levels in fish scattered around the oceans, could run rampant in a densely packed oceanic feedlots. There chances for survival, farmed fish are vaccinated, while as small fry, and later are given antibiotics or pesticides to avoid the infections. Sea lice, is another particular problem, in a study a fisherman brought two baby pink salmon covered with them. A bioligist later went around salmon farms examining more than seven hundred baby pink salmon and found out that seventy-eight percent were covered with a fatal load of sea lice while, juvenile salmon that she netted farther from the farms were largely lice-free.

Sea lice, in particular, are a problem. In a recent L.A. Times story, Alexandra Morton, an independent biologist and critic of salmon farms, is quoted as beginning to see sea lice in 2001 when a fisherman brought her two baby pink salmon covered with them. Examining more than 700 baby pink salmon around farms, she found that 78 percent were covered with a fatal load of sea lice while juvenile salmon she netted farther from the farms were largely lice-free. Well, there you have it unless you want cancer, want to eat a sick fish, or would you rather have healthy wild salmon that is not farm raised and is a cancer fighter, there is no contest eat wild salmon.

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Chia Seeds Nutrition Facts. How To Eat It?

We had a lot of chia variations :), but why not to enlarge you menu even more. This time easy version 

Chia seeds are an excellent source of alpha-linolenic acid, which is a precursor to other fatty acids omega 3. Omega-3 acids build our cell membranes, help to maintain normal cholesterol levels, help to fight hypertension, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties

The oil from chia seeds contains 30% omega-3 and 40% omega-6. It is assumed that this is the optimal balance of exogenous fatty acids.

Chia seeds are also rich in antioxidants, which have a positive effect on our health.

Other benefits:

• chlorogenic acid,
• enhancing insulin sensitivity.
• caffeic acid
• antitumor activity: quercetin, kaempferol, and myricetin. In addition, quercetin may lead to a reduction of unpleasant symptoms of allergy.
• They are also rich in calcium, so especially good as its source for non-dairy diet.
• Due to the high content of soluble fiber, chia seeds support the proper functioning of the digestive tract

What else?

While eating chia we are slowing the absorption of sugars and we are helping to regulate their level in our blood. The huge amount of fiber contained in these small grains is beneficial to the digestive system and provides long satiety. For this reason, chia seeds are indicated for people struggling with overweight and obesity.

How to eat chia seeds?

They can be added as a supplement to most dishes – they have a mild nutty flavor and most likely they taste good with everything. Consuming both chia and flaxseed improves the absorption of omega 3 (note – eat everything in reasonable quantities – chia contain omega 6 which is a pro-inflammatory). The best way to extract valuable minerals and vitamins as well as to facilitate digestion is to soak them or grinding.

Better raw or soaked?

There are lots of discussions and theories about soaking chia seeds. The conclusion is one – soaking will not hurt, but on the it contrary will help, because enzyme inhibitors are released .

Soak for approx. 2 hours, in 1:10 proportion with water / vegetable milk. Chia seeds absorb large amounts of water and increase approx. 12 times. By eating such Chia pudding for breakfast, remember to steadily hydrate during the day/

In conclusion, I will mention benefits of chia seeds, and why it is worth it to add it on the menu:

Dietary fiber (11g – 42% of the recommended daily intake)

Protein (4.4 g – 9% RDV)

Omega-3 fatty acid (4915 mg)

Omega-6 fatty acid (1620 mg)

Calcium (77 mg – 18% RDV)

Copper (0.1 mg – 3% RDV)

Phosphorus (265 mg – 27% RDV)

Potassium (44.8 mg – 1% RDV)

Chia also contain essential fatty acids, alpha-linolenic acid and linoleic acid, vitamins A, B, E and D and minerals, including sulfur, iron, iodine, magnesium, manganese, niacin, thiamine. They are a rich source of antioxidants.

The proposed pudding recipe can be for breakfast, lunch or a sweet snack before a workout.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoon of chia seeds
• 1 cup of plan milk ( your choice which one will you use)
• 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or honey
• 1 tablespoon of raspberry 
• 2 tablespoons of coconut flakes  (optional, but it will thicken the pudding)
• fresh fruits of your choice

Preparation:

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and vigorously with a spoon and then place it for few hours in the refrigerator. At the end, add fruits and nuts.

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Does Coffee Speed Up Your Metabolism?

   

   
    Some people drink coffee religiously. They feel that they must have it every morning to get their day started. Does coffee speed up your metabolism? In a sense, this may be true.

Coffee contains a lot of caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant, which wards off drowsiness and increases alertness. In this sense, caffeine does speed up metabolism, but not indefinitely.

What exactly does caffeine do? Caffeine increases the free fatty acids in blood plasma. Although this has no bearing on metabolism, it does reflect on diet. Caffeine also acts as an inhibitor for adenosine in the brain, which effects RNA synthesis in the body.

Caffeine also acts like adrenaline for the body. By imitating adrenaline it speeds up the heart-rate and this is how it affects metabolism. Does coffee speed up your metabolism? Yes. But for those who consume caffeine on a regular basis this effect is not as strong or noticeable.

Why does it not affect normal consumers? People who regularly drink coffee or other caffeinated products tend to build up a tolerance for caffeine. Caffeine is structurally similar to adenosine and binds to adenosine receptors in the brain. The more you drink these caffeinated beverages then the more receptors your brain will develop, making the effects of caffeine seem less apparent.

So in short, does coffee speed up your metabolism? Yes, it does, but not to the extent that one would like. To really get your metabolism going the best route to go is all natural methods. Methods such as exercising, eating the right foods, eating breakfast, and eating more times in the day while having small proportions.

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Seven Anti-Aging Foods That Make You Look Younger Than Your Real Physical Age

Is it only genes that make some people look younger than their real physical age? Studies have shown that the world's longest-living communities are remarkably similar in two aspects: they eat mostly plant-based foods and they look younger than their real physical age.

If this is true, it makes sense to include these plant-based, anti-aging foods in our diet to make us look younger; delay the effects of aging; improve our skin elasticity; and stave off wrinkles.

What are these anti-aging foods? These are natural foods rich in selenium and powerful antioxidants such as Vitamins C and E.

Here is a list of seven anti-aging foods to help you look younger than your real physical age:

1) Avocados

Avocados are nature's best moisturizers.

Avocados are loaded with anti-aging nutrients such as Vitamin C and E, and Omega 3 fatty acids. Though a medium-size avocado has 30 grams of fat, all of it is healthy monosaturated fats that lower cholesterol and protect the heart.

Want to look younger? Eat an avocado a day to stave off wrinkles and keep your skin looking soft and supple.

2) Cucumber

Whether you eat it as a cucumber salad or make it into a cucumber cleanser, cucumbers are an excellent anti-aging food for improving tired, dehydrated skin. This reason is cucumbers are high in water content and contains high amounts of silica, a necessary mineral for smooth and glowing skin.

3) Lemons

Lemons are a Vitamin C powerhouse, an antioxidant vital for healthy skin and gums. One medium size lemon contains more than 45% of the daily recommended intake of Vitamin C. Lemons are the body's natural internal cleanser which aids digestion and clears toxins; leaving our skin clear and radiant.

Wake up in the morning to a glass of lemon juice or lemon water will help cleanse your skin and make you look younger.

4) Almonds

Almonds are an anti-aging food that is excellent for healthy skin, hair and nails because of their high content of Vitamin E.

The body needs Vitamin E to protect the cells from the onslaught of free radicals generated by air pollution, peroxides and ultra violet rays.

Eat ten to a dozen almonds a day. A quarter cup of almonds a day provides about 45% of the daily-recommended intake of Vitamin E.

5) Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are a remarkable anti-aging food and a Vitamin E and selenium powerhouse with very effective youth-enhancing qualities.

Eat a handful of sunflower seeds a day will help you look younger, stave off wrinkles and improve skin elasticity. In fact, a quarter cup of sunflower seeds will provide nearly 91% of the recommended daily intake of Vitamin E!

6) Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts are a very rich source of selenium, a mineral that works very well with Vitamin E to stop oxidative stress and cell damage caused by free radicals; thus, slowing down the aging process.

Eat Brazil nuts are a powerful anti-aging food which must be eaten in moderation because of its high fat content. Eating just two Brazil nuts a day will provide you with enough selenium for younger skin and a younger you.

7) Blueberries

Look younger by eating one to two cups of blueberries a day for your daily 'dose' of anthocyanin, an anti-aging antioxidant that increases the potency of Vitamin C, one of nature's best moisturizers and a collagen-stimulating nutrient for the skin.

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Maca Root: The Superfood of the Andes

Maca root is known as the 'superfood of the Andes'. Ancient Peruvians used it as an aphrodisiac, and for energy and endurance. Today, western society uses it for it's many health benefits and the incredible nutritional value is contains.

So, what exactly is in the maca root?

Maca root is a power house of nutrition and here are just some of the things contained inside it:

Vitamin B1 which helps to convert carbohydrates to energy.

Vitamin B2 which is good for red cell production.

Vitamin C which is an oxidation reduction agent.

There are over 20 fatty acids in maca root.

A broad spectrum of macronutrients that are esesntail vitamins and minerals for overall health.

A broad spectrum of micronutrients that help to remineralize the body such as calcium, magnesium, and iron.

Maca root is a high source of fibre which helps to eliminate toxins and waste.

It is rich in proteins that are bio-available for absorbability, at about 11% per gram.

What do doctors say about Maca Root?

Doctors and scientists are now finding that maca is one of the best natural ways to support endoctrine health. This regulates metabolism, sexual development, levels of energy and a sense of overall wellbeing.

Recent studies also show that maca effects the body and mind in others ways.

It nourishes and calms the nerves, aids in digestion, supports the adrenal glands, helps build muscle mass, and regulates hormonal imbalances naturally. It has also been found to speed healing and reduce anemia. And best of all, even though you may think it would be... it's not addictive!

Where do you get it and how do you take it?

Maca root powder is sold in most health food stores as well as online. You can also get in the form of a liquid extract.

Maca has a pungent taste and some people have called it nutty tasting. It has a pretty unique flavour and is a bit of an acquired taste. Maca is most easily taken if you add it into a smoothie or shake.

I used to buy it as a powder and add a scoop to my morning smoothie, but I found my kids did not like it. Now I use a meal replacement shake that contains maca as one ingredient, along with many other superfoods. As a busy mom, it just makes life easier and costs less money to do it that way.



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