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7 Natural Remedies That Help to Remove The Uric Acid That Causes Arthritis

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Sharp uric acid crystals cause pain and inflammation in tissues. Some herbs do miracles when it comes to dissolving and eliminating these crystals.

In this article we suggest that you try these natural products and herbs to eliminate uric acid, a known cause of arthritis.

Apple Cider Vinegar

In alternative medicine, apple cider vinegar is largely used in the treatment of sore joints. Regular application of this treatment results in a remission of pain in the joints within a month.

Soak a bandage or a piece of cloth in some apple cider vinegar and apply the compress on your swollen joints or varicose veins. Wrap well. Repeat the remedy every morning and evening. You can also dissolve 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a cup of lukewarm water and drink the liquid every day.

Burdock Root

This traditional herbal remedy is useful in the treatment of arthritis associated conditions, including acute gout attacks.

According to “The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine” burdock root eliminates the toxins in the bloodstream, reduces inflammation and promotes proper excretion of urine which contains uric acid, and this is why it is commonly recommended as an effective folk remedy for gout.

Health experts recommend combining 20-30 drops of burdock root tincture and 9 oz of water 3-4 times a day, and the treatment should last for a few days.

Pineapple

Pineapple is packed with bromelain, an enzyme that reduces inflammation. Pineapple juice relieves arthritis-related joint pain and strengthens your wrists.

Lemon Juice

Many people believe that lemon juice makes the body more acidic, but believe it or not, it actually creates an alkaline environment and neutralizes uric acid. Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which is quite important when it comes to decreasing uric acid level.

  • Juice a lemon and add it to a glass of warm water. Drink warm lemon water in the morning before you eat or drink anything. For optimal results, consume this drink for several weeks.
  • Vitamin C supplements also work great. Consult your doctor for the proper dosing.

Calendula

Calendula is excellent when it comes to strengthening joints and preventing disease. It can be used in a tea or as a supplement

Make a nice and warm bath and add some calendula leaves and flowers. Use it as a compress for your joints or make a nice cup of tea using calendula leaves.

Parsley

Due to its antioxidant capacity, people often turn to parsley tea as an herbal solution to many health problems.

Parsley is a great herb to use in a salad, however it also makes a highly beneficial tea as well. Regular consumption of parsley tea stimulates the elimination of uric acid buildups in the joints, especially when combined with mulberry juice.

Drink Plenty of Water

When it comes to drinks, water is the best choice if you want to maintain normal level of uric acid. Water stimulates the kidneys to remove toxic buildups and excess uric acid from the body.

Drink 3 liters of water a day and eat fruits and vegetables with high percentage of water.

Source: healthyfoodhouse.com

10 Healthy Veggie Side Recipes to Serve with Dinner

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If prepared in the right way, a vegetable side dish can be as delicious and filling as the main dish.  Preparing a vegetable with a different cooking method, adding different flavors and colors can make the difference for your child if they try it and like it or not.  The philosophy we have in our household which patterns the MyPlate guidelines,  is to make half of your meals fruit and veggies.  When you make your side a veggie that is full of flavor, it is much easier to fill half your plate with it!  We have 10 Healthy Veggie Sides Recipes to serve with dinner to make your meal complete!

Honey Cinnamon Roasted Sweet Potatoes

These sweet potatoes from Buns in My Oven are a deliciously sweet side dish with a great texture – a perfect way to serve sweet potatoes to your kids for the first time!

Super Simple Spaghetti Squash

This is a great side dish to replace potatoes or pasta with a meal.  Your kids will love watching the ‘spaghetti’ form – let them get involved by giving them 2 forks and scraping away the squash!

 Crunchy Homemade Onion Rings

Even kids who may be hesitant about trying onions, may go for some baked onion rings!  Skip the deep fryer and bake these for a healthy version that the entire family will love.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups bread crumbs
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 large onions
2 eggs, beaten

Instructions

Combine bread crumbs, seasoned salt, and garlic powder, and set aside. Combine eggs, and beat till frothy. Slice onions into rings. Dip onion rings into egg mixture, and then into bread crumbs. Arrange in single layer on a baking sheet (sprayed with cooking spray). Bake in oven at 375 for 20 minutes.

5 Delicious Ways to Cook Carrots

Sometimes it takes a different cooking method for kids to like a vegetable.  If your kids don’t like raw carrots, try one of these ways to cook them!  They are all different but delicious and produce a different flavor.

1) Braised

Simmer in chicken broth. When cooked to desired texture, add a touch of butter and salt.

2) Roasted

On baking sheet, brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and parmesan cheese. Cook at 400 for about 20 minutes.

3) Steamed

I do this super quick and cooked to perfection in my Rice cooker/ steamer.

4) Sautéed

Delicious in stir-fry’s and a great compliment to other vegetables. Pour 1 TBL oil in a pan. Add chopped vegetables. Stir every minute or so until vegetables are cooked.

5) Flavor cooked carrots

Try a new and different flavor, like Ginger-Orange Carrots. This recipe came from my running partner, Eliece.

Ginger – Orange – Carrot – Recipe

Ingredients:

5 medium carrots or 1lb. bag of baby carrots
1 teaspoon cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon ginger
2 Tablespoon butter or margarine
1 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup orange juice

Slice carrots as desired (baby carrots do not need to be cut) Cook until just tender (about 20 minutes) & drain. Combine sugar, cornstarch, salt, and ginger in a small saucepan. Add orange juice; cook, stirring constantly until mixture thickens and bubbles. boil one minute. Stir in butter. Pour over hot carrots, tossing to coat evenly.

Citrus Grilled Asparagus

This dish adds a lightness and also a sweetness to asparagus which can have a slightly bitter flavor.   Kids are more familiar with the orange flavor and will enjoy the yummy flavor it adds to the asparagus.

Ingredients:

1 lb asparagus
1 Tbsp coconut oil
1 lemon
1 orange
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Rinse asparagus well and snap the ends off. Place on tin foil or a grilling pan. Brush coconut oil onto the asparagus. Squeeze the juice of the lemon and orange onto the asparagus. Zest the lemon and orange and sprinkle on top. Grill on medium-high heat. For thick asparagus, grill for 10-12 minutes. For thin asparagus, grill for 5-8 minutes.

Ultimate Roasted Broccoli

Roasted broccoli is the cooking method that has helped my kids fall in love with broccoli.  If they are struggling eating veggies, I know I can fall back on roasted broccoli! This recipe from JoCooks adds some yummy ingredients making it even more delicious!

INGREDIENTS

2 big heads of broccoli or 3 smaller ones
5 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced
2 to 3 tbsp olive oil
1½ tsp salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
¼ cup roasted pecans, chopped
⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.

Cut the broccoli florets from the thick stalks and cut the larger pieces through the base of the head with a small knife, pulling the florets apart. I cut mine in really small florets because I wanted bite size florets. Place the broccoli florets on a sheet pan large enough to hold them in a single layer. Toss the garlic on the broccoli and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes, until crisp-tender and the tips of some of the florets are browned.

Remove the broccoli from the oven and immediately toss with lemon juice, pecans and Parmesan cheese. Serve hot.

 Cheesy Baked Zucchini Rounds

This simple 2 ingredient zucchini dish from Five Heart Home will become a regular on your menu.  These bake at a relatively high temperature, making the zucchini get nice and soft, with an almost creamy texture, while the Parmesan turns crispy and golden brown.

Ingredients

2 medium-sized zucchini
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Garlic salt & freshly ground black pepper, optional

Directions

Place oven rack in center position of oven. Preheat to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil (lightly misted with cooking spray) OR parchment paper.

Wash and dry zucchini, and cut into 1/4-inch thick slices. Arrange zucchini rounds on prepared pan, with little to no space between them. If desired, lightly sprinkle zucchini with garlic salt and freshly ground black pepper. Use a small spoon to spread a thin layer of Parmesan cheese on each slice of zucchini. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until Parmesan turns a light golden brown. (Watch these closely the first time you make them and pull them out of the oven early if the Parmesan is golden before 15 minutes!) Serve immediately.

Creamy Cauliflower Rice

Rice is a staple side dish for many meals, and this boosts the nutrition by using mostly cauliflower with a small amount of rice.  This makes it a delicious familiar dish, but a powerhouse in the nutrition department.

INGREDIENTS

6-8 cups chopped cauliflower
4 cups vegetable broth + 2 cups water
½ cup milk
1½ cups brown rice (I used a brown rice blend)
1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste!)
2 tablespoons butter
6-8 cloves minced garlic
½ cup Mozzarella cheese for topping (more to taste)

INSTRUCTIONS

Cook the rice according to package directions. Set aside.

Bring the vegetable broth and water to a boil in a large pot. Add the cauliflower and boil for about 10 minutes, until tender. Transfer cauliflower pieces to a blender or food processor.

Puree the cauliflower, adding milk or extra vegetable broth to get a smooth, creamy consistency. Season with salt. Pour over the cooked rice and stir to combine.

In a large nonstick skillet, melt the butter and add the garlic, sauteing over low heat until the garlic is very fragrant, about 3-5 minutes. Add the creamy rice mixture and stir until butter and garlic is incorporated. Add cheese on top or stir it throughout the rice to get it melted. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Roasted Veggies with Savory Cheese Sauce

We have found that kids love dips and sauces and are much more likely to try things when they can dunk, or smother their veggies. This savory sauce is a pleaser for both kids and adults!

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp Butter
2 Tbsp Flour
1 1/4 cups milk
1 tsp chicken bouillon paste (or 1 cube, crushed)
1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/3 – 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium sauce pan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly, make sure there are no lumps. Stir in the bouillon. Whisk constantly until the mixture begins to thicken, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted. Keep the sauce warm.

Quick and Easy Homemade Fries

A side of homemade fries goes well with many meals, but sometimes there just isn’t time when you are rushing to make dinner.  This is one of our favorite shortcuts so that you can have these as a side anytime even if you are short on time!

Step 1: Peel, rinse, and cut

This is a great place to get the kids involved. They’ve been peeling potatoes for as long as I can remember. The cutting part will take some time. My kids started with a crinkle cutter, because it’s pretty easy to use and less likely to cut them. We sort into bowls with two potatoes worth of fries in each bowl. That’s the perfect amount for fitting into quart size freezer bags.

Step 2: Blanch

After the potatoes are rinsed and cut, we drop them by the bowlful into boiling water. We wait 2 minute, and then drop into ice water. Leave in the ice water for several minutes- the longer the better, up to 20 for the crispiest fries!   Blanching is an important step. It makes the difference between “Crisp Tender” veggies and mushy veggies. It also slows down the enzyme reactions that cause foods to lose their flavor and color.

Step 3: Blot dry and arrange on a cookie sheet, lined with parchment paper

Step 4: Optional: Pre-season the french fries

This is totally optional, but sometimes we’ll add garlic salt, seasoned salt, or nothing at all on this step.

Step 5: Freeze for 12-24 hours

Step 6: Once frozen, arrange into freezer bags. We use 2 potatoes per quart size bags.

Return to the freezer and store up to 6 months!

When it’s time to eat, simply take one bag out of the freezer, and arrange on a parchment lined cookie sheet. We drizzle with olive oil (although this is optional as well), and bake at 425 for about 40-45 minutes. Watch carefully. You don’t want to burn them, but you want them to brown up and be crispy.

superhealthykids.com

5 Simple and Health Ways to Cut Portions

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One of the most simple ways to lose weight, is to burn more calories than you consume… but this doesn’t mean you’re doomed to be hungry all the time! Instead of eating less all the time, how about working out more so that you can accommodate your appetite?

To get you started, here are some tips on healthy ways to cut portions without feeling hungry!

1. Start with Water

Having a large glass of water before every meal will make you feel less hungry. Not only does it help to fill our stomachs, sometimes dehydration is actually the reason why you’re hungry! Often the grumbling in your tummy can actually occur due to dehydration, not hunger.

Sometimes we also eat when we’re bored, so having a big glass of water with lemon can actually satisfy the urge to eat out of boredom.

2. Vegetable Fillers

Whenever you cook a meal, add in as many vegetables as you can. Whether it be a stir-fry, pasta, seafood dish or sandwich, make sure it’s jam packed with vegetables. Vegetables can really fill you up and they’re low calorie and nutrient high!

3. Plate Coloring

Now, this is an odd one but it’s proven that people who eat on plates which color doesn’t contrast with the color of their food, eat 22% more food. It’s believed that when your food contrasts the plate it’s served on, you can judge the amount of food more accurately – and thus avoid over eating.

4. Add Carbs, Don’t Add to Carbs

Don’t make a meal based on carbohydrates, make a meal and then if you must, add carbohydrates. Don’t have a bowl of granola and then top it with fruit and yogurt, have yogurt and top it with a little bit of granola!

The same goes for pasta; grill vegetables and meat as the base and then add a little bit if pasta to it so that the majority of your meal is vegetables and meat, not carbs! This tip with revolutionize your cooking!

5. Limit Portion Size

Craving some chips, how about a bit of chocolate… or some cookies? Take a small serving out of the box or bag, put it in a bowl or on a plate and then leave the kitchen. If you bring the box of cookies or the bag of chips with you, your snack will never end!

Source:  theheartysoul.com

 

 

10 Foods that Help Lower Blood Sugar Levels

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A healthy level of blood sugar is a great pre-requisite to enhance the entire body’s working condition. A required blood sugar level is the most prominent since it in turn stands profoundly responsible to tackle other conditions of balancing the body hormones, energizing your body, regulating mood swings and also the levels of hunger.

Robust blood sugar levels are also necessary to strengthen the body against Type 2 Diabetes, hypoglycemia, stroke, blindness and issues like hypertension as well. Taking in a diet that is supplemented with a perfect balance of blood sugar level can trigger a mechanism in your body that would also prevent health issues like obesity.

Generally avocados are believed to be sources of fat. But this is mono-saturated fat which can be worth elevating you health condition by making a slow and an even distribution of sugar in your bloodstream. This would result in a low release of insulin.

Try adding these foods to your grocery list to help lower your blood sugar levels:

  1. Spices:

It has been told that spices are great agents to work for the process of sugar breakdown. Not only sugar, but also cholesterol levels can be significantly decreased through the consumption of spices.

  1. Eggs:

These are another important food source you would want to depend upon to lessen your blood sugar levels and insulin discharge. Eggs are also known to decrease obesity by periodic consumption.

  1. Cinnamon:

It is a claimed fact that cinnamon causes the liver and related muscles to be ready to get into contact with insulin. This is also believed to be a veteran in conducting an appropriate management of body blood sugar levels and also in reducing weight effectively.

  1. Olive Oil:

This is also similar to avocados which can ably lessen the growth of belly and also virtually manage the levels of blood sugar in the body.

  1. Blue Berries:

Blue Berries constitute bioactive ingredients which can augment your responsiveness to insulin. It has also been found out that Blue Berries can lessen your risk of being prone to diabetes effectively.

  1. Chia Seeds:

These seeds stabilize your blood sugar levels. So if you are a victim of diabetes already or not, you can go for making an option of chia seeds to lower your blood sugar levels efficiently.

  1. Vinegar:

If you have just had a meal filled with more carbohydrates, taking in vinegar can make you feel intensely better. Also, vinegar can coherently lower your blood sugar levels.

  1. Mangoes:

It is acclaimed that having at least 10 grams of mangoes daily can wonderfully reduce your blood sugar levels.

  1. Cherries:

Cherries come with a rich content of anthocyanins which can amazingly increase your insulin production by about 50%. So, lowering your blood sugar levels with cherries is a tasty task at hand.

So, with the above-shown foods, you can make yourself get assured of the fact that you would synchronize your efforts in making your blood sugar levels get significantly lowered. So, get ahead and lead a healthy and a better life!

Source: letsgohealthy.net

Things You Can Add to Your Water That Aid in Digestion and Eliminate Toxins From Your Body

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Water is so essential to the body, and it processes, the benefits of drinking clean and sufficient water regularly and unbounded. Water can do everything for your body including aiding in digestion and cleansing your body of toxins.

Drinking water all by itself is a way to help flush the body of toxins on a daily basis, but with a few added ingredients you can get even more benefits from it. This is something you can do every day, or as part of a more broad detoxing strategy. Each one of the ingredients listed here will provide slightly different benefits, so be sure to choose according to the particular goal you have.

1. Freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice.

Lemons and limes are a good source of Vitamin C, which is a very important antioxidant because it helps neutralize free-radicals in the body. Lemons are also good for alkalizing the body as well as aiding in digestion because their make up is very similar to our own digestive enzymes.

2. Cucumber slices

Cucumber adds a crisp and refreshing taste to your water, and even add for a nice little snack while drinking. This helps eliminate toxins from the digestive system and is extremely hydrating for the body.

3. Strawberries

Strawberries are a great way to add a familiar flavor to almost anything. They are full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

4. Fresh Mint leaves

Mint improves the flow of vile and can help with activating salivary glands and digestive enzymes that help absorb the nutrients from your food. Mint is also very calming and soothing and can be used to settle an upset stomach.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a handy detoxing aid, and it’s good to keep a bottle of it in the cupboard. You can instantly improve the quality of a glass of water by adding a bit of ACV to it. Apple cider vinegar can help balance the Ph balance of the body. It is also wonderful for eliminating toxins and killing bacteria, maintaining a healthy weight and improves overall digestion.

6. Ginger Root

Ginger is also another wonderful remedy for indigestion, cramps, nausea, and gas. It has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years. It is an anti-inflammatory, anti-viral root that boosts circulation and may also kill cancer cells.

7. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is another traditional herb that is also anti-fungal and anti-viral and is used to relieve indigestion. It many also be good for circulation, metabolizing fats during digestion, and regulating blood-glucose levels by slowing the time it takes for food to go from the stomach to the small intestine.

Source: worldtruth.tv

See What 1 Tablespoon Of ACV Does To Your Weight

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Apple cider vinegar can be used as a natural remedy for a long list of things including lowering cholesterol, reducing blood sugar, and helping a person lose weight.

What type of ACV should I use?

Organic apple cider vinegar should always be chosen because it is unpasteurized and unprocessed. It is different than that you will find in most stores. In order to tell if you’re getting a good AVC, you can look for the cloudy matter that is supposed to float or sink to the bottom of the bottle. This matter is full of nutrients this is part of why the ACV is so good for you. If you wanted to take the time, you could even make your own Apple Cider vinegar.

How does ACV lower my cholesterol?

Cholesterol is not an altogether bad thing as we have been led to believe, this wax-like substance helps our bodies produce cells in a healthy manner. When we allow our cholesterol to build up is when it becomes a problem. ACV can help control cholesterol levels and ensure they stay at a healthy level. This relies on the ACV’s concentration of pectin, it attracts bad cholesterol and gets rid of it making one more healthy.

How does ACV lower my blood sugar levels?

The vinegar enters one ‘s system and slows down the digestion of starches. It also helps people with diabetes control their glucose and insulin responses.

Apple cider vinegar slows down the digestion of starches making the breakdown of calories in the blood less of a burden on your body. Pectin can also help one to feel fuller for longer amounts of time. Ingesting ACV can help allow your body to digest protein more efficiently and establishes hormones that break down fat cells. While this isn’t going to make you a size smaller overnight, it will help you lose weight a whole lot easier.

ACV and one’s diet.

Ingesting two tablespoons a day mixed in a glass of water is a great place to start. You could even drink it with your meals or add a little ACV to your salad dressing. Consuming this in normal amounts is most likely very safe but try not to over use this, enormous amounts is not recommended. Consuming too much might lead to something like a potassium deficiency. This will have you healthier in no time at all, why not give it a try?

Source: complete-health-and-happiness.com

20 Foods That Burn Fat, Boost Metabolism And Shrink Your Waistline

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If you view food as the enemy, here are 36 items that might make you change your mind and have them work for you instead of against you. While they may be pretty super, you shouldn’t put all of your attention on any one of them. Start by introducing a few more foods that burn fat into your diet each week until you find that you’re eating much more of them than you used to.

1. Tomatoes

Is it a fruit? Is it a vegetable? Who cares? All you need to know is that it’s got a ton of good things for your body for the long term, and in the short term it works to help you lose weight and help keep it off. They’re low on the calorie meter, but they help to give you that full feeling, and contain fiber that keeps things moving.

Like any bona fide superfood tomatoes bring more to the table than just weight loss. The lycopene brings antioxidants that studies are showing to be potentially helpful with a myriad of diseases and conditions. Be sure to add tomatoes to your cart next time.

2. Oranges

Healthy Vitamin C levels will help to keep you functioning at optimal levels, but if you’re looking to burn fat you might be concerned about the sugar in oranges. There’s no getting around it, oranges do contain sugar, which has the potential to turn to fat if it’s not burned up. But the calorie count is low, and the fiber actually helps to regulate your blood glucose levels.

In order for this to work out for you as a weight loss aid, eat it in moderation and to curb your sweet tooth when you’d otherwise be reaching for a candy bar or other sweet treat.

3. Oats

Although Paleo Diet followers would disagree, many others state that oats work as part of a weight loss strategy because the amount of fiber boosts your metabolism and helps you feel fuller longer. Everyone from The Biggest Loser trainer Bob Harper to the American Heart Association says to make a bowl of oatmeal for the best start to your day.

The antioxidants and other minerals oats contain make it a solid choice and not just a source of fiber. Cutting your cholesterol might also be on your list and this is a great way to get those levels down.

4. Spices

There’s no need to eat bland and boring food when you’re trying to lose weight. This is a great time to experiment with seasonings from different cultures. Many of them have thermogenic properties that boost your metabolism, while making some so-so dishes taste like they’re from a restaurant.

Some examples: Mustard seed will spice up your entree and get your metabolism going, and ginger can help with your digestion. Ginseng can boost up your energy, and black pepper can help burn calories. Like Indian food? Turmeric can help break up fat.

5. Sweet Potatoes

Oprah likes sweet potatoes, and credits them as part of the reason she lost weight one time. But can you really slim down by swapping a baked potato with its sweet cousin? Turns out sweet potatoes are great for dieting because they have fewer calories and also help you stay satisfied between meals.

If you’re addicted to spuds this can be one way to take out a food that usually gets the no-no when dieting and replace it with a superfoods such as this that has good things for you like fiber, Vitamin C, potassium, and Vitamin B6.

6. Apples

It’s hard to wrap your head around the fact that you are helping yourself to lose weight when you eat an apple. They are so sweet that they can help conquer sweet cravings, and it’s easy to see why they end up in a lot of desserts. But they are low in all of the things that you want them to be like calories, fat, and sodium. They have a good amount of fiber.

The fiber helps you feel full, and keeps you from going mad in between meals. It also helps keep things moving along digestively. Just be sure to chew your apple up real well before swallowing, and buy organic so you can leave the peel on.

 

7. Nuts

This is one food that almost every single diet plan in existence suggests you eat. Nuts are one food that unites the vegetarians and the Paleo followers, and we have yet to find a diet program that says not to eat them. They’re straight from the Earth and a small handful of raw organic almonds, walnuts or pecans can be a crunchy snack that leaves you feeling good for a few hours or more.

If you don’t like eating nuts for a snack, try chopping them up and sprinkling them on main dishes or side items. You’ll still get the good fats they bring and they help flavor up the meal.

8. Quinoa

This is been known for some time in the vegetarian realm but is now making the rounds to the mainstream. The weight loss benefits usually come in the form of switching out sides with quinoa instead of more calorie-dense foods like rice or potatoes. You’ll still get the benefit of rounding out the meal, with the added bonus of the vitamins that quinoa has.

If you haven’t tried it yet, what are you waiting for? It helps you feel full, doesn’t have a lot of calories, and ranks low on the Glycemic Index. Score!

 

9. Beans

Beans are a staple item in The Four Hour Body’s Slow Carb Diet. They are lauded for their ability to help regulate blood sugar levels and help with digestion due to their fiber content. Try adding a can of organic black beans as a side to your next meal, especially if it can replace a more carb-laden item like bread or rice.

Many restaurants keep black beans on hand as a substitute for a side, so they’re a great go-to item when you’re out with friends and want to eat well without looking like you’re on a diet.

 

10. Grapefruit

No need to go on some whacky grapefruit diet to get the benefits of it, but for most people this is going to require a new purchase at the store. Grapefruit doesn’t tend to make it onto most people’s shopping lists, but it should. In regards to weight loss the long standing myth that they help you lose weight is being proven left and right by clinical studies.

And you don’t have to buy the fruit, you can also simply buy grapefruit juice and start drinking that instead. Tim Ferriss of The Four Hour Body says he uses grapefruit juice on his “free days” in an effort to avoid the food he’s eating from causing weight gain.

11. Chicken Breast

While not an option if you’re going vegetarian or vegan, this is often used by dieters and bodybuilders alike because of its high protein value and low amount of fat. Dark pieces of chicken just don’t measure up when it comes to quality protein. Most Americans have no trouble adding chicken to the diet, since it’s one of the most popular meats in the country.

Just remember that it should be skinless. Try using different spices like the ones mentioned above to make it more interesting. Combined with strength training this can help tone your muscles leading to a higher metabolism.

 

 

12. Bananas

Perhaps it’s because it takes us back to our simian ancestry that makes eating a banana seem natural. The more studies they do on the effects of bananas in humans, the more attention they get as a definite way to help keep us at our ideal weights. They’re super easy to incorporate into the day, since they’re so versatile.

Cut some up and add it to oatmeal, keep a bunch around as a quick grab when you need something sweet or on-the-go. Just stick to one a day since they are a source of sugar as well.

13. Pine Nuts

These contain a phytonutrient that actually helps suppress your appetite. This means you don’t have to resort to expensive diet pills with nasty chemicals that are meant to do the same thing. All you have to do is keep a supply of pine nuts available.

Since they’re tiny and crunchy you get to eat a lot of them without having to worry about ruining your efforts. It let’s the body have it binge time while still helping you lose weight by keeping you away from more offensive foods.

14. Lentils

Lentils are gaining more popularity has a healthy food, and one that can help you lose the weight. The fiber they contain will help keep you feeling good between meals, and will help your blood sugar levels from spiking.

If you’re going vegetarian you can use lentil as a good protein source, or you can use them to compliment a protein and act as a side dish. It helps keep your cholesterol in check and help you process carbs more effectively.

 

15. Hot Peppers

If you like your food hot, there may be some good news for you. Hot peppers like habaneros, jalapenos, and chipotles can actually help you to lose weight, while also adding a kick to most any dish. They contain capsaicin which provides several benefits that relate to losing weight.

And if you were worried that eating these hot peppers would make you burn a hole in your stomach, recent research is showing that they may actually help to prevent stomach problems like ulcers by killing the bacteria responsible. Fire away!

16. Broccoli

We’d be remiss if we didn’t include broccoli on this list, even though you’re probably sick of everyone telling you about it. Turns out your mom and your grandma were right, these are really good for you, but aside from that they can also help you shed some fat.

How? Broccoli fills you up, but it’s not just a filler. It has tons of nutrients per pound, and it’s also packed with fiber so it keeps you regular, which keeps you feeling good. Spice it up with spices or peppers, but just skip the broccoli cheese soup, as that doesn’t work for weight loss.

16. Cantaloupe

Some say that you burn more calories eating cantaloupe than what it contains. Whether or not that’s the case is up for debate, but this is still a great food to add to your repertoire for weight loss. It’s sweet, but it’s not high in calories the way most sweet things are. It also has fiber in it, even though it doesn’t taste like it does.

It goes great in a fruit salad with other diet-assisting fruits like honeydew, strawberries, or simply by itself as a quick snack or sweet pick-me-up. Added bonus: it helps to make your skin look great.

18. Spinach

Spinach is often a vegetable left on the plate of children, but adults are coming around to it since it really does contain a lot of good things in it for losing weight and general well-being. You can eat it in several different ways, fresh as a salad, in a can, and it also comes frozen. It works for weight loss by adding bulk to your stomach without tacking on the calories.

This is a good vegetable to buy organic if you can, since conventional spinach picks up a lot of chemicals from the fields.

19. Green Tea

Perhaps you knew that green tea is packed with antioxidants, but did you also know that it can help you shed the fat? It’s the catechins! These are a part of green tea that get your body to switch over to burning more calories, as well as fat.

Unfortunately for the other teas, green tea comes out the winner on many fronts because it’s not as processed as the others, and therefore retains much of its goodness, like antioxidants and phytonutrients that make it a superstar among superfoods.at keep popping up. This is because it contains things that help your body, like omega-3s, and it contains fiber, which will help you feel full.

It’s the essential fatty acids that also work to give your metabolism a boost. As a side bonus it also lowers the levels of bad cholesterol in your body, and made it onto our list of superfoods for its many healthy benefits and ease of use.

20. Olive Oil

The reason olive oil helps you to lose weight is because it can take the place of other things like salad dressing and other oils that are considered bad fats. Even you change nothing else in your diet or lifestyle and just start using olive oil you should still benefit by losing weight. But most people find that if they start to embrace more of a Mediterranean diet the results are accentuated.

Almost any diet that replaced the Standard American Diet is going to be better for you and cause the pounds to drop, and using more olive oil in your life can bring many positive benefits.

Source: theheartysoul.com

Rehab For Your Health Habits: Detox Your Life

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Do you hate waking up to the sound of the alarm clock? Is the first thing you do checking your phone, calendar, the list of to-do daily things, and social media like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram?

You are stuck in this morning routine, and then you wonder why your life is not any better? Why can’t you just wake up like in those movies and do productive things, rather than staring at another Instagram photo?

Let’s check what you should instead do.

Wake up Early!

Your alarm clock may go off at 6:30 on days when you have to go to work, but on weekends you just want to get as much sleep as possible, because you have been working all week and it’s your legitimate right to sleep until lunchtime. Right?

Wrong! You should rise early every single day. It is something successful people do.

You have all the day to complete your tasks, and be productive. If you want to sleep more, you should go earlier to bed, and get the full 8-hour sleep, rather than sleeping late, and waking up late, even with 10 or more hours of sleep. That will only cause more fatigue, and dullness.

And do you know what they say? One key to success is having lunch at that time of the day when other people are having their breakfast.

 

Smile!

I know, everyone says Smile. Smile even when everything goes wrong, and everything seems to fall apart.

And that “everyone” could not be more right. You have to smile, you need to smile, for yourself.

If you frown and get angry at things, and stay sad, you will not improve things, you will not solve any problem. Not that the problem will be magically solved when you are smiling.

But the fact is, you will be more optimistic and you will approach the problem in a better way.

If you are tired, bored, sad, or not feeling at your best, try to curve your lips as if you are smiling. Fake it till you make it, baby! When you fake a smile, in a couple of seconds, it turns into a real smile, and brightens up the day.

Have a cup of coffee!

Coffee is the secret weapon behind creation, imagination, ideas.

Coffee also helps to wake up, and not feel so puffy, as your morning eyes. But, do not drink coffee before bed, as it might leave you sleepless. Consuming coffee makes it less likely for you to get diabetes type 1 and 2, as well as dementia, and Parkinson’s disease. It is an immune system booster, and also helps with muscle pain.

And; If you want to be productive, have a cup of coffee.

Drink water and green tea! A lot!

Water has been called the elixir of life.

When combined with green tea, it is the best choice.

Both of them will keep you hydrated, at your best. Your skin will glow, acne will not be a problem.

They will keep you detoxified and not tired at all. Green tea will also boost your metabolism and help with weight control, and better digestion. It lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. Green tea has antioxidants, it will keep your breath fresh, and help with a healthy skin, healthy hair, and fight some seasonal allergies.

What’s there not to love about that?

Photo: collective-education.com

Photo: collective-education.com

Dry brush your skin!

Find some brushes that will not rip your skin, and find a nice scrub that you are not allergic to.

Use them. Every day if you can.

Dry brushing your skin, removes the dead cells, bringing glow and shine to the skin. It does look younger after the massage, which you will do with small circles. Do not go too hard, you will leave bruises on your skin, and we do not want that.

Dry brushing also helps in blood circulation. And it does help with cellulite, every woman’s nightmare.

Cover up on lotion!

After the dry brushing process, a body lotion is a must. The pores are open, the skin is hot, and it needs lotion to cool down and close the pores. It will also be well absorbed.

Wear lotion all over the body. Do not move your hand too fast on the skin.

Make it at a slow pace, enjoying your skin, your body curves. Enjoy the fact that the lotion spreads so easy, and makes your skin look heavenly soft and shiny and healthy.

The process of covering your body in lotion is also a self-appreciation and self-loving process. You soon will realize you should do it more often, and after a while it will become an everyday routine, one that you will not want to skip.

Have some Chocolate!

Chocolate is the most delicious dessert. Happiness hides in chocolate.

So have one, do not be afraid of weight gain. In fact, recent studies have shown that chocolate helps in digestion, and weight control, especially if it has 70% or more cacao.

But whatever, the same studies have shown other benefits of chocolate like lowering the blood pressure, saving the heart from attacks, etc.

Bringing smiles back to someone’s face is my favorite. Do not skip a day without tasting a bit of chocolate has been my best advice ever.

Source:  engelta.hubpages.com

 

New Superfood: Beetroot For Heart Liver & Bowel Health

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Super-charged with powerful nutrients and a distinctly sweet and earthy flavor, beetroot deserves to be in your culinary repertoire. Beets are a well-known source of folic acid, potassium, magnesium, iron as well as vitamins A, B6 and C. Here are the reasons that make beetroot a medicinal food.

Betaine and homocysteine

One of beetroot’s many active compounds is betaine, also termed trimethylglycine(TMG). Betaine plays a role in the breakdown of homocysteine in our body, a substance that is natural but can be harmful if allowed to build up to high levels.

– Raised levels of homocysteine are linked to heart disease, thickening and loss of elasticity of the arterial walls (arteriosclerosis), compromised fertility, osteoporosis, hormonal imbalances, mood disorders, pain and inflammation, Alzheimer’s disease, type II diabetes and more.
– Raised homocysteine is an indication that a process called ‘methylation’, which keeps all the natural chemicals in our body in balance, is not working well.
– Betaine and other nutrients – especially B vitamins – are needed for healthy methylation and to keep homocysteine levels in control.

Research is making us more aware of the importance of controlling homocysteine levels. (Tests are available to check levels.)

Beetroot and the Liver

Beetroot also works to support liver detoxification and bile production for the digestion of dietary fats. Substances called betacyanins in beetroot (including betalains, which give beetroot its beautiful purple-red colour) have been found to support the second phase of liver detoxification. During this second phase, wastes that have actually been made more reactive and harmful during the first phase of detoxification are attached to substances that allow them to be excreted safely from the body. To be in optimal health and protect our body from excessive free radical damage, we need this second phase to work really efficiently.

Research has also shown that betacyanins help to produce bile, a substance that is made by our liver, stored in our gallbladder and then released into our digestive tract when we eat. As well as helping the liver to get rid of waste products, bile acts in the small intestine to break down fats in our food, supporting the digestive process and our absorption of fat-soluble nutrients such as vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin A.

Beetroot and the Bowel

Some call it ‘God’s Gift to the Colon’ as it contains a form of soluble fibre that makes the stool soft and easy to pass. Remember to leave the peel on of course.

Antioxidant support

Beetroot has been found to increase levels of a crucial amino acid called glutathione in the body. Glutathione is one of our body’s most important antioxidants, and also has many other roles including supporting detoxification and participating in DNA synthesis and repair. In addition, the betacyanins in beetroot also work directly as free radical scavengers, protecting our cells.

Nitrates for healthy blood pressure

The naturally occurring nitrates found in beetroot (root and leaves) helps to make another vital substance in the body called nitric oxide. Nitric oxide supports normal dilation of blood vessels and flexibility of the arteries – helping to maintain a healthy heart and blood pressure.

Recent research has also examined the role of nitric oxide in reducing oxidation of ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol. If LDL cholesterol is allowed to oxidise, it is more likely to cause inflammation and damage to the lining of our blood vessels, potentially leading to build-up of plaques and hardening of the arteries. Beetroot may help to prevent this happening.

A rich source of Vitamins and Minerals

Beetroot is a source of iron (for formation of red blood cells and haemoglobin), potassium (for normal muscle function), magnesium (for the health of your nervous system and supporting energy production) and vitamin C (for your immune system). It also contains folate which, like betaine, is important for methylation and maintaining healthy homocysteine levels as I said before.

Source: curejoy.com

The Healthiest Drink Ever – Relieves Pain & Inflammation, Protects Your Heart & More

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Turmeric is considered the king of spices; in India, people add it to almost every dish that they cook. Turmeric is also an invaluable ingredient in many natural remedies. The spice contains more than 300 antioxidants and is beneficial to consume daily.

This juice recipe is made from turmeric; you can use powdered turmeric or fresh turmeric root. This elixir can be used as an analgesic, thanks to it’s anti-inflammatory properties. It also provides a wide range of health benefits.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp powdered turmeric or grated, fresh turmeric
  • ½ tsp grated ginger
  • 5 organic carrots
  • 1 organic orange
  • 2 organic lemons
  • 1 organic cucumber

Instructions:

Peel the citrus fruits. Cut the cucumber and carrots into pieces. Blend everything together in a high speed blender. Serve alone or with ice. For optimal results, drink this juice in the morning half an hour before you eat breakfast.

Benefits:

Helps Arthritis: Turmeric juice relieves inflammation caused by arthritis. When consumed, curcumin (one of the antioxidants found in turmeric) becomes active and relieves stiffness and swollen joints.

Treats Depression and Dementia: American scientists have proven that turmeric reduces the risk of depression and dementia and also relieves the symptoms of these conditions.

Lead researcher Dr. Ajay Goel analyzed the properties of turmeric together with his team.They found that turmeric is only 2-5 % less effective than pharmaceutical antidepressants. Turmeric can treat depression and dementia without causing side-effects.

“Speaking in the aspect of medicine, we have a natural remedy that is just 2% less effective than pharmaceutical drugs, and this 2% mean absolutely nothing,” says Dr. Goel. He adds that “turmeric is safe, even when consumed in large amounts.”

Scientists are still trying to determine how turmeric affects depression. They believe that it blocks the enzymes that increase the risk of depression, and also reduces the level of cytokines in the body; cytokines can affect the body’s response to stress.

Eliminates Toxins: This juice successfully flushes toxins out of the body and also improves the complexion.

Reduces Pain: According to researchers, turmeric is effective in the treatment of pain and inflammation caused by steroid drugs.

Experts at the National Institute of Health believe that turmeric is effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis because it stops the destruction of joints. Turmeric contains Nf-kB, a protein that activates the defensive mechanisms in the body that help fight pain.

Helps in Cancer Treatment: Antioxidants interfere and regulate the growth of free radicals in the body; free radicals lead to many diseases including cancer. Turmeric juice provides prevention against ovarian, colon, prostate, and breast cancer.

Nourishes Heart and Blood Vessels: Turmeric juice regulates cholesterol and protects heartand blood vessels. Turmeric also helps to prevent potential cardiovascular diseases.

Treats Digestive Problems: This juice reduces bloating, relieves heartburn, and heals gastritis. Add turmeric as a spice to every meal for better digestion, or take a teaspoon of turmeric in water every day.

Source: healthyfoodhouse.com

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