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10 Fun Ways To Eat Chia Seeds!

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p10608222 Photo:chiaseedspot.com

Chia seeds are a powerhouse of nutrients. They’re loaded with protein, Omega 3s, and fiber. Plus they’re packed with calcium, magnesium and manganese. They are also gluten-free!

Here are 10 fun ways to eat chia seeds:

1. Chia pudding with kiwi fruit and pomegranate seeds

chia-pudding Photo:jennymcelvaney.wordpress.com

  • Place 3 tablespoons of chia seed in a mason jar and pour over 12 ounces of almond milk.
  • Shake the jar until the chia seeds are fully immersed in the liquid. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
  • Once seeds have swelled to a tapioca consistency, stir in 1 tsp of coconut sugar.
  • Pour into a serving bowl and top with chopped kiwi fruit and pomegranate seeds.

2. Raspberry-coconut chia pops

17795754 Photo:cellophaneland.com

  • Place 3 tablespoons of chia seed in a mason jar and pour over 12 ounces of coconut milk (from a can).
  • Shake the jar until the chia seeds are fully immersed in the liquid. Add 1 tablespoon of coconut sugar and 3/4 cup of raspberries. Stir well.
  • Let chia pudding set for 2 hours then pour into ice-pop molds and freeze overnight.

3. Chocolate-chia mousse

chia-cherry-choc-pudding Photo:beyondfitrecipes.wordpress.com

  • Pour 1 can of coconut cream into a blender, add 1/4 cup of chia seeds, 1/4 cup of maple syrup and 1/2 cup of cacao powder.
  • Let it sit it blender for 10 minutes to allow chia seed to swell to 10 times their size.
  • Once it has formed a tapioca consistency, puree it for 30 seconds or until smooth.
  • Pour into serving cups and let it set for 4 hours.
  • Top with fresh cherries.

4. Raspberry lemonade chia drink

P1220329-1400x1050 Photo:rosepetalsandribbons.com

Add the following to a pitcher:

  • 2 cups of coconut water
  • Juice 1/2 lemon
  • 3/4 cup of blended raspberries
  • 2 teaspoons of coconut sugar
  • 3 tablespoons of chia seed

Let it sit for 30 minutes until it has formed a gel-like consistency. Enjoy the drink!

5. Raw cherry and chia bars

Date-Cherry-Ginger-Orange-Coconut-Bars…with-Cacao-Chia Photo:onegreenplanet.org

In a food processor, add the following:

  • 1 cup of raw pecans
  • 1/2 cup of dried cherries
  • 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
  • 2 tablespoons of chia seeds
  • 1/3 cup of almond butter
  • 2 tablespoons of maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup of shredded coconut

Grind until a paste is formed, about 2 minutes. Add mixture to a baking try and place in the refrigerator for 2 hours. Slice into bars and serve.

6. Seeded granola with dried apricots

GranolaBars2 Photo:caramelizedsarcasm.com

In a food processor, add the following:

  • 1/2 cup of raw pumpkin seeds
  • 1/2 cup of raw sunflower seeds
  • 2 tablespoons of chia seeds

Pulse until seeds are in a chunky texture. Then add the following ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup of shredded coconut
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup and salt.

Pulse for another 20 seconds. Spread mixture out on to a baking dish.

Add to pre-heated oven at 300F for about 20 minutes, stirring half-way through to avoid burning. You could also use a dehydrator set to 118F for 4 to 5 hours. Allow the toasted granola to cool completely, then stir in the chopped dried apricots and store in an airtight container. Serve with almond milk.

7. Lemon and mango chia parfait

rbk-chia-foods-yogurt-parfait-cococnut-mango-vg-1-4 Photo:redbookmag.com

  • Place 3 tablespoons of ground white chia seed in a mason jar and pour over a can of coconut milk.
  • Add a pinch of vanilla bean, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and 3 tablespoons of maple syrup.
  • Let it sit for 30 minutes or overnight until thick.
  • Pour into serving glasses then top with freshly sliced mango.

8. Avocado on toast with chia seed.

AvocadoToastFromLPQ-850x638 Photo:fitlife.tv

Top gluten-free toast with avocado dusted in chia seeds, lemon zest, chili flakes and sea salt.

9. Cacao, chia cherry ice-cream

frozen-whipped-chocolate-bananas Photo:loseweightandgainhealth.com

Add the following to a blender:

  • 1/4 cup chia seeds
  • 1.5 cans of coconut cream
  • 2 tablespoons of cacao powder
  • 3 tablespoons of maple syrup
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ounce melted unsweetened chocolate
  • 4 pitted dates

Let it sit for 15 minutes then blend for 60 seconds or until smooth. The mixture should be thick and creamy. Transfer the mixture to an ice cream maker and churn according to the manufacturers instructions. Freeze until firm enough to scoop.

10. Matcha chia smoothie

matcha-chip-smoothie Photo:pseudourban.com

  • Blend 12 ounces of almond milk with 1 teaspoon of matcha green tea powder, 2 pitted dates, 2 cardamon pods and a pinch of vanilla bean for 30 seconds.
  • Pour into a large mason jar.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of chia seed and shake it well.
  • Let it sit for at least 15 minutes until chia seeds starts to swell. Serve over ice.

Source: mindbodygreen.com

8 things everyone should do before 8 a.m.

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Life is busy. It can feel impossible to move toward your dreams. If you have a full-time job and kids, it’s even harder.

How do you move forward?

If you don’t purposefully carve time out every day to progress and improve ,  without question, your time will get lost in the vacuum of our increasingly crowded lives.

Before you know it, you’ll be old and withered  —  wondering where all that time went.

As Harold Hill has said —  “You pile up enough tomorrows, and you’ll find you are left with nothing but a lot of empty yesterdays.”

Rethinking Your Life and Getting Out of Survival Mode

This article is intended to challenge you to rethink your entire approach to life. The purpose is to help you simplify and get back to the fundamentals.

Sadly, most people’s lives are filled to the brim with the nonessential and trivial. They don’t have time to build toward anything meaningful.

They are in survival mode. Are you in survival mode?

Like Bilbo, most of us are like butter scraped over too much bread. Unfortunately, the bread is not even our own, but someone else’s. Very few have taken the time to take their lives into their own hands.

It was social and cultural to live our lives on other people’s terms just one generation ago. And many millennials are perpetuating this process simply because it’s the only worldview we’ve been taught.

However, there is a growing collective-consciousness that with a lot of work and intention  —  you can live every moment of your life on your own terms.

You are the designer of your destiny.

You are responsible.

You get to decide. You must decide  —  because if you don’t, someone else will. Indecision is a bad decision.

With this short morning routine, your life will quickly change.

It may seem like a long list. But in short, it’s really quite simple:

  • Wake up
  • Get in the zone
  • Get moving
  • Put the right food in your body
  • Get ready
  • Get inspired
  • Get perspective
  • Do something to move you forward

Let’s begin:

1. Get A Healthy 7+ Hours of Sleep

Let’s face it  —  Sleep is just as important as eating and drinking water. Despite this, millions of people do not sleep enough and experience insane problems as a result.

The National Sleep Foundation (NSF) conducted surveys revealing that at least 40 million Americans suffer from over 70 different sleep disorders. Additionally, 60% of adults and 69% of children experience one or more sleep problems a few nights or more during a week.

In addition, “more than 40 percent of adults experience daytime sleepiness severe enough to interfere with their daily activities at least a few days each month — with 20 percent reporting problem sleepiness a few days a week or more.”

On the flipside, getting a healthy amount of sleep is linked to:

  • Increased memory
  • Longer life
  • Decreased inflammation
  • Increased creativity
  • Increased attention and focus
  • Decreased fat and increased muscle mass with exercise
  • Lower stress
  • Decreased dependence on stimulants like caffeine
  • Decreased risk of getting into accidents
  • Decreased risk of depression
  • And tons more … Google it.

The rest of this blog post is worthless if you don’t make sleep a priority. Who cares if you wake up at 5 a.m. if you went to bed three hours earlier?

You won’t last long.

You may use stimulants to compensate, but that isn’t sustainable. In the long run, your health will fall apart. The goal needs to be long-term sustainability.

2. Prayer and Meditation to Facilitate Clarity and Abundance

After waking from a healthy and restful sleep session, prayer and meditation can help you orient yourself toward the positive. What you focus on expands.

Prayer and meditation help facilitate intense gratitude for all that you have. Gratitude is having an abundance mindset. When you think abundantly, the world is your oyster. There is limitless opportunity and possibility for you.

People are magnets. When you’re grateful for what you have, you will attract more of the positive and good. Gratitude is contagious.

Gratitude may be the most important key to success. It has been called the mother of all virtues.

If you start every morning putting yourself in a space of gratitude and clarity, you will attract the best the world has to offer, and not get distracted.

3. Hard Physical Activity

If you want to be among the healthy, happy, and productive people in the world, get in the habit of regular exercise. Many people go immediately to the gym to get their body moving. I have lately found that doing yard work in the wee hours of the morning generates an intense inflow of inspiration and clarity.

Whatever your preference, get your body moving.

If you don’t care about your body, every other aspect of your life will suffer. Humans are holistic beings.

4. Consume 30 Grams of Protein

Donald Layman, professor emeritus of nutrition at the University of Illinois, recommends consuming at least 30 grams of protein for breakfast. Similarly, Tim Ferris, in his book, “The 4-Hour Body,” also recommends 30 grams of protein 30 minutes after waking up.

According to Tim, his father did this and lost 19 pounds in one month.

Protein-rich foods keep you full longer than other foods because they take longer to leave the stomach. Also, protein keeps blood-sugar levels steady, which prevents spikes in hunger.

Eating protein first decreases your white carbohydrate cravings. These are the types of carbs that get you fat. Think bagels, toast, and donuts.

Tim makes four recommendations for getting adequate protein in the morning:

  • Eat at least 40% of your breakfast calories as protein
  • Do it with two or three whole eggs (each egg has about 6g protein)
  • If you don’t like eggs, use something like turkey bacon, organic pork bacon or sausage, or cottage cheese
  • Or, you could always do a protein shake with water

5. Take A Cold Shower

Tony Robbins starts every morning by jumping into a 57-degree Fahrenheit pool.

Why would he do such a thing?

Cold water immersion radically facilitates physical and mental wellness. When practiced regularly, it provides long-lasting changes to your body’s immune, lymphatic, circulatory and digestive systems that improve the quality of your life. It can also increase weight-loss because it boosts your metabolism.

There is of course, an initial fear of stepping into a cold shower. Without a doubt, if you’ve tried this before, you have found yourself standing outside the shower dreading the thought of going in.

You may have even talked yourself out of it and said, “Maybe tomorrow.” And turned the hot water handle before getting in.

Or, maybe you jumped in but quickly turned the hot water on?

What has helped me is thinking about it like a swimming pool. It’s a slow painful death to get into a cold pool slowly. You just need to jump in. After 20 seconds, you’re fine.

It’s the same way with taking a cold shower. You get in, you heart starts beating like crazy. Then, after 20 seconds, you feel fine.

To me, it increases my willpower and boosts my creativity and inspiration. While standing with the cold water hitting my back, I practice slowing my breathing and calming down. After I’ve chilled out, I feel super happy and inspired. Lots of ideas start flowing and I become way motivated to achieve my goals.

6. Listen to/Read Uplifting Content

Ordinary people seek entertainment. Extraordinary people seek education and learning. It is common for the world’s most successful people to read at least one book per week. They are constantly learning.

I can easily get through one audiobook per week by just listening during my commute to school and while walking on campus.

Taking even 15–30 minutes every morning to read uplifting and instructive information changes you. It puts you in the zone to perform at your highest.

Over a long enough period of time, you will have read hundreds of books. You’ll be knowledgeable on several topics. You’ll think and see the world differently. You’ll be able to make more connections between different topics.

7. Review Your Life Vision

Your goals should be written down  —  short term and long term. Taking just a few minutes to read your life vision puts your day into perspective.

If you read your long term goals every day you will think about them every day. If you think about them every day, and spend your days working toward them, they’ll manifest.

Achieving goals is a science. There’s no confusion or ambiguity to it. If you follow a simple pattern, you can accomplish all of your goals, no matter how big they are.

A fundamental aspect of that is writing them down and reviewing them every single day.

8. Do At Least One Thing Toward Long-Term Goals

Willpower is like a muscle that depletes when it is exercised. Similarly, our ability to make high-quality decisions becomes fatigued over time. The more decisions you make, the lower quality they become  —  the weaker your willpower.

Consequently, you need to do the hard stuff first thing in the morning. The important stuff.

If you don’t, it simply will not get done. By the end of your day, you’ll be exhausted. You’ll be fried. There will be a million reasons to just start tomorrow. And you will start tomorrow  —  which is never.

So your mantra becomes: The worst comes first. Do that thing you’ve been needing to do. Then do it again tomorrow.

If you take just one step toward you big goals every day, you’ll realize those goals weren’t really far away.

 Conclusion

After you’ve done this, no matter what you have for the rest of your day, you’ll have done the important stuff first. You’ll have put yourself in a place to succeed. You’ll have inched toward your dreams.

Because you’ll have done all these things, you’ll show up better in life. You’ll be better at your job. You’ll be better in your relationships. You’ll be happier. You’ll be more confident. You’ll be more bold and daring. You’ll have more clarity and vision.

Your life will shortly change.

You can’t have mornings like this consistently without waking up to all that is incongruent in your life. Those things you despise will meet their demise. They’ll disappear and never return.

You’ll quickly find you’re doing the work you’re passionate about.

Your relationships will be passionate, meaningful, deep, and fun!

You will have freedom and abundance.

The world, and the universe, will respond to you in beautiful ways.

Source: businessinsider.com

40 Home Remedies for Reducing High Cholesterol

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Source: homeremedyshop.com

Cholesterol is a greasy substance present in the blood that is required for building healthy cells and maintaining cell membranes. It is basically produced by the human body but can also be taken from food. It also helps convert the sunlight into vitamin D. However, having high cholesterol can increase the risk of heart diseases.

Hypercholesterolemia or high cholesterol increases the risk of coronary heart disease that causes heart attacks. Diet, exercise and weight are the three main factors that can affect cholesterol levels. It starts to rise after the age of 20. So, keep an eye on your weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle, in order to stay away from diseases.

Home Remedies for Dipping High Cholesterol Levels

1. Nuts

Nuts are loaded with healthy monounsaturated fats, proteins, fiber, nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants. One should include a handful of nuts in daily diet. Peanuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios, pecans, and other nuts reduce blood cholesterol. Studies have revealed that eating a quarter cup of almonds a day can lower LDL by 4.4 percent. Moreover, you can consume some roasted almonds without oil. Walnuts contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Chomp them to lower your LDL by 16 percent.

Note – All nuts are high in calories, so avoid overeating.

 

2. Oatmeal

Oats are considered as traditional cholesterol buster. It is packed with soluble fiber and contains beta-glucans that helps reduce the absorption of cholesterol and lower down its level naturally. You can drop your LDL by 12-24%, if you eat 1½ cups of oatmeal regularly.

 

3. Onions

Grind an onion in a juicer. Add one teaspoon of honey in a teaspoon of onion juice.  Alternatively, take one cup of buttermilk and mix one finely chopped onion along with one-quarter teaspoon of pepper in it. Consume it on daily basis.

 

4. Orange Juice

Orange juice is a rich source of vitamin C, flavonoids and folate. Drinking 3 cups of fresh orange juice regularly can help you reduce blood cholesterol levels.

 

5. Coriander Seeds

Studies have shown that coriander can lower the levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides. The seeds of coriander have hypoglycemic effects that are also beneficial for diabetic patients. Take one cup of water and add 2 teaspoons of coriander seed powder to it. Boil this solution for a few seconds, and then, strain. Add some milk, sugar, and cardamom for taste. Drink it twice a day.

 

6. Red Yeast Rice

Red yeast rice is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used to lower the cholesterol levels. It contains monacolins, isoflavones, sterols, and monounsaturated fatty acids. For lowering the high cholesterol level, consume 1200 to 2400 mg of the supplement once or twice a day.

Note – It should be used under a physician’s direction.

 

7. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar helps lower your triglyceride and total cholesterol levels. It is a very effective remedy for curing a number of ailments. Mix 1 teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar in a glass of water and drink it 2 – 3 times a day for at least a month.

  • Moreover, if you don’t like its taste, you can mix some fresh orange juice, grape juice, apple juice or any of your favorite juice with apple cider vinegar.

 

8. Fish Oil

bodyreadyomega2

Fish oils and fatty fish such as tuna, mackerel, trout, salmon, herring, bluefish and sardines are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. They lower triglycerides and prevent heart ailments. Consume around 1-4 gram of fish oil daily.

Moreover, eat at least 2 servings of fish once in a week, most probably fatty fish, as they are the richest source of omega-3 fatty acids.

Alternatively, if you are a vegetarian, then include ground flaxseeds which are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

 

9. Honey

Honey is loaded with a number of minerals and vitamins which makes it an ultimate cholesterol fighter. Besides, the antioxidants present in honey do not let the cholesterol move out of the blood and also prevents its entry into the lining of the blood vessels.

  • Add 1 teaspoon of honey to 1 cup of hot water. You can also add one teaspoon of lemon juice or 10 drops of apple cider vinegar to this solution. Drink it in the morning. This may reduce excess fat from your system and maintain cholesterol level.
  • Alternatively, take a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and mix it in a cup of boiling water. Cover it for 30 minutes. Afterwards, strain this solution and add one teaspoon of honey to this concoction. Drink it on an empty stomach half an hour before your breakfast.

 

10. Soybeans

Soybeans are well-off in magnesium, phosphorus, protein, calcium, B complex vitamins, and iron. It contains 10 times more calcium than meat. Eating soya nuts, soybeans and other food products made from soy (tofu and soy milk) are the modest way to reduce the production of new cholesterol. It is recommended that consuming 25 grams of soya protein in a day can lower the high cholesterol by 5-6 percent.

Note – Some people may face digestion problems when they eat soya. They may perceive loose stools, stomach ache, or diarrhea. So consult a nutritionist before including this smart food into your diet.

 

11. Indian Gooseberry

Indian gooseberry has high vitamin C content and abundance of minerals that can deal with a number of ailments. It is a powerful antioxidant that strengthens the heart muscles by reducing excess cholesterol build-up, thus, keeps the arteries and blood vessels clean. Add 1 teaspoon powder of Indian gooseberry in a glass of warm water. Drink it in the morning on an empty stomach.

 

12. Garlic

The high nutritional value and unique taste of garlic has made it a kitchen staple. It plays an important role in treating several diseases, apart from adding up an appetizing savor to food. The anti-clotting properties and sulfur contents of garlic balances the cholesterol level and reduce the formation of plaque in blood vessels and prevents clots that can cause heart stroke. Grate freshly peeled raw garlic onto your salad dressings, dal, rasam, pizza, or soups.

  • Alternatively, consume 2 – 4 cloves of garlic with water every day.

 

13. Brown Rice

Brown rice is affluent in lots of minerals, fiber and vitamins. If you want to lower your cholesterol level, then replace white rice with brown rice, as its  bran contain highly saturated oil which plays a vital role in balancing the cholesterol levels. One cup of brown rice provides 11 percent fiber.

 

14. Turmeric

Turmeric holds excellent wound healing properties. It also lowers the levels of LDL cholesterol; hence, it can cut down the build-up of plaque on the walls of the arteries. This may lower the blood cholesterol.

  • Adding a dash of turmeric powder to the curries and vegetable while cooking is one of the best ways to get a daily dose of this powerful herb.
  • Alternatively, boil 1½ tablespoons of water and mix ¾ teaspoon turmeric and 2 tablespoons of cooked mashed eggplant in it. Now, spread this paste on whole wheat bread and eat after meals.

 

15. Brinjal (Eggplant)

Brinjal is a reasonable and easily accessible vegetable that contains ample amount of dietary fiber, potassium, vitamin B1 and B6, manganese, niacin, folate, copper and many more essential nutrients that maintain blood cholesterol levels. Eggplant also contains nasunin, a free radical scavenger that improves the blood flow by relaxing the walls of blood vessels. Incorporate brinjal in your diet to reduce the harmful LDL cholesterol from your body. It can be consumed in any form – stuffed, marinated, grilled, roasted, or fried.

  • Alternatively, you can have an eggplant juice for balancing your cholesterol levels.

Note:

  • People with gall bladder or kidney diseases should avoid eating brinjals, as they are rich in oxalates.
  • Those who have acidity problem should avoid its consumption.
  • If you have excessive bile humor, avoid eating it.
  • It should not be consumed during pregnancy.

 

16. Coconut Oil

Although, coconut oil is a saturated fat, it is considered one of the most beneficial and effective home remedies for high cholesterol. It contains lauric acid that increases HDL and improves the LDL/HDL ratio. While cooking, add moderate amount of organic coconut oil. Consume at least one to two tablespoons of this oil daily.

Note – Do not use processed or refined coconut oil.

 

17. Fenugreek Seeds

Fenugreek seeds are rich in minerals like potassium, iron, calcium, selenium, manganese and zinc. They also contain good amount of vitamins B, A and C. The components, termed as steroidal saponins, present in fenugreek seeds reduce the absorption of cholesterol by the body that comes from fat-rich foods we eat. Take 2 ounces of fenugreek seeds daily to lower down the level of cholesterol by 14 percent. Besides, it reduces the risk of heart attack by 25%.

  • Alternatively, these seeds can be taken in powered form along with water.
  • The leaves of fenugreek can be added to salad to enhance the mineral intake.
  • Add these seeds to various recipes as a spice, or as an herb by adding its leaves.

Note:

  • The seeds of fenugreek have a strong bitter taste. So, be cautious on its quantity. In order to remove the bitterness, soak the seeds overnight.
  • However, fenugreek leaves are not bitter and can be used in large quantity. They render a very pleasing aroma and taste to food.

 

18. Beans

Beans are packed with cholesterol lowering soluble fiber. Hence, they bring down the LDL level and help keep your heart healthy. There are several types of beans, such as kidney, pinto, navy, chickpea, black, or butter beans. Eat, regularly, a cup of your favorite bean for 6 weeks, so as to decrease the cholesterol by 10%.

 

19. Avocados 

Even though avocados do not have any dietary cholesterol, they directly affect the cholesterol levels. This creamy fruit is filled with several nutritious qualities and contains significant amount of fiber and good fats such as oleic acid, healthy monounsaturated fat that lowers the unhealthy cholesterol level and boosts up the HDL (good cholesterol). It can be added to a variety of dishes. You can mix it into guacamole, slice it in salad or top a sandwich. Alternatively, make a fine avocado dip.

Note – Being high in calories and fat (30 grams fat and 300 calories per avocado), avocados should be used moderately.

 

20. Olive Oil

Olive oil is enriched with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that can cut down the LDL cholesterol without affecting the HDL. Consume at least 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a day. You can also sauté or roast the vegetables in this oil.

  • Alternatively, use it in salad dressings or for marinating chicken and fish.
  • Moreover, use olive oil as an alternative for butter while basting meat, or can be used as a dip for bread.

Note – Olive oil contains lot of calories, so don’t consume more than the recommended quantity.

 

21. Apples

Apple is rich in pectin and contains natural antioxidants known as flavonoids in their skin that lower cholesterol level and keep your lungs healthy.  One medium sized apple contains vitamin A and C, around four grams of fiber and less than 100 calories. So, enjoy this healthy fruit.

  • Fruits like pear, oranges, grapefruit, berries, and pomegranate also decrease the cholesterol levels in the blood because of their high fiber content.

Note – If possible, consume fruits with their skin, as it contains additional fiber.

 

22. Celery

The high antioxidant content of celery lowers the risk of heart disease, as it prevents oxidation of LDL cholesterol. A component present in celery, called butylphthalide, balances the cholesterol level. You can include it in salads, vegetable juice, soups and any other dish.

  • Or else, have a juice made of celery leaves.
  • Instead of potato chips, fill your lunch box with celery sticks. Chomping  2 stalks of celery, every day, can lower the LDL by 7 points.

 

23. Mustard Greens

Mustard greens have anti-inflammatory properties, and are also abundant in sulforaphane, calcium, fiber, and vitamin C that regulate the blood pressure and cholesterol levels. These are low in sodium, hence, reduce the LDL. Consume half cup of mustard greens, in a day, to lower down the cholesterol level by 15 percent.

 

24. Broccoli

Besides possessing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, broccoli has a variety of nutrients such as calcium, potassium, fiber, magnesium, and vitamin C. The fiber in broccoli combines with the bile acids in the digestive tract and excretes it out from the body. This way, it drops the blood cholesterol level.So, make it a part of your diet by including it in soups and salads.

Note:

  • Don’t overcook it; otherwise, all its important nutrients will fade away.
  • Raw broccoli is less beneficial than steamed one.

 

25. Chocolate

Chocolate is a powerful antioxidant that maintains the HDL cholesterol levels. The cocoa flavanols and plant sterols found in dark non-milk chocolate can reduce the LDL cholesterol by 2-5%. The flavonoids in chocolates prevent blood platelets from sticking together and keep the arteries unclogged. Eat about an ounce of chocolate in a day to boost up the good cholesterol and prevent the bad cholesterol from oxidizing.

Note – Choose a chocolate that has bittersweet taste or dark one. Milk chocolate has no flavonoids.

 

26. Red Wine

Alcohol can lift up the HDL cholesterol level by 5-15 percent. Red wine is advantageous in lowering cholesterol level because of its polyphenol antioxidants. It is recommended that women should drink a 5-ounce glass of wine, in a day, while men can drink up to two glasses. If you don’t prefer to take alcohol, then substitute it with grape juice. It provides equal benefits.

 

27. Barley

It is the most nutritious cereal that helps lower the blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels and normalize the blood sugar levels.  A fiber called beta-glucan, present in barley reduces the cholesterol levels by 4 to 10 percent, depending on its consumption. It is an excellent substitute for wheat. Consume this healthy food in the form of chapattis and noodles.

 

28. Tomatoes 

Tomatoes are an important source of lycopene, an antioxidant that gives tomatoes their red color. Daily consumption of lycopene lowers the level of LDL cholesterol. Simply munch on raw tomatoes or sip tomato juice.

Note – Cooking tomatoes with some oil helps your body to absorb more lycopene.

 

29. Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds have abundant lignans that decrease blood cholesterol, promote a healthy digestive tract, and keeps the heart problems at bay. It is loaded with fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which checks the production and absorption of cholesterol. Simply take flaxseeds with water to lower the LDL level.

 

30. Spinach

Spinach contains plenty of lutein that prevents the cholesterol from getting attached to the arterial walls and protects arteries from clogging. Vitamin E present in it checks the formation of plaque, hence, reduces the risk of heart stroke.

  • Alternatively, you can consume baby spinach leaves for a small meal. Just microwave them for 3 minutes. Add some Parmesan. Eat it with a whole wheat bread. It is a healthy snack that lowers your cholesterol level.

 

31. Yogurt

Regular consumption of one cup plain yogurt with active cultures can reduce your LDL (bad cholesterol) by 4 percent. Apart from this, it reduces the overall risk of heart ailments by 10 percent

 

32. Beets

Beets are loaded with carotenoids and flavonoids, which checks the build-up of LDL, and raises healthy cholesterol levels in the body. It also contains several essential nutrients – fiber, vitamin C, folate, manganese and potassium that heal various ailments.  Have beetroot juice or combine it with some other fresh fruit juice.

Note:

  • Drinking beet juice in abundance can cause temporary discoloration of the stool and urine.
  • Beets have plenty of oxalates which can crystallize, and cause stone problems.
  • The beetroot juice can stain hands and countertops, so use gloves while preparing it.

Herbal Remedies for Lowering High Cholesterol

 

33. Green Tea

Green tea is full of antioxidant compounds that can lower the cholesterol level as these compounds help the blood protect the LDL cholesterol particles from oxidation. Hence, it prevents the blood clot and relaxes the blood vessels. A single cup of green tea has more antioxidants than any other vegetable or fruit.  So, enjoy at least 3 cups of green tea every day.

 

34. Licorice Root

5 to 15 grams of licorice extract, three times a day, is recommended for lowering the high cholesterol levels. You can sip licorice tea. Boil 150 ml milk/water in a pan, then add 1 teaspoon licorice root. Lower the heat and allow it to brew for 5 minutes. Don’t add sugar/honey, as licorice itself is 50% sweeter than sugar. Filter this solution in a cup.

Note – People with high blood pressure, nerve problems, heart disease, hypokalemia (low potassium), kidney disease, erectile dysfunction, and pregnant women should not consume it.

 

35. Chicory Root

Chicory root is popularly known as an additive for coffee. Being a great source of vitamin C, beta-carotene and antioxidants, this root wondrously balances the cholesterol level and prevents cardiovascular ailments. It regulates the natural metabolism of body’s cholesterol, thereby, checks the high production of LDL cholesterol. It can be used as coffee additive and substitute.

  • Alternatively, chicory leaves and buds can be added to salad and other foodstuffs.

Note – Avoid products with chicory during pregnancy.

 

36. Rhubarb

Rhubarb is a cholesterol-buster herb that speeds up the metabolism and lowers the LDL cholesterol because of its high fiber content. Cook it in a double boiler. Add maple syrup or little honey as sweetener. You can also add cardamom or vanilla. It is better to consume this after a rich fat meal.

Note:

  • Don’t eat the leaves of Rhubarb, as they contain poisonous chemical called oxalic acid.
  • Cooking Rhubarb can increase the antioxidant capacity along with its polyphenol content.
  • Avoid it during pregnancy.

 

37. Artichoke

The leaves of artichoke plant contain a special type of compound, termed as cynarine, which increases the production of bile in the liver that results in rapid elimination of cholesterol from the body, hence, unclog the arterial walls. So, this veggie actually lowers blood cholesterol levels.

 

38. Hawthorn Berry

Hawthorn berry acts as a tonic for heart which nurtures the entire circulatory system, and thus, lowers the cholesterol levels. Its leaves, berries and flowers are used for curing heart problems. You should take it 3 times a day in any form – capsule, powder or tincture.

  • In order to make the tincture, soak 4 ounces of the berries in a pint of brandy for 2 weeks, and then strain.
  • Alternatively, you can have hawthorn tea. For preparing the tea, add 1-2 teaspoons of berries in hot water.

 

39. Margarine

Margarines are enriched with a substance called plant sterols that help lower the levels of LDL (bad cholesterol). Take it on a regular basis, for 3 weeks or more, to reduce the cholesterol level by 10 percent. Since margarines are made from plant oils, they contain zero cholesterol. It can be used in cooking and baking. You can also spread it on your bagel or toast.

Note – It reduces beta-carotene absorption. Hence, compensate this by eating lots of carrots, sweet red peppers, spinach and sweet potatoes.

 

40. Ginger

Ginger is an herb that not only adds flavor to your food, but also decreases the cholesterol levels. You can have ginger tea that prevents sore throats and controls cholesterol as well. Besides this, you can add it to your food while cooking.

These home remedies will check your LDL cholesterol to a great extent, but it is equally important to bring changes in your lifestyle for the best results.

Do’s

  • Eat a ‘heart-healthy diet’ and consume fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Sip a glass of red wine every evening with dinner.
  • Eat small meals in a day.

Don’ts

  • Avoid smoking.
  • Avoid foods containing high saturated fat.
  • Don’t consume butter, hard margarines, lard, fatty and processed meat, dairy fats.

What Can You Add To Your Water That Aid In Digestion And Promote Cleansing?

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Because water is so essential to the body and its processes, the benefits of drinking clean and sufficient water regularly are unbounded. In order to ensure that you are getting enough water, it is a good idea to carry a water bottle with you when you are on-the-go. Not only will this remind you to drink more water, but it will also give you an opportunity to have clean, filtered water at your fingertips no matter where you are.

I prefer to drink from a glass water bottle so that no chemicals from plastic water bottles leech into my water (namely Dioxin and BPA). Plastic water bottles are especially not good when left in a hot car/atmosphere. I know there are many different kinds of plastic, but I just decide to go glass to avoid any chemicals in plastic altogether. This Lifefactory water bottle is my favorite because it has the silicone sleeve and is easy to carry around. I also prefer to drink fluoride-free water and do so by using my Clearly Filtered water pitcher. Although fluoride is said to help with tooth decay, it is toxic and we may receive too much of it, which may cause problems for our body (specifically thyroid).

I’d also like to note that I do not put all seven things from the list below in my water at one time. I guess you could, but it might taste a little funky. I usually just do 1-3 things depending on what I have or what I think would go good together. I like putting lemon juice and apple cider vinegar (sometimes with ginger too), cloves and mint leaves, lime juice and cucumber, or lemon juice and cinnamon together.

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 and limes are also good for alkalizing and cleansing the body as well as aiding in digestion because their make up is very similar to our own digestive enzymes. I like to squeeze about a half of a lemon or lime in my water bottle.

 

2. Fresh Mint Leaves

I have a spearmint plant out in the backyard that is growing like crazy so I started adding them to my water bottle. Mint leaves can also be grown inside as well in a pot by the windowsill. Mint improves the flow of bile and can help with activating salivary glands and digestive enzymes that help absorb the nutrients from your food. It is also a calming and soothing herb that can be used to settle an upset stomach.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Over the summer, I was living on Mackinac Island and got a cold. I didn’t have any natural remedies with me so I looked for some natural foods to help me feel better. I headed to the tiny market and found some Bragg’s ACV. I’ve read about many health benefits of consuming ACV and started adding a couple tablespoons to my water. I liked it so much that I started adding it to the water bottle that I took to work almost everyday! Even though it is normally bitter, it started tasting almost sweet in time, and I even craved it periodically as I kept drinking it.

I still love regularly adding it to my water because it is said to help with eliminating toxins and killing bacteria, maintaining a healthy weight, and improving digestion overall. And just like lemons and limes, ACV can also help balance the PH in your body. I like to get the unfiltered, organic ACV with the ‘mother’; a great one is made by Bragg’s.

4. Cloves

In addition to stimulating digestion, cloves can also be used for ailments of the digestive system and are thought to have anti-parasitic properties. I place about 3-5 whole cloves in my water and let them sit in there to flavor the water. When I’m finished with the water, I just eat the cloves because they have many healing properties (beware, they’re pretty hot!).

5. Ginger Root

Another one for stimulating the flow of digestive juices! Ginger is also another wonderful remedy for indigestion, cramps, nausea and gas that has been used traditionally as a medicine for thousands of years. It is an anti-inflammatory, anti-viral root that boosts circulation and may also kill cancer cells! I dice up about a thumb-sized amount of ginger and add it to my water. Like the cloves, I eat it at the end, but it is also very hot!

6. Cucumber Slices

Cucumbers add a nice fresh taste to your water, and can be eaten while drinking the water (because they float!) to help eliminate toxins from the digestive system and continue to hydrate the body. They not only contain antioxidants and fiber, but they may also help with the production of insulin in the pancreas. I like to cut the slices into quarters so I can eat them easily as I am drinking my water.

7. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is another traditional herb that also anti-fungal and anti-viral and is used to relieve indigestion. It may also help with 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. Place a small amount of a cinnamon stick in your water and let it flavor the water just like you would with the cloves.

 

 

Smoothie Recipes for Weight Loss and Energy | 7 Super Easy Recipes

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The science behind loosing weight has come a long way. It’s less about the amount of calories you consume and more about the nutrient value of the calories. Weight loss can be aided by eating more nutrients and fewer toxins.

Regardless of how much you’ve eaten, if your body is starved of nutrients it goes into survival mode and starts to store fat as a defence. A great way to get your body out of this viscous cycle is to start drinking smoothies. They are tasty, nutrient rich and a valuable addition to your diet.

Drinking tasty, healthy smoothies are a great way to start loosing weight. There are loads of recipes available specifically designed to keep you feeling full and satisfied while helping you fight the flab. Not only are these smoothie diet recipes delicious, they are also full of goodness and a great alternative snack for those of us with that uncontrollable sweet tooth.The only thing you need to start making great smoothies is a blender. They are cheap and easy to pick up.

It’s always best to drink your smoothies when they are fresh, however, if you want to whip up a big batch and store some for later, it can be stored in the fridge for up to 12 hours. If storing, add a squeeze of lemon juice and store your drink in an airtight glass container. The vitamin c in the lemon juice will help prevent the oxidation that breaks the nutrients up.

Alternatively, you can pour the smoothie blend into an ice tray and freeze. Store the cubes in freezer baggies and pop out a few when you want to make a smoothie quickly. They can be stored in the freezer for up to a week and saves you having to clean the blender every day! It’s also a great way to mix and match your smoothie blends if you feel like a change.

Enjoy!

1# Strawberry-Banana Diet Smoothie

1/2 cup frozen strawberries

1/2 cup frozen banana slices

6 ounces skim milk

Blend and enjoy!

This strawberry banana diet smoothie is low in calories and makes a delicious yet nutritious breakfast. It’s a perfect morning energy boost to help set you up for your day. Bananas provide a great source of natural slow releasing energy. Although they have natural sugars present, they also contain a bundle of nutrients and that all important fiber. Fiber helps your body with digestion and can also help lower cholesterol. Bananas are low in fat and are the perfect addition to a low fat diet.

This strawberry banana diet Smoothie is also particularly beneficial to those who suffer from type 2 diabetes. Strawberries help control the rise in blood sugar as it slows the rate of digestion of starchy foods. They are great at speeding up the metabolism and suppressing your appetite.

2# Mixed Berry Diet Smoothie

1 cup of fresh or frozen berries (A combination of blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries)

1/2 cup of non-fat yogurt

Blend and enjoy!

Berries are famous for their antioxidants and their weight loss benefits. This mixed berry diet smoothie contains four berries that can help you slim down, keep you looking young and provide you with essential fibres that aid digestion. Strawberries are known to reduce blood sugar and stop excess sugar turning into fat cells. Raspberries contain ketones which means they are great for speeding up the metabolism and studies have shown blueberries are great at fighting belly fat.

3# Cherry Vanilla Diet Smoothie

1 cup non-fat milk
2 cups cherries
2 cups low fat vanilla yogurt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups ice

Blend and enjoy!

Not only are cherries great for skin and hair, they are also great for your weight. They are the new wonder food that has everybody talking about them. Scientists have been working hard and have discovered some pretty amazing things about cherries. They are abundant in antioxidants that help improve insulin sensitivity by 50%.This is great news for those of use who need to loose weight. Having a morning smoothie with fresh cherries can set up your metabolism for the day and can help you with your weight loss.

4# Strawberry Kale Diet Smoothie

1 tightly packed cup of kale, washed and chopped
1 cup of fresh or frozen strawberries
1 cup of non-fat or low-fat vanilla Greek yogurt
1 cup of ice

Blend and enjoy!

Kale is King. It’s full of goodness and a natural weight loss food. Not only is it one of the highest nutrient based greens available, it’s a dieter’s dream food. Kale helps keep you feeling full as it’s full of fiber and is great for detoxing your body. The high amount of vitamin C also means it’s great for boosting the metabolism. Kale is a fabulous addition to smoothies as it contains everything your body needs in one nifty little package and can tastes great when mixing with low fat yet sweet delicious fruit.

5# Beet & Strawberry Diet Smoothie

1/2 cup roasted beets
3 cups strawberries
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons raw honey

Blend and enjoy!

Beetroot is an amazing vegetable. Although it is a bit of a “love it or hate it” vegetable, they are extremely good for you. Athletes drink beet juice to give them energy as they far more effective than any energy drink could dream to be. This beetroot and strawberry diet smoothie is great for weight loss as the energy it gives keeps you going all day. Not only that, they are full of fiber and play an important role in fighting cancerous cells.When using beet in your smoothies, it is always best to blend fresh and avoid anything that comes in tins or jars.

6# Just Peachy Diet Smoothie

1 cup of skim milk
1 cup of fresh peaches
1/2 cup Ice

Blend and enjoy!

Peaches are not only tasty and sweet; they are full of nutrients and fiber. With only 40 calories in a medium sized peach this diet smoothie is perfect for those on a reduced calorie diet. Peaches are available year round and add valuable nutrients to your diet. The fiber present in this delectable fruit encourages digestion and keeps you feeling fuller for longer. The coconut milk helps speed up your metabolism and makes a very tasty addition to the peach when blended into a smoothie.

7# Spinach with Green apple Diet Smoothie

1 1/2 cups coconut milk
2 cups stemmed and chopped spinach or kale
1 apple unpeeled, cored, and chopped

Blend and enjoy!

This apple spinach diet smoothie is not only very tasty but also very healthy. Spinach is a fabulous addition to a smoothie when blended with a sweet green apple. It’s no surprise that spinach is full of nutrients. Your mother wasn’t lying when she told you to eat up because it’s so good for you. Putting fresh baby spinach in a blender is even better than cooked as it doesn’t lose a lot of its nutrients during the cooking process. Spinach is very low in calories and is packed with antioxidants, vitamin c, calcium and potassium.

All these smoothie recipes are great for weight loss, energy and keeping you full. When trying to loose weight it is always best to stick to your vegetables, and low GI fruits. They are great way to get your five-a-day and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

 

Signs You Have Magnesium Deficiency and How to Fix It

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Are your chocolate cravings so intense that you feel like it screams your name? Do you ever jump out of bed in the middle of the night because of a muscle spasm? Or, no matter what you try, do you have difficulty sleeping? There’s a good chance you’re deficient in magnesium.

ThinkstockPhotos-153826787-1024x683 Photo:activationproducts.com

Substantial numbers of Americans are deficient in the mineral magnesium. However, most people have no idea that they’re missing this vital mineral. Nutritionists often call magnesium the master mineral because it affects over 300 different enzymatic processes that help your body function properly.

As a registered dietitian, I’d like to share seven of the most common symptoms of magnesium deficiency — backed up by research — I see when clients come for nutrition counseling:

1. Muscle cramps or spasms

Cramp in calf Photo:huffingtonpost.com

If you’ve had one of these, you know how awful they can be whether you’re sitting at your desk or awakened in the middle of the night with a painfully tight calf! Muscle cramps are a result of muscle spasms, which are involuntary muscle contractions. Magnesium helps relax muscles throughout your body, so when you’re deficient your muscles will contract involuntarily.

2. Trouble sleeping

Young Woman with Insomnia Photo:epictimes.com

Millions of Americans have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Magnesium plays an important role in the function of your central nervous system. Without sufficient magnesium, you may experience insomnia. Also, magnesium levels drop in your body at night, leading to poor quantity and quality of REM sleep, which is the most critical sleep cycle to recharge your body and mind.

3. Chocolate cravings

artisan_hot_chocolate_bar_dark_chocolate_1 Photo:tophdgallery.com

Dark chocolate is high in magnesium, and one square provides about 24% of your daily value of magnesium. Intense “I have to have it” chocolate cravings are another sign of magnesium deficiency. Your body actually craves what it needs sometimes.

4. Anxiety

anxiety1 Photo:gladstoneholistichealth.com.au

Magnesium is the most powerful relaxation mineral. If you experience anxiety, this is a common early symptom of how your central nervous system is affected by magnesium deficiency. When you feel anxious, taking 200mg of magnesium may make you feel more relaxed.

5. High blood pressure

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Many people wonder why they have high blood pressure even though they follow a healthy, whole food diet. Magnesium may be the answer; another important function of magnesium is relaxing and dilating your blood vessels. When you’re low in magnesium, your blood vessels constrict more, causing high blood pressure. Adequate magnesium levels also help balance your electrolytes. Unbalanced electrolytes can create high blood pressure as well.

6. Irregular heartbeat

HeartBeat-Wallpaper Photo:hdwallpapersos.com

It has become common for people to develop heart arrhythmias, then be put on medications. Your heart is a muscular organ, making the cardiovascular system highly dependent on magnesium to properly function. If your heart is deficient in magnesium, it can’t contract properly, which may cause irregular heartbeats.

7. Constipation

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If you experience constipation regularly, that’s another sign you’re deficient in magnesium. When you’re low in magnesium, your intestines contract more, making it harder for stool to pass. Not only will magnesium relax your bowel to create a more regular bowel rhythm, but it also has an osmotic effect. Magnesium pulls water into the bowels, softening the stool. Choose magnesium citrate to help constipation.

8. Muscle Pain / Fibromyalgia

A study published in Magnesium Research examined the role magnesium plays in fibromyalgia symptoms, and it uncovered that increasing magnesium consumption reduced pain and tenderness and also improved immune blood markers.

musclepain Photo:danielcameronmd.com

Oftentimes linked to autoimmune disorders, this research should encourage fibromyalgia patients because it highlights the systemic effects that magnesium supplements have on the body.

9. Osteoporosis

The National Institute of Health reports that, “The average person’s body contains about 25 grams of magnesium, and about half of that is in the bones.” This is important to realize, especially for the elderly, who are at risk of bone weakening.

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Thankfully, there’s hope! A study published in Biology Trace Element Research uncovered that supplementing with magnesium slowed the development of osteoporosis “significantly” after just 30 days. In addition to taking magnesium supplement, you will also want to consider getting more vitamin D3 and K2 to naturally build bone density.

10. Type II Diabetes

One of the four main causes of magnesium deficiency is type II diabetes, but it’s also a common symptom. U.K. researchers, for example, uncovered that of the 1,452 adults they examined low, magnesium levels were 10 times more common with new diabetics and 8.6 times more common with known diabetics.

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As expected from this data, diets rich in magnesium has been shown to significantlylower the risk of type 2 diabetes because of magnesium’s role in sugar metabolism. Another study discovered that the simple addition of magnesium supplementation (100 milligrams/day) lowered the risk of diabetes by 15 percent!

11. Fatigue

Low energy, weakness and fatigue are common symptoms of magnesium deficiency. Most chronic fatigue syndrome patients are also magnesium deficient. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that 300–1,000 milligrams of magnesium per day can help, but you do also want to be careful, as too much magnesium can also cause diarrhea.

businesswoman with two laptops Photo:bnm-medical.com

If you experience this side effect, you can simply reduce your dosage a little until the side effect subsides.

12. Migraine Headaches 

Magnesium deficiency has been linked to migraine headaches due to its importance in balancing neurotransmitters in the body. Double-blind placebo-controlled studies have proven that 360–600 milligrams of magnesium daily reduced the frequency of migraine headaches by up to 42 percent.

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Most of my clients have at least one of the above symptoms and have found great relief after increasing their magnesium levels.

How can you increase your magnesium levels?

First, stop eating foods that deplete nutrients, such as flour and sugar. Instead eat foods high in magnesium, such as meat, avocados, leafy green vegetables and nuts. If you’re eating chocolate to restore some of your magnesium, make sure it’s at least 70% cocoa, and keep your chocolate intake to one ounce or less per day.

Even if you eat a healthy diet, you will likely still need to supplement with magnesium. Look for a good-quality magnesium supplement in the form of magnesium glycinate, which is one of the most absorbable forms. Most people need about 400 mg, but you can go up to 1,000 mg per day if needed. Take magnesium at bedtime for best absorption and to provide deep, rejuvenating sleep!

 

WARNING: New Coffee Can Pack Dangerous Effects on Heart

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Millions of people around the world rely on their morning fix of caffeine to get them started. Their morning cup of coffee has become their everyday addiction and without that jolt first thing in the morning, they just can’t seem to get their day going. One friend told me a while back that trying to work without her morning cup of coffee, and sometimes second and third cups, is like trying to drive a car with no gas in the tank.

Some people like their coffee flavored and hidden with milk, cream or a myriad of flavored creamers. Others have become addicted to their lattes, cappuccinos, macchiatos and all of the other fancy ways of fixing a cup of liquid caffeine. Then there are the purists, like me when I used to drink coffee, that like their coffee black and plain – no sugar and no milk, cream or creamer.

Regardless of how you like your morning cup of coffee, the vast majority of people drink it because of the caffeine and how it gets their body going. I used to drink it plain black strong coffee because I liked the taste. I have a genetic immunity to most pain killers and stimulants and so far, caffeine has no effect on me. Unfortunately, I had to stop drinking coffee not because of the caffeine but because of the oil in coffee that effects my irritable bowel syndrome.

Many people have been turning to stronger types of coffee and other caffeine loaded drinks for their morning fix of the addictive stimulant. This is probably the reason a new coffee, Black Insomnia has become the rage among many coffee addicts.

Black Insomnia is a being billed at the world’s strongest coffee and its popularity is skyrocketing. Sean Kristafor retired from his job in the corporate world and got together with a noted coffee bean roaster and created Black Insomnia less than a year ago. He is selling his caffeine overload locally to cafes in Cape Town, South Africa. His super-strong coffee caught on quickly and by October 2016, Kristafor was selling tons of his new brew to customers in 22 different countries. As of March, Black Insomnia was made available on Amazon in the US and sells for around $19 per pound. The company says they are now selling 5-6 tons of coffee every month and sales are still growing.

When chemically tested, Black Insomnia was found to be over twice as strong as Starbuck’s dark roast at 58.5mg of caffeine per fluid ounce compared to only 21.25mg for Starbuck’s powerful brew. Coca Cola contains about 2.8mg of caffeine per fluid ounce. Green tea has 3.1mg, McDonald’s coffee has 9.1mg, Red Bull has 9.46mg of caffeine per fluid ounce. Nepresso OriginalLine coffee capsules contain 44.4mg per fluid ounce and Death Wish coffee has 54.2mg of caffeine per fluid ounce.

However, most people don’t drink a single fluid ounce of coffee, so to give you an idea of how powerful of a kick this brew can give you, a 12oz cup of Black Insomnia could contain up to 702mg of caffeine.

Dangerous? Both the Food Information Council and the FDA recommend that 400mg of caffeine should be the TOTAL DAILY consumption for anyone. That means that a 12oz cup of Black Insomnia provides 175.5% of the recommended daily dose of caffeine.

What are effects of this much caffeine? According to Mary Sweeney, a researcher of caffeine at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine commented:

“For the same amount of coffee, you will get double the amount of caffeine.”

“This makes it easier to consume more caffeine than you intend to and effects can range from mild to severe, for example, jitteriness, nervousness, restlessness and trouble sleeping. The most serious effect would be cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).”

Overdoing the caffeine can not only cause cardiac arrhythmia but it can also increase the heart rate to dangerous levels and people with heart conditions and high blood pressure can find the effects of a 12-ounce cup of Black Insomnia not keeping them awake but putting them in a permanent sleep called death.

Before you spend nearly $20 for a pound of Black Insomnia coffee, asked yourself if your health withstand this massive overdose of caffeine without having any harmful side-effects. You may realize that the risk is not worth it.

Emotional Eating. The Struggle Is Real.

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If you ever find yourself eating out of a carton of ice cream in deep distress, you may be an emotional eater. Trust us, you are not alone. According to a recent study, 38% of Americans admit to having overeaten or eating due to emotional circumstances in the last 30 days.

The struggle is oh-so-real.

So how do we handle it? How do we break the habit (because yes, it is considered a habit, given that it happens with a specific trigger, such as stress)?

We create new habits.

Charles Duhigg, author of “The Power of Habit,” says, “This is the real power of habit: the insight that your habits are what you choose them to be.”

The primary issue, then, is changing the reaction to the stress trigger. When we have a bad day or receive bad news, or when our family is driving us crazy (and yes, it can be as simple as that), our reaction… the habit itself, CAN be changed.

First, let’s take a look at what CREATED the negative habits in the first place. Most likely the reason falls into one of the following categories:

Childhood Habits — If you were ever rewarded for good behavior with things like ice cream or pizza, some of your emotional eating could be instigated by that sense of nostalgia. In other words, it’s possible that your parents unintentionally planted the seed of treating food as a reward that has simply grown over time.

Boredom — What else is there to do if you’re not focused on something, or actively working/moving? Often, the times we overeat or splurge is when we’re sitting around with nothing better to do.

Hanging out with Friends — When your friends “splurge,” we find it comforting to follow suit. It feels like a normal thing when in reality, it will likely lead to sickening feeling later.

Stress — Sometimes, life just isn’t going our way. And in these moments, it often feels like the only comfort that will satisfy that dull feeling of disappointment and sadness. You may have heard the phrase “stuffing your emotions,” which is a great analogy. We think the food is going to offer us a distraction… a numbing avoidance of what’s really going on, which helps us to avoid the emotion or deal with the stress in a conducive manner.

Let’s take a look, then, at HOW we can change the reaction to EAT with something that will better our situation. These are simply our suggestions given our personal experience!

If you’re feeling lonely, call a friend or family member. Ice cream doesn’t communicate well, but Moms and girlfriends do!

If you’re feeling anxious, work out! If you’re feeling the anxiety jitters, it’s time to move. Go for a walk or run, or pop in that workout DVD to get the muscles pumping.

If you’re bored, make plans or tackle a home project. Sounds like a good day to clean out the closet! Focus your attention elsewhere.

The bottom line is this: being MINDFUL of your habits is the first step. Understanding the way you feel when you have the unhealthy urges is the first step to changing the habit. Consider implementing a 5 minute rule: When you feel the urge to grab the spoon, make yourself wait 5 minutes to see if the feeling passes. Most likely, it will.

Dealing with emotional eating is tough, but know that you are absolutely not alone, and that the negative cycle CAN be changed for the better. We believe in you! Reach out for help anytime.

 

Jenny Swisher
Gym Owner/Personal Trainer
jennyswisher.com

Jenny is a 6-Star Diamond Elite Team Beachbody Coach, Certified Personal Trainer, and Fitness Nutrition Specialist. She and her husband own RevolutionX Studio, LLC, a fitness facility in Fishers, Indiana.

This Is Exactly What Happens When You Start Doing CrossFit Now

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What is CROSSFIT?

What is CrossFit? CrossFit is an effective way to get fit. Anyone can do it. It is a fitness program that combines a wide variety of functional movements into a timed or scored workout. We do pull-ups, squats, push-ups, weightlifting, gymnastics, running, rowing, and a host of other movements. Always varied, always changing, always producing results. Kids, cops, firefighters, soccer moms, Navy SEALS, and grandmas all do CrossFit. In fact, hundreds of thousands worldwide have followed our workouts and distinguished themselves in combat, the streets, the ring, stadiums, gyms and homes. Welcome.

You haven’t heard of CrossFit? Let me tell you about CrossFit.

CrossFit is a lifestyle in which you are prioritizing your health. The ability to do many different things at a high level of intensity.

I think it’s the absolute best way to help you reach your fitness goals.

For me, it’s making me happy. A fun way to get fit with a lot of people. The last person finishing is the just as important as the first one.

It’s this team atmosphere that ends up making you better as an individual. It’s camaraderie, that family that you end up building and the energy that you get back from it yourself, that’s CrossFit to me.

You come to a CrossFit gym everybody knows your name, everybody loves you and you’re a part of something bigger than just getting a workout.

CrossFit gave me that something extra that I kinda needed in life.

It’s my outlet, I love it. It’s my passion. It’s commitment. CrossFit is a sport now.

I like the challenge, I compete with myself, I’m healthier, I am stronger. Even though I was sore, I was, you know, getting a little discouraged, you know … I felt accountable because my community, or I felt accountable to my class because they were looking for me there.

Finding CrossFit and then having to work really dang hard for whatever your goal is … whether its to compete or just get a damn pull-up. I love it ’cause the workout’s different everyday, I can come in and I don’t know what I’m doing.

Everyone is welcoming, everyone is cheering you on. They don’t let you quit even if you wanna quit.

We all share this experience, which is emotional. It doesn’t look emotional, it looks like people working out … but it’s emotional. I mean it’s raw, it’s intense, it’s incredible, it’s freakin’ awesome. I’m gonna keep doing it for a long time, I hope.

CrossFit, to me, is a fitness program where the reward for doing well is the ability to express your fitness in everyday life in as many different planes or as many different activities that you can possibly imagine.

People walk through the door and say, ‘Hey, where’s all the machines?’ We’re the machines!

Beauty in Strength

CrossFit can change how a woman both defines beauty and feels about her body, as Rita Benavidez, Jackie Perez, Erin Cianciolo and Andrea Ager discuss in this video.

Once thinking beauty was a picture of a waify woman on a magazine, Benavidez feels differently now. “My perception of beauty has changed over the past few years,” Benavidez says. “True beauty … is strength and fitness, and confidence in yourself.”

Perez was originally motivated by trying to be skinny. “That wasn’t getting me anywhere,” she says. “With CrossFit, I set goals. I want to deadlift 225, I’m going to hit that faster than I’m going to look in the mirror and like what I see.”

Ager says putting in the work is key to getting what you want. “I think that hard work and the way that your body looks go so hand-in-hand,” she says. “Once you do get a body that you want, you’re very proud of it … you’re proud of what your body can do.”

Through CrossFit, these women are confident, stronger and fitter. They are mothers, tomboys, coaches. They are CrossFit athletes.

If you ask 100 people to define beauty, you’ll get 100 different answers. Most will falter and offer descriptions instead.

CrossFit athletes are now rejecting previous definitions of beauty and putting forth their own, a definition researched and confirmed in every workout and every rep.

“There are people who spend their entire lives allowing the reflection in the mirror to determine their self-esteem, submitting to a cultural judgment established decades ago. But in CrossFit gyms all over the world, mirrors are conspicuous by their absence. Fitness is gauged in reps, in speed, power, virtuosity. And beauty is measured in joy. And in pride,” says narrator Marty Cej.

CrossFit presents a new aesthetic based on function, performance and confidence.

“I love the way that CrossFitters look because it’s just so real,” says three-time CrossFit Games competitor Ruth Anderson Horrell, pointing to an aesthetic that’s born of a relentless pursuit of work capacity and the inner strength that comes from achieving it.

“It’s beautiful to be fit, but I think … anyone who carries themselves with confidence will be beautiful,” says Michele Letendre.

Four-time Games competitor Austin Malleolo agrees: “If you want to look good, do stuff well, and do what life demands of you, and everything else will fall into place.”

There is more to a CrossFit athlete than strength and endurance, rippling muscle and life inside the gym. There is beauty beyond strength.

Crossfit workouts

Crossfit challenge for four top UK athletes. Redman, Hugo, Matt and Leon are four guys with a passion for fitness whose usual training is based on lifting weights in the gym. Here, they take on one of the most exciting and challenging forms of training to emerge in the last few years. Crossfit is a tough workout for the whole body, heard and lungs, with a variety of exercises which are designed constantly to challenge the body.
The guys are Hugo, Redman Neale, Leon Williams and Matt Sallis.

CrossFit Athlete Andrea Ager performs an insane Tabata workout consisting of an array of staple CrossFit movements, and also takes a minute to chat about Tabata and CrossFit in general.

What is Tabata? 20 Seconds of sprint/work, 10 second rest, for 4 straight minutes. Tabata music lets you focus on your workout, rather than think about having to look at your watch or a timer.

Andrea Ager is listening to Tabata Songs (Tabata Timer Music) with JayBird BlueBuds X Wireless Headphones.

The Workout:
-Ring Muscle Ups
-Overhead Squats
-Box Jumps
-Toes to Bar
-Power Cleans
-Butterfly Pullups
-Kettle bell swings
-Dumbbell Thrusters

TabataSongs creates music that matches the exact timing of the Tabata Protocol
Tabata Training began in the mid 1990’s. Japanese fitness researcher Dr Izumi Tabata created a HIIT (high intensity interval training) workout, using this very method. Dr Tabata proved the tabata method to draw heavily from both the aerobic and anaerobic systems, unlike most conventional workouts, which tend heavily favor one or the other.

The Tabata Interval has gained a lot of recognition throughout the Crossfit community, running community, and health clubs across the globe, for its versatility, adaptability, and positive results.

The Tabata Interval Method has proven to maximize VO2 max, while also building endurance, burning fat, and retaining muscle. Though the Tabata was not designed as a fat loss or weight loss program, it has gained a lot of recent attention in response to tabatas ability to speed up the metabolism and burn fat.

What is Crossfit? A workout program designed by Greg Glassman, which follows daily WOD (workout of the day) posts on the company’s official site. CrossFit often uses tabata in their w.o.d.

CrossFit Female Fitness Motivation 2015

For time:
75 pound Thruster, 30 reps
15 foot Rope climb, 3 ascents
75 pound Thruster, 20 reps
15 foot Rope climb, 2 ascents
75 pound Thruster, 10 reps
15 foot Rope climb, 1 ascents

Vitamin D Helps Pain and Depression in Diabetic Women

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Photo:keepsmilingenglish.com

A recent study examines how physical pain affects depression treatment, as well as the role of vitamin D in this equation.

Research from Loyola University Chicago reveals that weekly vitamin D-2 supplementation might have the ability to decrease depression in diabetic women and reduce neuropathic and sensory pain.

Weekly D-2 doses

In the study, women with both diabetes and depression were given weekly doses of vitamin D-2 (50,000 IUs) for 24 weeks. Results showed that their depression “significantly improved,” while numbness and tingling in their hands, fingers and legs also improved after six months.

“Pain is a common and often serious problem for women with type 2 diabetes and depression,” said Todd Doyle, Ph.D., lead author and fellow, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neurosciences, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine (SSOM). “While further research is needed, D-2 supplementation is a promising treatment for both pain and depression in type 2 diabetes.”

More trials in place

According to a press release, the Loyola researchers have received funding from the National Institute of Nursing Research to conduct a separate trial on how different doses of vitamin D-3 supplements might help diabetic women achieve better health outcomes.

“Vitamin D has widespread benefits for our health and certain chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes,” said Sue Penckofer, Ph.D., RN, study co-author and professor, Loyola University Chicago Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing. “This NIH grant will allow us to shed greater light on understanding the role that this nutrient plays in managing the health of women with diabetes.”

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