The Many Health Benefits of Selenium Will Amaze You

The importance of trace minerals in the body cannot be overstated, especially when talking about the benefits of selenium. Your bodys immune system must have the right vitamins and minerals to work, and they all have their importance. But selenium is one of the special trace minerals, that can really help you if it's adequately in your system, or can lead you to illness and death if it is not.

Selenium is found in nearly every cell of your body, pancreas, spleen and kidneys and insures normal liver function. Like other essential minerals, selenium acts as an antioxidant that destroys free radicals that roam the body like little devastators. More and more, this super mineral is being linked to its role in combating a number of human diseases and illnesses.

Major benefits of selenium include heart and cancer protection

Seleniums role in protecting the heart is an incredible one. This mineral helps prevent your blood from sticking to the inside of your arteries, decreasing the risk of clotting, heart attack and stroke. How's that for a triple-threat? And, benefits of selenium include elevating levels of good cholesterol, another advantage in keeping your heart healthy.

Cancer has a natural enemy in selenium. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, high levels of selenium in the blood decrease many forms of cancer including prostate, colorectal and lung. The antioxidant properties of selenium actually prevent the formation of some cancer cells and tumor cells. And because selenium effectively raises the fighting levels of the immune system, studies show that the development of blood vessels, that support and grow tumors, is suppressed! Needless to say, medical research is conducting ongoing selenium testing against many other forms of cancer.

This essential mineral is important in overall body health, too. For instance, it's been shown to help increase male potency and fight arthritis. Its antioxidant quality helps defend the body from the effects of alcohol and other toxins. And like copper, it has an important maintenance role in your skin and your hair. Selenium supplementation helps improve asthma symptoms and helps patients recover quicker from pneumonia and bronchitis.

Certain foods, supplementation can give you the benefits of selenium

If you can find produce that has been grown in selenium-rich soil, improve your diet with nuts, oats, brown rice and leafy greens. However, most foods that used to contain beneficial levels of selenium don't have those levels, anymore. That's because farm soil has been worked so many times, that selenium levels have plummetted.

So, keep eating as healthy a diet as you can, but know that most doctors today recommend that you take a selenium supplement, so that you can maintain a healthy selenium level. The prescribed selenium dosages are 55mcg daily for women, and 70mcg daily for men. However, for cancer patients or patients with a larger risk of cancer, doctors recommend dosages of up to 400mcg to get the full benefits of selenium.

As you can see, selenium is an all-around super trace mineral that can help your body in so many important ways. Trace minerals like selenium prove the old adage that good things really do come in small packages. Your body must have selenium, so if you do not take a multi-vitamin, chances are you're shorting yourself on this essential mineral. Get some selenium into your diet just as soon as you can, so that you can start getting the healthy benefits of selenium.


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Sweet Potatoes Vs. White Potatoes

People tell me that they know that sweet potatoes are healthier than white potatoes as if it's an accepted fact. Whenever I'm not aware of something that's apparently an established fact, I feel the need to either get caught up on this obvious information or else to find out why this commonly held belief is actually not true.

In order to do this, I decided to do some research.

I needed to find out which potato was actually healthier.

It seemed the easiest way to compare the two types of potatoes was to make a chart to compare them side by side; so here's a handy chart I made to compare the two:

Nutrients... White Potatoes... Sweet Potatoes

Calories... 94... 90

Protein... 2.1g... 2.01g

Carbs... 21.08g... 20.71g

Fiber... 2.1g... 3.3g

Iron... 0.64mg... 0.69mg

Potassium... 544mg... 475mg

Vitamin C... 12.6mg... 19.6mg

Vitamin A... 10 IU... 19,218 IU

Oh, by the way, this is comparing a 100 gram serving of white baked potato with its skin on, to a 100 gram serving of baked sweet potato with its skin on. This information is from the USDA website (Basic Report, Potatoes, white), (Basic Report, Sweet).

You have to be really careful if you're trying to compare these two types of potatoes by the size of the actual whole potato because a medium sized sweet potato weighs 114 grams and a medium sized white potato weights 173 grams. Instead of using size to compare, it's better to use weight.

Breaking it down:

Let's start with the two numbers people want to know first: calories and carbs. As you can see, the calories are almost identical. There are about 3500 calories in a pound of stored body fat so a difference of 4 calories isn't going to matter much either way. How about carbs? One gram of carbohydrates equals about 4 calories, so again, either potato will give you about the same amount.

Now here are the two biggest differences. The first is potassium. If you think of potassium, you probably think of bananas. Well, get this: 100 grams of banana has 358 mg of potassium. Sweet potatoes top bananas with 475 mg of potassium and white potatoes go a step higher with 544 mg! However, most people get enough potassium just from eating a variety of healthy foods so you'll probably get enough of this vital mineral without having to rely on eating potatoes all the time.

And now for the biggie! Vitamin A! What an incredible difference between white potato's 10 IU of vitamin A and sweet potato's 19,218 IU of vitamin A! What does vitamin A do, exactly? It supports your growth and development, helps your immune system, and aids your eye health/night vision. You know how you're supposed to eat carrots for night vision? Well, 100 grams of boiled carrots has 17,033 IU of vitamin A, so it actually has less than sweet potatoes. But before you put them on your list of foods to eat every day, here's something you should know. Most people already get enough vitamin A just from eating a variety of healthy foods. So, with both potassium and vitamin A, if you eat healthy foods, you should be getting all the nutrients you need without having to resort to eating huge amounts of either type of potato. (Vitamin A and Bone Health, 2012).

The Bottom Line:

The calorie, carb, and protein amounts are almost the same in both potatoes. While white potatoes have more potassium and sweet potatoes have more vitamin A, you can get sufficient amounts of these nutrients from eating other healthy foods too. So, don't worry about which one to choose. Both of these potatoes are healthy! Enjoy them both.

References:

NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases. (2012, January). Vitamin A and Bone Health. Retrieved from http://www.niams.nih.gov/Health_Info/Bone/Bone_Health/Nutrition/vitamin_a.asp

USDA. Basic Report: 11357, Potatoes, white, flesh and skin, baked. Retrieved from http://ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/3132?fg=&man=&lfacet=&format=&count=&max=25&offset=25&sort=&qlookup=potatoes

USDA. Basic Report: 11508, Sweet potato, cooked, baked in skin, without salt. Retrieved from ndb.nal.usda.gov/ndb/foods/show/3255?fg=&man=&lfacet=&format=&count=&max=25&offset=75&sort=&qlookup=potatoes



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Are Cherries Healthy?

Are cherries healthy? This is a question that many people have been asking over the last few years. The reason they have been asking it is because word has been going around that pound for pound cherries are one most nutritional fruits you can eat. Due to their very small size when compared to other fruit, this is hard for most people to believe. Thus, the question - Are cherries healthy?

In a word, YES. Research on cherries health benefits have shown them to be one of the best fruits you could eat. The issue of taste is actually a secondary concern since there are some types of cherries that taste better than others. This is why cherries are usually divided into two main categories, sweet cherries and sour cherries.

Sweet cherries, such as Bing cherries are the variety found as fresh fruit on the grocer's shelves during season. This variety of cherry is very sweet and delicious to eat just as they are. Sour cherries have a very tart taste so they are the ones used in desserts like cherry pies. There are plenty of other ways one can use tart cherries in cooking to negate its sour taste. If you are open to the idea of learning more about cherries, read on to learn the health benefits of this small 'super fruit' as well as the cooking options you can pursue to make cherries more palatable to your discerning taste buds.

Here is a short list of the known cherries health benefits to finally give rest to the question "are cherries healthy."

1 - Cherries are packed with antioxidants which are crucial for reducing the risk of cancer and heart disease. The red color of cherries contains compounds known as bioflavonoids which functions in a variety of ways to boost health. Bioflavonoids react with free radicals to minimize cellular damage and boost the immune system. When eaten regularly, cherries health benefits give the body plenty of ammunition that it can use to lower cellular damage caused by free radicals which are caused by stress, bad sleeping habits, poor food choices, and many other bad lifestyle decisions like cigarette smoking.

2 - The same bioflavonoids in cherries also contain anti-inflammatory properties which make them great against arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Arthritis occurs because the joints are inflamed and this leads to pain. Eating cherries can help lower the incidence and severity of arthritis attacks among those who suffer from the problems. This is one of the best known of all the cherries health benefits as they have been used to help the inflammation of gout for centuries.

3 - Cherries are also packed with plenty of vitamins and minerals. Cherries are rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, Folate, and minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper and manganese. If you want a well-rounded fruit that is very accessible, you can never go wrong with cherries.

4 - Cherries are low calorie and have a lot of water content. This makes them a great diet food, and we all know how important it is to keep our body hydrated.

Are cherries healthy? It seems the answer cannot be denied.

Now, we've already mentioned how nutritional benefits are less a concern for many when eating sour cherries because of their tart taste. Well, one has plenty of options. First, always consider only eating sweet cherries raw. For sour cherries, you can use these for cooking pies, cakes, brownies, cookies and as ingredients in frozen yogurt, just to name a few. Sour cherries are great for cooking because sugar can be added to reduce the sour taste while still enjoying the cherry flavor.

So the next time you find yourself eating a portion of this delicious little fruit, just think about these answers to the question - are cherries healthy? Then you can focus on all the benefits you are getting in each serving, and enjoy them even more.

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What is Food Intolerance?

Food intolerance is discussed quite often these days - so what exactly does it mean? Well, sometimes our bodies cannot tolerate the foods we eat. This is known as food intolerance. When people consume foods that they're sensitive to, such as dairy products for lactose intolerant individuals, their bodies have a negative physical reaction. The effects show up every time the food is consumed, although not always right away. If large quantities of the food are ingested, symptoms can be severe.

Food intolerance is sometimes mistaken for food allergy. Food allergies cause a person's immune system to sit up and take notice, while food intolerances don't involve the immune system. Neither are they linked to contaminated or spoiled foods; those cause food poisoning, not intolerance. Food intolerance describes the adverse physical reaction to the ingestion of certain foods; it is something that affects the digestive system.

The Causes of Food Intolerance

As mentioned earlier, food intolerance is caused by the inability to digest certain types of food, usually due to insufficient amounts of the chemicals or enzymes needed to digest a particular food.

Lactose intolerance is very common. People who suffer from this condition don't have enough of the enzyme called 'lactase'. Therefore, their bodies can't break down the lactose, or milk sugar, in dairy products.

Common symptoms of lactose intolerance include intestinal distress, gas, bloating, and bowel irregularities.

Other people can't process alcohol because they don't have enough of the enzyme 'alcohol dehydrogenase'. They can become ill if they consume even a single alcoholic beverage. The additives, flavor enhancers, and preservatives in processed foods are another common source of food intolerance. MSGs, caffeine, benzoates, and aspartame cause pain and fatigue in sensitive individuals.

Who Suffers from Food Intolerance?

Anyone can! Food intolerance is not limited to any particular group of people, however there are some factors that play a role in the likelihood that a person is affected by intolerance. Food intolerance can be hereditary; therefore if your parents have food intolerances, chances are good that you'll have some too. Ethnicity plays a role, too. Only 10% of northern and western Europeans suffer from lactose intolerance whereas persons of Asian, African, Greek, and Native American descent are much more susceptible. Lactose intolerance affects 70-90% of the latter populations.

Newborns tend to produce more lactase, so they can digest lactose more easily than adults and older children. The symptoms of lactose intolerance can appear in children as young as two, but many people develop it later in life. Gastroenteritis sometimes causes a dip in lactase levels, bringing on a temporary intolerance to dairy products. Children face a high risk of lactose intolerance following gastroenteritis. And half of all Asians are affected by alcohol intolerance!

What are the Symptoms of Food Intolerance?

The symptoms of food intolerance center around the digestive system. Sufferers may experience stomach pain, bloating, nausea, loose stools, or the opposite (constipation.) These symptoms are seldom life-threatening, but they can make a person miserable on a daily basis. They can manifest anywhere from a few hours to a few days after the food is consumed, making it difficult to identify exactly what the problem food is.

Alcohol intolerance causes redness of the face, nausea, irregular heartbeat, headaches, and dizziness. Symptoms can also feel similar to allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose or itchy throat.

Food intolerance symptoms can become quite severe if a large quantity of the food has been consumed. People with a slight enzyme deficiency typically don't experience symptoms as acutely as people with a larger deficit.

How is a Diagnosis Made?

Trial and error is the simplest way to test for food intolerance. This is done by removing one food from the diet for a while and monitoring symptoms for improvement. If symptoms decrease, the food is then reintroduced. A return of symptoms will reveal whether or not that food was the culprit. This method works best for those who have intolerance to one or two foods.

For those people (like me!) who have intolerance to several foods, the elimination method could take months...years...and an answer still might not be found. There are home tests on the market, that can identify your problem foods for you. Check out www.foodintolerancenews.com to see one. Specific tests are used to diagnose lactose intolerance. For example, your physician might recommend a test to measure the amount of hydrogen in your breath; a stool acidity test; or a blood glucose test to determine how well the patient digests milk sugar.

How is Food Intolerance Treated?

Food intolerance is usually controlled by removing the troublesome food(s) from the person's diet. For instance, lactose intolerant individuals can replace regular milk with soy milk.

If the intolerance is mild to moderate, the affected person can try eating only very limited amounts of the food in question. Mild lactose intolerance can be managed through the use of lactase enzyme supplements.

If foods are removed from one's diet, they should be replaced with nutritious alternatives. It's crucial to avoid malnutrition, especially in growing children. If you have questions about suitable food replacements, speak with your nutrition specialist.

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Bed Time Drink To Lose Belly Fat in a Week

Coconut Oil - The Elixir Of Life

Coconuts are known for their immense versatility ranging from traditional uses in certain societies to modern uses, based on scientific analysis. They are the fruit of the coconut palm, and are grown abundantly in many tropical and subtropical countries like India. Coconuts are known for their large quantity of water, and when immature, they are harvested for this water which is very refreshing to drink and loaded with minerals. Mature coconuts still have a little amount of water, but by then the endosperm has formed a thick white kernel which is processed to yield oil. Coconut palms produce their first fruit in six to ten years, reaching peak production in 15-20 years. In ideal conditions, a single tree can yield 75 fruits in a year.

Coconuts are processed to yield both oil and what is called coconut milk. Coconut oil, an edible oil, is extracted from the kernel of mature coconuts. It has a high fat content, which renders it more resistant to oxidation or rancidity allowing it to last up to six months at 24 degrees C without spoiling. Its high fat content also makes its regular consumption a contentious issue, with most doctors advising against it.

However, in recent times, certain hidden benefits of coconut oil have come to light, vindicating its regular use without harm in some societies like Indian, Sri Lankan, Thai etc.

These benefits accrue to the cold pressed virgin coconut oil.

· Many skin specialists recommend coconut oil application for dry skin. As an excellent massage oil, it is a safe solution for dry and flaking skin, which are sometimes symptoms of skin problems like eczema and psoriasis. It is a soothing balm for most forms of dermatitis.

· It is excellent for hair growth and curing dandruff. It provides the essential proteins for nourishing and healing hair that is damaged.

· It contains lauric acid which is beneficial for the heart by reducing high cholesterol levels in the blood and preventing high blood pressure

· It is easy to digest. Hence it increases the metabolic rate and helps in weight loss. It is also beneficial to the thyroid and endocrine systems.

· It strengthens the immune system with its constituent antimicrobial lipids namely lauric acid, caprylic acid and capric acid which can fight harmful fungus, bacteria and viruses.

· Used as a cooking oil, it aids digestion and for the same reason above, it prevents any stomach infection caused by bacteria, fungus or viruses.

· It is believed to be effective in the treatment of pancreatitis

· It dissolves kidney stones and is considered helpful in preventing kidney and gall bladder diseases.

· Bones and teeth are also thought to benefit from coconut oil on account of it improving the body's ability to absorb calcium and magnesium.

· Coconut oil controls the blood sugar and improves the secretion of insulin. Hence it is beneficial for diabetic patients.

· There is research to suggest that the oil is beneficial for patients suffering from Alzheimer's Disease.

· It is held that coconut oil is beneficial for cancer patients and people suffering from HIV.

The best coconut oil Indonesia is shipped as BIB Coconut oil (bag in box - for easy transport and storage) to various countries around the world which is waking up to the benefits of coconut oil.

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Exercising Activities for Seniors

Often many people gradually become less active as they get older. 

We can't move the way we use to. That may be true but as we age, we still need to exercise our bodies. Not only to stay in physical shape but to keep our circulation, respiratory and digestive system working. Exercising also boost our immune system, helps increase our balance and keeps us mentally sharp. It also helps slow down the aging process. We don't have to indulge in extreme workouts to realize these benefits. There are many activities that are fun and also lets you socialize with others.

Dancing is great exercise. Line dancing, ballroom dancing, square dancing all get your body moving and have the social element. There are many classes available to learn different steps depending on what type of music you like. Dancing will improve your balance and coordination and will give you a sense of accomplishment as you hone your skill. You can also dance at home by yourself to your favorite music and create your own steps.

Golf is another good activity if you don't let it frustrate you mentally. Always do some light stretching in your legs, back and arms before you start your round. Most courses have golf carts but if you can walk the your round that will even add more of a work out. Even just hitting a bucket of golf balls on the driving range two or three times a week is good exercise.

Riding a bike is good cardio exercise and strengthens leg muscles. Short 15 to 20 minute rides three times a week is a good way to start.

Make sure you have a bike that fits your stature and that it is in good working order. Always wear a helmet and carry water with you.

Swimming will exercise your body with a lower chance of injury. The water provides resistance as you move but the strain on your muscles is much less than running, jogging or cycling. For that reason, exercising in a pool is great if you are on a rehabilitation program. Don't swim or exercise in a pool by yourself.

One of the best exercises for any age is just plain walking. You can hold a 1 or 2 lb. weight in your hands as you swing your arms to add a little extra workout for your arms. Many people will meet friends to walk and socialize on a regular basis. Owning a dog will get you out walking daily.

I recommend if you are going to start an exercise routine that you consult your doctor or care provider to make sure your activity won't cause any harm or injury. Always start slow and gradually increase the length of time and intensity of each exercise session. Do something that you will enjoy and look forward to. Being healthy and fit will become your lifestyle.

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Why Am I Always Cold? - Stop Feeling Cold For Good!

There are many reasons for why you might say "why am I always cold" 

The main factors however I'll describe below as you may not have considered them and it's very likely your doctors haven't either since the medical system within north America has become a joke to the rest of the world. Here now are some reasons for why you always feel cold.

3 Causes of why you always feel cold

Hypo-Thyroid - A sluggish thyroid can exist and yet blood tests and doctors tests will not indicate it until it goes into the extremes, if you have serious trouble keeping weight off and frequently feel cold I would highly suggest you research Iodoral or Lugols Iodine. That's all I'll say about that. Don't rely on your doctor to heal your body, just suppress symptoms.

Parasites - So this might sound like news to you but a majority of the worlds population are infected with parasites to various degrees. Animals aren't the only ones who need to get de-wormed 2 times per year. If you haven't done a thorough parasite cleanse and you're still exhibiting symptoms such as cold hands and feet then maybe it's time to start.

Candida - Of course the big one that connects the other two together. A suppressed immune system can allow for parasites to gain a foothold in your body and Candida will overgrow in addition. This yeast in approximately 90% of the population is responsible for an extensive list of symptoms including cold hands and feet. It is also a culprit often in creating a thyroid dysfunction in the body. The solution is a thorough Candida cleanse. I suggest you take a Candida test or questionnaire to determine whether or not you appear to be suffering from Candida.

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The Reason You Should NEVER Drink Cold Drinks

Do you drink ice water... or have drinks straight out of the fridge?

There's a saying in Chinese medicine that goes: "Above all else, protect your digestion." By "digestion", they mean processing of both FOOD and FLUID. 

Think about this...

If you aren't processing foods properly, you aren't turning food into BLOOD and ENERGY ("Qi," as the Chinese call it) for your organs to function properly - so your organs are literally "fatigued" and can't perform their jobs well.

Your heart can't function. Your lungs can't function. Your kidneys, bladder, liver, gall bladder, stomach and intestines are all "fatigued" and can't do their job.

And, your immune system doesn't have the energy to protect you from cancer, colds, flu, radiation, etc.

And that's just the problems with not processing foods. If you're not processing fluids properly... 

...fluid collects in your tissues (Chinese medicine calls this condition "Dampness".)

This fluid ultimately congeals, and becomes a condition called "Phlegm" (this includes, but is not the same as, having phlegm or mucus.)

This "Phlegm" leads to obesity, depression, urinary infections, dementia, seizures, cysts and tumors, sinus headaches, allergies, all breathing problems like sinusitis, asthma, COPD, and a host of other problems.

Furthermore... the processing of food and fluids includes elimination... so you will have problems with constipation, diarrhea and urination.

If you look through my website you'll see that 

all the diseases listed there have improper eating as one of the main causes of that condition.

In some cases, the problems come directly from the food itself. But, in most cases, the problem comes from how the food negatively affects your digestion, with the weakened digestion then leading to the disease condition.

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So, how do cold drinks damage your ability to process food and fluids? 

Here's a simple analogy...

When you put water on the stove, it moves faster... there's more activity. 

When you put water in the freezer, it slows down (freezes)... there's less activity.

Cold decreases activity. Heat increases activity.

Chinese medicine describes the act of digestion as a warm process. Energy (and life itself) is warm. When we are dead, we're stone cold dead...

It has been shown through thousands of years of observation in China that, if we drink chilled or cold liquids, we decrease our digestive activity.

We hurt this warm process of digestion (cold negates heat).

FIRST OF ALL, this causes food and liquid to be digested poorly. Similar to when your car can't completely combust fuel, food isn't digested properly and you're left with a "sludge" (which, in Chinese Medicine, is called "Stagnant food" and/or "Phlegm".)

That "sludge" is often the root cause of problems such as a weak immune system, weight gain, fatigue, cysts, allergies, sinusitis and certain types of headaches.

SECONDLY, warming up the cold fluids consumes energy (heat), leaving you with a net loss of energy.

THIRD, your weakened digestion now can't produce good quality energy from the food you eat, leaving you with less energy for your organs to function properly...

...do you get the picture? You can (and will) end up with nearly every disease imaginable.

What to do about this?

You might be lucky enough to have strong digestion and not feel too affected by cold drinks. Consider yourself blessed. But, if you're already in a somewhat weakened state...

...drinking COLD drinks might be one of the "straw's" that breaks the camels back. Here's my advice:

If you have ice water with your meals, stop.

If you drink your drinks cold from the refrigerator, stop. 

Drink no more than a teacup of room temperature or warm water (or green tea) with your meals. 

If you eat at restaurants, tell the waiter "No ice, please!"

One the biggest offenders is the ice water you get out at the restaurant. Just before eating a big meal, you put out your "digestive fire" (read that as DAMAGE your digestion) with that freezing cold water. Big mistake!

Iced drinks really aren't good for anybody. Nature didn't intend for us to frequently drink cold or frozen liquids. Refrigerators and freezers are extremely recent in terms of the history of human diet.

Not to mention, there's just not a lot of refrigerators out there in nature!

*** Think about the implications of cold foods here, too. Obviously, they're equally damaging. ***

It may take some getting used to, but drinking room temperature or warmer water is a good first step toward being healthier. 

Keep it warm!


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7 Liver Cleansing Foods - Part of the Detox Diet

Is it possible to eat a diet that consists of liver cleansing food without starving yourself or changing your entire lifestyle? We believe that with the proper detox diet that you can have a proper liver cleanse and have increased stamina, decrease colds and infections by reinforcing your immune system, and get restful sleep and wake up refreshed. These are some of the benefits derived from eating a diet of liver cleansing food.

So what are these foods, and how difficult will it be to incorporate them into your weekly diet? You will find these foods to be rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber, and detox diet foods that have a high presence of antioxidants. Plus, they will be no trouble at all fitting them into your weekly diet.

1. Leafy green vegetables. Because of their high quantities of plant chlorophylls, they are able to remove toxins from the bloodstream in vast amounts. As an effective liver cleansing food, they can be eaten raw or cooked. They also have the ability to neutralize chemicals and pesticides, helping the liver in one of its functions as a filter of these toxins.

2. Garlic. It doesn't take much, thankfully, to activate liver enzymes to assist in flushing out body toxins. Additionally, in detox for the liver garlic have two natural compounds that aid in liver cleansing, allicin and selenium.

3. Carrots, beets, and red and yellow fruits and vegetables. These are high in beta-carotene, important for its antioxidant qualities, which inhibit the oxidation of other molecules. These antioxidants help to prevent many of the diseases caused by oxidative stress.

4. Whole grains. These liver cleansing foods should be brown rice and whole wheat grain, not the white flour foods. These liver cleansing foods aid in liver function and decongestion, along with improving overall fat metabolization. White bread, because of its processing, offers little in the way of nutritional value as well as adding toxins in processing. If you want to go totally healthy, sprouted grain breads top them all.

5. Olive oil. When used in moderation, their lipid base literally sucks up harmful toxins, relieving the liver of toxic overload.

6. Green tea. Fast becoming known for its overall health benefits, it also helps the liver in its overall functions, as it is heavy in plant antioxidants.

7. Turmeric. Called the liver's favorite spice, it helps in liver detox by helping enzymes that actively flush out dietary carcinogens.

These are a few foods that assist in liver cleansing, and should be part of any detox diet. Obviously, there are a few that should not be included as liver cleansing food, and they would be processed foods, artificial food additives, preservatives and synthetic sweeteners, to name a few. Also, try to steer clear of those foods which are not grown organically and have been treated with pesticides and synthetic chemicals. Finally, of course, the overuse of alcohol can cause havoc with a liver detox program.

These liver cleansing foods should be in our everyday diet. If you imagine the liver as a filter, in time that filter is going to get congested with contaminants. The Master Cleanse diet, as well as other liver detox diets, can periodically give the liver a boost and clean things out. A product found on our website we are sure will provide immense benefits for a total liver cleanse.

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Zinc Is Essential for Good Health

Most of us are familiar with the use of zinc as an aid to combating common colds and sore throats; however, many of us are unaware of just how vital zinc is in maintaining overall good health. Zinc is an essential trace element found in every cell in our bodies. While studies have indicated that about 12% of Americans are deficient in zinc, our ability to absorb zinc declines with age and it is estimated that this percentage increases to 45% in older Americans

Zinc performs a variety of important functions, including strengthening the immune system, protecting cell membranes against free radicals, preventing cell structural damage and repairing damaged DNA. Zinc also is instrumental in healing wounds, supports the stabilization of blood glucose, supports neurological function, maintains the senses of taste and smell, and stimulates activity in approximately 100 different enzymes.

In addition, Zinc supports normal growth during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence and helps to protect against macular degeneration, a cause of blindness in adults over the age of 60. Zinc can even help boost libido. Zinc may also be effective in treating such conditions as acne, eczema, anorexia nervosa, and those suffering from trauma after surgery.

Zinc deficiency can lead to numerous health conditions, including prostate disorders which may in turn lead to prostate cancer. Because zinc affects the immune system, a deficiency can present itself in frequent colds, flus, and other infections. In children, a zinc deficiency can manifest itself in growth retardation.

In addition to aging and poor dietary habits, digestive disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's Disease can be contributing factors in the depletion of zinc from our bodies. Deficiency in zinc can also be caused by certain medications. Among the offenders are diuretics and medications used in controlling blood pressure. Acid-suppressing medications also play an important role. Alcoholics have a higher risk of being zinc deficient. Others at risk include women taking birth control pills and on hormone replacement therapy.

Zinc deficiency symptoms can present themselves as:

* Rashes
* Chronic diarrhea
* Night blindness
* Depression
* Loss of appetite
* Decline in libido
* Hair loss
* Eye and skin lesions

Foods rich in zinc include:

* Beef
* Crab
* Turkey
* Oysters
* Liver
* Dairy
* Nuts, such as cashews, almonds, peanuts
* Crimini mushrooms
* Spinach
* Pumpkin seeds

The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for zinc is 11 mg for men and 8 mg for women. However, those that are zinc deficient, not eating a diet rich in zinc, or have a prostate disorder should take 15 mg of zinc daily. Because of the lower absorption of zinc from plants, vegetarians may need about 50% more zinc. Since zinc can interfere with copper absorption, any zinc supplement should contain 1 to 2 mg of copper.


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More Superfoods For Your Fitness Journey

A beautifully sculpted sand castle is the color of our first superfood, oats. Oats, usually eaten as oatmeal, are rich in manganese, magnesium, zinc and fiber. The health benefits of oats include lowering blood cholesterol, stabilizing blood sugar, and lowering risk for type 2 diabetes. The high content of manganese in oats is responsible for stabilizing blood sugar while the fiber rich content of oats helps to lower blood cholesterol. Eating whole grains like oats, as opposed to eating processed carbohydrates, helps lower risk for type 2 diabetes due to the content of magnesium. The benefits of oatmeal don't end here. The high fiber content of oatmeal helps protect against breast cancer and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. One serving of oatmeal provides 24 grams of carbohydrates in only 150 calories. This provides a good amount of energy to start the day. Adding milk to a bowl of oatmeal makes it higher in protein and calcium, adding even more nutrients and flavor to an already nutrient rich food.


One of the most precious gems is the blood red ruby and it's also the color of apples. But these precious dietary gems come in a wide range of colors and flavors. Green apples, which are a bit sour to the taste and yellow apples which are sweeter. As compared with other superfoods, apples seem relatively tame. They have a very high content of fiber and Vitamin C. The more commonly known nutrients are absent from this fruit. But, there are some hidden treasures stored in apples. Phytonutrients or phytochemicals are found in abundance in apples. These phytonutrients work in synergy with vitamins, minerals and fiber to help us stay healthy. Phytonutrients stimulate the immune system, affect the hormones in good ways and act as antiviral and antibacterial agents to help us fight disease. Apples contain pectin fiber which is responsible for maintaining digestive health and acts as an appetite suppressant. Averaging around 70 calories per apple with 21 grams of carbohydrates, these portable gems give a lot of energy at a low caloric cost.


Tulips, daffodils, baby's breath, carnations, and daisies are flowers that captivate us with their beauty for their myriad of colors as do the colorful array of our next superfood, beans. Beans offer a host of health benefits from protein, B vitamins, fiber, copper, and molybdenum. Molybdenum is an essential mineral that is necessary for several processes in the body. Molybdenum works in conjunction with copper to control the movement and release of iron in the body. It also prevents some types of cancer and asthma. One serving of beans provides with 1/3 the daily recommended intake of protein, with very low amounts of fat. One study showed that eating a cup of beans daily for 6 months reduced dietary cholesterol by 10 percent. It contains more than half the amount of daily recommended intake of fiber. The song that goes, beans, beans are good for your heart, the more you eat the more you f... well, it's a small price to pay for the benefits derived from eating beans.


In your mind's eye, picture the earth and it's fertile soil and you'll have the color of our next superfood, walnuts. These little brown orbs are filled with Omega-3 fatty acids, derived from Alpha Linolenic Acid, and Omega-6, from Linoleic Acid. Essential Fatty Acids are responsible for a wide array of health benefits. They help hair grow faster and reduce body inflammation, lower arthritis risk, fight depression, heart disease and some types of cancers. Only a quarter cup of walnuts, containing 160 calories provides us with 95 percent of the recommended daily allowance of Omega-3 fatty acids and 67 percent of Omega-6 fatty acids. Add to that high levels of manganese and copper and you have a darned powerful combination of nutrients in a meager amount of calories.


These are just a few of the foods that provide us with lots of nutrients and low calories. We could add sardines, yogurt and kefir, strawberries, barley, the list is long. We simply have to make the right choice most days. Ask yourself, will I continue to have fast foods every day for lunch or dinner or will I have superfoods for lunch and dinner and lower my risk for cancer, improve my hair and skin, increase my energy levels and lose weight? Superman is a fictional character that is the epitome of goodness, helping people whenever he could. Let the goodness contained in superfoods help you every day of your life.


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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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How Alkaline Water Benefits Your Immune System

The food you consume and the polluted air you inhale, create a lot of acidic waste in your body. Even the tap water that comes to your home is not safe as it contains many pollutants, chlorine, fluorine and other minerals in it. Consuming alkaline water benefits your health and improves your immune system.
Alkaline water benefits your health by neutralizing acids and removing toxins from your body. Tap water normally has a pH value of 7 and is neutral. Alkaline water has a pH range of 7.2 to 9 that is safe for the body. The pH value describes the acidity or alkalinity in a water sample. If the body is excessively acidic, there is a lack of oxygen available in your body cells, and you will not be healthy. When your body is alkaline, and it is getting sufficient minerals from the food and drinks to remain alkaline, your blood will function normally. Providing oxygen to the body cells and removing all acidic waste from the body is significant for health.

The extra amount of acid present in your body weakens your immune system and can cause several diseases. On the other hand, if your body is alkaline, it will function better. Alkaline water acts to neutralize the acids present in the body and enables it to flush out the toxic, acidic waste.
Alkaline antioxidant water can be prepared in a number of ways. One of the best and economical ways is by ionizing the water. Ionized water is alkaline, rich in antioxidants and is free from bacteria as well as other volatile organic substances such as chlorine, fluorine and harmful trace metals present in tap water. It also contains an excess of oxygen atoms and retains healthy minerals. Ionized alkaline water benefits the health as it makes the passage of water between your body-cells easier. Alkaline water provides oxygen to the body cells to get rid of toxins. Antioxidants are important to improve your health. The ionized water has a higher antioxidant level, and is more beneficial for your health and immune system. ORP signifies the Oxidation Reduction Potential of ionized water and measures the antioxidant level of ionized water. A higher antioxidant level in the ionized water implies that it is better for your health. The alkaline ionized water is more beneficial than clean water to save you from abdominal complaints and chronic diarrhea, and it shows a better overall improvement. Alkaline mineral water reduces bone resorption. Ionized water protects the body against oxidative damage to protein RNA and DNA.
Alkaline water benefits your body to fight the aging process and numerous degenerative diseases. As alkaline water is more easily absorbed into your body-cells, it reduces the build up of acidic waste in your body and makes it less susceptible to degenerative diseases including gout, cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, high blood pressure as well as heart disease. The high pH water forces the stomach to generate more hydrochloric acid that produces more bicarbonate to go into your bloodstream. With aging, the bicarbonate and as such the alkalinity in the blood stream reduces and the body is unable to neutralize acids. The increase in acid level causes cholesterol, uric acid, kidney stones, etc. Alkaline ionized water also refills the deficit of calcium, prevents bone loss, and also prevents kidney disorders. Thus, the alkaline water benefits your immune system in several ways.

Although alkaline water can greatly benefit your health.
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