Cholesterol is a wax-like substance present in the cell membranes of body tissues and is carried in the blood plasma. It is a sterol (alcohol and steroid combination), also called atherosclerotic plaque. The body requires cholesterol to form and sustain the...
It is a common misconception that coconut oil is bad for you. People worldwide are experiencing the healthy benefits of using coconut oil. It is one of the healthiest oils you can consume. Coconut oil is a product that can be obtained from dried coconut or fresh...
Cholesterol is a wax-like substance present in the cell membranes of body tissues and is carried in the blood plasma. It is a sterol (alcohol and steroid combination), also called atherosclerotic plaque. The body requires cholesterol to form and sustain the...
Within 10 seconds of your first puff, the toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke reach your brain, heart and other organs. Smoking harms almost every part of your body and increases your risk of many diseases. Smoking also affects how you look and feel, your finances and...
Everyone has heard the old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but it's not just an old cliche, it’s true in a lot of ways. Apples have a variety of helpful vitamins, minerals, and fiber that make them extremely healthy. They can help with disease...
Cholesterol is a wax-like substance present in the cell membranes of body tissues and is carried in the blood plasma. It is a sterol (alcohol and steroid combination), also called atherosclerotic plaque. The body requires cholesterol to form and sustain the...
It is a common misconception that coconut oil is bad for you. People worldwide are experiencing the healthy benefits of using coconut oil. It is one of the healthiest oils you can consume. Coconut oil is a product that can be obtained from dried coconut or fresh...
Within 10 seconds of your first puff, the toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke reach your brain, heart and other organs. Smoking harms almost every part of your body and increases your risk of many diseases. Smoking also affects how you look and feel, your finances and...
Everyone has heard the old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but it's not just an old cliche, it’s true in a lot of ways. Apples have a variety of helpful vitamins, minerals, and fiber that make them extremely healthy. They can help with disease...
Food (and water) is the absolute first thing you need in order to ensure life. Without it you would wither away and die. You need food for its nutrition and for its sustenance. But are the foods you consume today supplying you with good solid nutrition, or are many of...
If you’re currently not eating a healthy diet, it can be difficult to start such a plan. However, healthy eating along with some exercise is very important for maintaining a good bodily function and goes a long way towards living a disease-free life. If you struggle...
Because all of us have been brought up eating junk food, well most of us, it is not easy to change our eating habits. Your eating habits have developed since childhood based on what your mothers or fathers cooked and what your psychological make-up was...
Most people at some point or other have found themselves not being able to sleep when they are supposed to. It is normal for this happen now and again and is really no cause for concern. But, when lost sleep becomes a regular occurrence you might be suffering from a...
Insomnia affects people in different ways, and because of this, there is no one cure for insomnia. Instead, a person will need to try different treatments and lifestyle changes to see what works for them the best. Everyone has different sleeping patterns, with many...
It is a common misconception that coconut oil is bad for you. People worldwide are experiencing the healthy benefits of using coconut oil. It is one of the healthiest oils you can consume.
Coconut oil is a product that can be obtained from dried coconut or fresh coconut, called refined or extra virgin coconut oil. Extra virgin coconut oil has the most health benefits, as it does not undergo refinement processes, does not lose nutrients, and is not subjected to high temperatures.
Natural coconut oil is very versatile because, in addition to being used in food to season salads or prepare recipes, it can also be used as a moisturizer for the face or as a mask to strengthen the hair.
1. Coconut oil doesn’t turn into fat in your body.
Unlike many other common oils, like soy (vegetable) and corn, this oil won’t make you fat. The oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), which are an easy fuel for the body to burn without turning to fat. Most other cooking oils and fats contain long-chain triglycerides (LCT). LCTs are usually stored as fat. Since this oil is an MCT, it is more easily absorbed and converted to energy quickly.
People in the tropics have relied on coconuts for centuries as a traditional staple in their diet. They consume large amounts of coconut oil every day. Instead of getting fatter, it helps them stay healthy, lean, and trim. When they switch from coconut oil to our modern oils, they develop obesity and the health problems that our modern society faces.
Some other people who have known this truth for a long time are in the animal feed business. When livestock feed vegetable oils, they put on weight and produce more fatty meat. When they are fed whit this oil, they become very lean.
2. Benefits of Consuming Coconut Oil to boost your metabolism.
One benefit that makes coconut oil a darling among people seeking the best physical shape is its power over metabolism. The reality is that consuming it not only accelerates the metabolism but also enhances the results of physical exercises if consumed in the meal before going to the gym. This is only possible because coconut oil stimulates the proper functioning of the thyroid. This is the gland responsible for triggering the metabolism, and when it works well, we increase the functionality of the diet.
Plus, it can triple your calorie burn. Since this oil is an MCT, it converts to energy so quickly that it generates a lot of heat. In a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, MCTs burn three times more calories for six hours after a meal than LCTs.
The February 15, 2005 issue of Woman’s World magazine claimed that coconut oil is the “hidden secret to high metabolism.”
This is great news for people with thyroid problems since this oil improves sluggish thyroids by stimulating the production of extra thyroid hormones. Most other common oils, like vegetables (soy) and corn, have been shown to inhibit thyroid function.
3. Chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia
Until recently, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia were not recognized by traditional medicine. Today the situation is different; the entities are already recognized by the FDA, which has even released drugs. It is believed that a single type of virus or bacteria is not responsible for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and even fibromyalgia, but rather a combination of several agents and factors.
Under these conditions, coconut oil neutralizes many infectious agents, improving the immune system, accelerating metabolism, recovering full energy, eliminating stress, and transmitting youthfulness.
4. Benefits of Consuming Coconut Oil for your Energy.
Because of the healthy omega-3 fatty acids and the fact that it increases metabolism, most people who switch to coconut oil feel a burst of added energy in their daily lives.
This is because this oil is nature’s richest source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which increases metabolic rates and leads to weight loss. MCTs, promote thermogenesis, which increases the body’s metabolism, producing energy.
This is because the oil is nature’s richest source of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which increase metabolic rates and lead to weight loss. MCTs, promote thermogenesis, which increases the body’s metabolism, producing energy. Many people with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia have found that adding this oil to their diet was helpful.
5. One of the best things you can use on your skin and hair is coconut oil.
This amazing oil is one of the best things you can apply directly to your skin and hair. It gives temporary relief to skin problems like rashes. It aids in healing and restoring skin to a younger appearance. It has also been known to help with people who suffer from yeast infections in the skin, as well as many other skin problems.
Not only does it soften and smooth your skin, but coconut oil also has antioxidant properties that protect the skin from free radical damage. It is also an excellent massage oil.
6. Benefits of Consuming Coconut Oil for your health that most other oils do not have.
There is growing evidence that coconut oil has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral effects when consumed and used topically on the skin.
Most oils oxidize and go rancid very quickly, causing free radical damage in our bodies. Coconut oil is not easily oxidized and does not cause harmful free radical damage like polyunsaturated vegetable oils. Free radical damage is believed to be responsible for many diseases in our bodies, from arthritis to increased susceptibility to cancer.
Coconut oil also helps our body absorb other nutrients, such as vitamin E.
Versatility: Coconut oil, in addition to being healthy, goes well with any preparation. It can be used in different ways, whether in seasoning for salads, in sauces, in the preparation of sweets, cakes, pies, bread, and soups, or in general culinary recipes.
Combat constipation: For people who suffer from constipation or constipation, coconut oil, as it is a good fat, helps in the digestion of food and facilitates its passage through the digestive system.
7. Coconut oil is one of the best oils you can use for cooking.
It has a higher smoke point than olive oil, which means it can take higher temperatures better. We can choose to consume several healthy omega-3 oils, such as flax and olive oil, but they don’t do well under the high heat we use for cooking. Coconut can be used in higher cooking temperatures.
It is harder for coconut to go rancid, unlike other cooking oils, which are usually rancid long before you even bring them home. Rancid oils cause free radical damage in the body, which is a leading cause of cancer. It is stable for over a year at room temperature.
Because of the misinformation we have been given for years, we have lost out on the healthy benefits that coconut oil has given the people of the tropics for centuries. But now it has been rediscovered! Coconut is so effective it won’t be long before we see coconut oil supplements promoted, but you can get the jump on the popular crowd and start consuming and cooking with coconut oil today!
Check out two more special tips here;
Combating virus infection
Coconut oil contains medium-chain acid, such as lauric acid, and its derivative, monolaurin, which acts against its viruses, inactivating the effects and helping to treat associated diseases, such as measles, vesicular stomatitis, and cytomegalovirus.
Decreases cholesterol
Coconut oil is rich in fatty acids, such as lauric acid and oleic acid, which have a hypocholesterolemic action, as they help reduce LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, preventing cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction.
Coconut oil has become increasingly popular recently, as research has revealed its potential health benefits. Studies have shown that coconut oil is high in healthy saturated fats, can help reduce inflammation, and may even help with weight loss. While coconut oil is generally safe to consume, it is essential to know how much you should eat daily.
The answer to how much coconut oil you can consume daily depends on a few factors, including age, sex, and general health. Generally, adults can safely consume up to three tablespoons of coconut oil daily. However, it is essential to note that this amount may vary depending on your needs. For instance, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you may need to reduce your intake.
It is also essential to consider the other ingredients you are consuming when eating coconut oil. Coconut oil does contain saturated fats, so it is essential to be mindful of your overall saturated fat intake. If you are eating other high-fat items, such as cheese or butter, you may want to reduce your coconut oil consumption.
It’s also important to note that coconut oil is high in calories. A single tablespoon of coconut oil contains 117 calories, so it is essential to be mindful of how much you are consuming. Limiting your coconut oil consumption to one or two tablespoons per day is best if you are trying to watch your calorie intake.
In addition, it’s essential to be aware of how you consume coconut oil. Coconut oil can be used in various ways, including cooking, baking, and even as a topical treatment. However, it is essential to know how much heat you are using when it comes to cooking and baking. If you are cooking with coconut oil, it is best to use low to medium heat. High temperatures may damage the beneficial fatty acids, making them less effective.
You must know your skin type if you want coconut oil as a topical treatment. Coconut oil is generally safe for all skin types, but if you have sensitive skin, you may want to limit your usage. Coconut oil can irritate some people, so it is best to test it on a small skin patch before applying it over larger areas.
Finally, it is essential to be aware of the quality of the coconut oil you are consuming. It is best to purchase organic, unrefined coconut oil, as it is more likely to contain beneficial fatty acids. Refined coconut oil may be cheaper, but it is not as nutrient-rich as unrefined coconut oil.
In conclusion, it is essential to be mindful of how much coconut oil you consume. Generally, adults can safely consume up to three tablespoons of coconut oil per day, but this amount may vary depending on individual needs. Additionally, it is essential to consider the other ingredients you are consuming, your overall saturated fat intake, and the quality of the coconut oil you are consuming. If unsure, it is best to speak to your doctor or nutritionist before increasing your coconut oil consumption.
Within 10 seconds of your first puff, the toxic chemicals in tobacco smoke reach your brain, heart and other organs. Smoking harms almost every part of your body and increases your risk of many diseases. Smoking also affects how you look and feel, your finances and the people close to you.
When you smoke, harmful chemicals enter your lungs and spread through your body. They can:
How tobacco damages your body
The chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage your body in many ways. For example:
What are the health risks of smoking?
Smoking is one of the biggest causes of death and illness in the UK.
Every year around 78,000 people in the UK die from smoking, with many more living with debilitating smoking-related illnesses.
Smoking increases your risk of developing more than 50 serious health conditions.
Some may be fatal, and others can cause irreversible long-term damage to your health.
You can become ill:
Smoking causes around 7 out of every 10 cases of lung cancer (70%).
It also causes cancer in many other parts of the body, including the:
Smoking damages your heart and your blood circulation, increasing your risk of developing conditions such as:
Smoking also damages your lungs, leading to conditions such as:
Smoking can also worsen or prolong the symptoms of respiratory conditions such as asthma, or respiratory tract infections such as the common cold.
In men, smoking can cause impotence because it limits the blood supply to the penis.
It can also reduce the fertility of both men and women.
Secondhand smoke comes from the tip of a lit cigarette and the smoke that the smoker breathes out.
Breathing in secondhand smoke, also known as passive smoking, increases your risk of getting the same health conditions as smokers.
For example, if you have never smoked but you have a spouse who smokes, your risk of developing lung cancer increases by about a quarter.
Babies and children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of secondhand smoke.
A child who’s exposed to passive smoke is at increased risk of developing chest infections, meningitis, a persistent cough and, if they have asthma, their symptoms will get worse.
They’re also at increased risk of cot death and an ear infection called glue ear.
How tobacco affects the way you look
Smoking tobacco can:
The nicotine in tobacco is highly addictive. It makes your brain release a chemical called dopamine. Dopamine is a ‘feel good’ chemical that:
But this effect doesn’t last long.
As the nicotine levels in your body fade, your brain craves more dopamine. The longer you have been smoking, the more dopamine you need to feel good. You become dependent on nicotine.
Once you are dependent on nicotine, without it you will have withdrawal symptoms. You may find it difficult to concentrate or feel nervous, restless, irritable or anxious.
These two things — nicotine dependence and nicotine withdrawal — make you want to smoke more. You become addicted to tobacco.
While quitting smoking can be challenging, the CDC reports that today, there are more people who used to smoke than people who currently smoke.
Once a person stops smoking, the benefits start accumulating. These include clearer skin, improved oral health, more stable hormones, a stronger immune system, and a reduced risk of many types of cancers.
Some other benefits of quitting smoking include:
Nicotine is an addictive drug and can cause withdrawal symptoms when a person stops using it. These symptoms include cravings, increased appetite, and irritability. Cravings and other effects typically subside over time.
A doctor or other healthcare professional can help a person take positive steps toward quitting smoking.
Lifestyle modifications can greatly affect your ability to quit smoking. Here are some actions you can take:
A lack of water may alter chemicals in the brain such as cortisol and affect your stress levels and mood, according to a 2014 study. The alteration in stress and mood may enhance your risk for smoking cravings.
Getting enough sleep enables you to better combat the stressful and often unavoidable situations that trigger cravings.
Treatments to stop smoking
Once you have decided to stop smoking, you are ready to set a quit date. Pick a day that is not too far in the future (so that you do not change your mind), but which gives you enough time to prepare.
On your quit day:
You will almost certainly feel the urge to smoke many times during your quit day, but it will pass. The following actions may help you to battle the urge to smoke:
Remembering the four Ds can often help you to move beyond your urge to light up.
Going cold turkey, or quitting smoking without the help of NRT, medication, or therapy, is a popular way to give up smoking. However, only around 6 percent of these quit attempts are successful. It is easy to underestimate how powerful nicotine dependence really is .
The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved five types of NRT:
The FDA has approved two non-nicotine-containing drugs to help smokers quit. These are bupropion (Zyban) and varenicline (Chantix).
Talk to your healthcare provider if you feel that you would like to try one of these to help you to stop smoking, as you will need a prescription.
The emotional and physical dependence you have on smoking makes it challenging to stay away from nicotine after your quit day. To quit, you need to tackle this dependence. Trying counseling services, self-help materials, and support services can help you to get through this time. As your physical symptoms get better over time, so will your emotional ones.
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) provide help to anyone who wants to stop smoking through their support services:
Some people find alternative therapies useful to help them to quit smoking, but there is currently no strong evidence that any of these will improve your chances of becoming smoke-free, and, in some cases, these methods may actually cause the person to smoke more.
Some alternative methods to help you to stop smoking might include:
Bottom line
Quitting smoking is difficult, but your doctor can help you make a plan. Ask them for advice. There are a variety of nonprescription and prescription medications that can help you quit. You can also turn to our smoking cessation resource center, which has advice, stories from others, and more. There are both short and long-term benefits to quitting smoking. Since smoking affects every body system, finding a way to quit is the most important step you can take to living a longer and happier life.
Everyone has heard the old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but it’s not just an old cliche, it’s true in a lot of ways. Apples have a variety of helpful vitamins, minerals, and fiber that make them extremely healthy. They can help with disease prevention, weight loss, and staying healthy in general. Not to mention there are thousands of different types of delicious apples, so whether you prefer a sweet red or yellow apple or a sour green one, there is always an apple for you.
6 benefits of eating apples:
1. They’re nutritious
With little to no fat, cholesterol, or sodium, plus lots of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, apples are an extremely nutritious snack. Along with everything else on this list, apples’ good nutrition can also help you feel better by lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol.
2. They can decrease your risk of diseases
Because of all these nutrients, apples are very helpful in reducing your risk of developing many diseases, including several different types of cancers, asthma, and diabetes.
Apples have been linked to a decreased risk of several types of cancers, including colon, breast, and stomach. Apples contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents that help to prevent and manage asthma. Multiple studies have also linked apples to a decreased risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
3. They’re good for your organs
Apples are very good for many of your organs, including the heart, brain, lungs, liver, and gut.
The soluble fiber in apples helps to lower blood cholesterol, which lowers your risk for heart disease.
Apples contain ingredients called flavonoids, which are antioxidants that lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of strokes. They also help preserve a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine that is involved in memory and could otherwise decrease as you get older, causing Alzheimer’s disease.
The antioxidants in apples can help protect your lungs and lower your risk of asthma and allergic reactions.
The vitamins, minerals, and a soluble fiber called pectin in apples all help to detoxify the liver. Pectin also acts as a prebiotic, increasing good bacteria in the gut and reducing your risk of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.
4. They’re good for your bones and joints
Apples are known to help increase bone density and prevent osteoporosis by preserving bone mass as we age. Apples are also a natural anti-inflammatory, which improves joint health and can help with arthritis.
5. They can help you lose weight
Apples have very few calories, no fat, and they are high in dietary fiber, so they can also help you lose or maintain weight.
6. They’re good for your immune system
Apples (especially red apples) contain an antioxidant known as quercetin, which boosts the immune system and reduces inflammation. Apples are also very high in fiber, which is vital in keeping your bowels moving smoothly. They also contain an ingredient called pectin, which is a congealing agent that helps with diarrhea.
There are obviously a variety of ways apples can help you stay healthy. They can help prevent diseases and keep your mind and body working better even as you age. They can make you look and feel better by helping you lose weight and boosting your immune system. And to top it all off, they even taste good and require no preparation to enjoy.
Food (and water) is the absolute first thing you need in order to ensure life. Without it you would wither away and die. You need food for its nutrition and for its sustenance. But are the foods you consume today supplying you with good solid nutrition, or are many of them slowly robbing you of your health and taking years from your life?
Here are some things to consider:
THE HAZARDS OF EATING MEAT
Eating meat (particularly pork and red meat such as beef) in of itself is unhealthy especially when eaten in too large of quantities. Certain meats, such as beef, can take up to 72 hours to digest completely. Therefore, if you eat meat two or three times a day, you could still be digesting the food you had for breakfast the other day while you are again consuming another round of it.
This explains why many autopsies reveal from 5 to as much as 40 pounds of undigested meat still in the systems of many people! Now, imagine how unhealthy it becomes if the animal where the meat came from was treated with antibiotics and other artificial health sustainers? These chemicals stay in the meat fibers; and no amount of washing, cooking, or boiling will get rid of them. Do you really want that in your food?
Hence, many people today are immune to antibiotics for humans. They ingest the antibiotics from animals, and the extra strong antibiotics kill both the good and bad bacteria in the human body. The more you eat chemically treated meat, the more you weaken your body’s defense mechanisms. This hazard is aggravated further when the meats are processed with artificial flavors and preservatives.
PRECAUTIONS WHEN CONSUMING FISH
Many “fresh” fish in the market today are loaded with preservatives to lock in their “freshness.” Some use formalin, a chemical used in embalming human corpses, to preserve newly caught fish. A few wicked sellers may wash marketed fish with food coloring or textile color to give these fish a “fresh” look. To ensure your safety and enjoy the nutritious benefits of fish, buy them from trusted sources only.
Many white breads are hard to digest. Their hard residues stay long and may form blockades in the intestines. Moreover, eating white bread actually rapidly elevates blood sugar levels in your body. Whole wheat bread is a healthier food alternative to white bread as it supplies better nutrition, but many of the whole wheat breads today still have preservatives because they are commercially produced. Make sure it is made with “whole wheat flour” and not “enriched whole wheat flour”. Always check the ingredients just to be sure.
CHEMICALS IN FOOD
Aside from having their nutrition values greatly reduced, a lot of food today is treated with harmful chemicals. Washing, cooking, and boiling for long hours may lessen the chemicals in your food, but these harmful substances may not be fully eliminated. Peeling the skin off some fruits will not ensure safety for your health either. Imagine swallowing and accumulating all those fertilizers and pesticides in your body. Do you still wonder why we have so many deadly diseases today that were unheard of in the days of our ancestors?
Insects know better. They will not touch crops with pesticides. That is why you will find these crops sold in the market without any sign of insect bites. People buy them because they look clean and delicious. They don’t know that these outward appearances conceal the inner hazards of the food they are buying. Some people think it is a good option to eat fruits and vegetables that show a few nibbles from insects.
PROCESSED FOOD
After having your veggies and fruits treated with fertilizers and pesticides (and these are given to farm animals as part of feeds), they also undergo artificial processing to prolong their “freshness.” They are treated with preservatives, which mean more chemicals. Some instant noodles are treated with chemical wax, which may be cancer-causing. Do you know that these noodles are banned in some countries?
Because processed foods are terribly lacking in real nutrition, their sellers sometimes put synthetic vitamins in them and pass them off as “positives” for good health when, in fact; these synthetic vitamins often do little or nothing for you, or in some cases they can even harm your well-being. The use of synthetics must have medical supervision, as they can bring risks, and some are cumulative and difficult to eliminate from the body.
If you want to live a long, happy, and healthy life, always be on the lookout for the presence of preservatives in your food. Look at the labels and find out if some of the ingredients can be harmful to your health.
If you’re currently not eating a healthy diet, it can be difficult to start such a plan. However, healthy eating along with some exercise is very important for maintaining a good bodily function and goes a long way towards living a disease-free life. If you struggle with healthy eating, then you know that breaking unhealthy habits can be the most difficult part of the process. Therefore, if you truly want to live the best lifestyle possible, it is important to follow tips in order to start eating a more healthy diet.
A great first step when you want to start eating your way to a healthy life style is to rid your home of all temptations that will distract you from following better eating habits. Ideally it would be a wise course to keep junk foods and beverages out of your house so as not be tempted to snack during the day. If you’re worried about getting hungry, keep healthy snacks like carrot sticks, yogurt, fresh fruit, or whole-wheat crackers on hand. If you find that you just cannot bear to toss out the sweets, try keeping something tiny on hand, peppermints or barley sugar. Eating a few, (emphasis on few) of these won’t ruin your diet but also will give you that little sugary fix you rave.
Another great step to healthy eating, when you’re first starting the process, is to take a few moments to learn what foods are the healthiest for you and how they work within the body. To start eating healthily we must begin by thinking healthily. Most people understand that fruits, vegetables, and low-fat meats and dairy products are good for you, but few people understand why. The key is learning about nutrients. When you understand how specific nutrients work and why you need them, it becomes more reasonable for you to make healthier choices for your body. Knowledge really is power!
Preparation is a major key in commencing a new healthy diet. You must take into consideration your schedule for meals. If you often eat in a rushed hurry at odd times of day, you probably more inclined to grab a rushed meal which will probably do more harm than good. So plan ahead! Instead of grabbing a fast food lunch on the go, take a bagged lunch to work, complete with a healthy wrap and some fresh fruit and vegetables. Remember not to forget your evening meal, a simple plan to have a meal ready before you get home would be perfect, but in our fast paced life style, sometimes this just can’t be done. One way to solve this problem is to plan out your evening meals for the week, on your days off. Perhaps just before you do your weekly shopping. Another warning: when going to the shops, do not venture their hungry because if you’re anything like me, one or two chocolate bars won’t hurt! That becomes the first break in your healthy eating.
Initially many will find it very difficult to make those necessary changes to healthier eating. Along with the difficulty of change, you may not feel well for a short period of time. Usually this is normal as your body is adjusting to your new and improved life style and is cleansing itself from the unhealthy toxins built up from poor eating habits. However if this feeling continues or you are worried a visit to your doctor would be the correct thing to do.
Start with baby steps. Even if you only replace one soda a day with a glass of water, you are really improving your calorie intake. If you eat fast food every day for lunch, try replacing that half of the time with better quality foods. When you start by taking small steps you aren’t cutting out all of the foods you love all at once. By taking your time to learn about your eating habits and slowly replacing them with better meals, by taking the time to learn and understand why you should be doing that and making the necessary changes in an orderly fashion, you will feel much better within yourself physically, mentally and emotionally and well on the road to becoming as healthy as you can be
Because all of us have been brought up eating junk food, well most of us, it is not easy to change our eating habits. Your eating habits have developed since childhood based on what your mothers or fathers cooked and what your psychological make-up was during that time.
The foods you eat and crave help keep pass trauma and present anxiety in check. Food helps make you feel good when you start to feel bad. Eating is a natural defense mechanism that the brain-body uses to keep you from going crazy.
So, you see, it is very difficult to change our eating habits. When we do, we start to feel bad. We start to feel uncomfortable, we feel pain, we have withdrawal symptoms, and we may feel sick. Is it any wonder that any of us ever succeed in changing our eating habits?
I consider everything that has been packaged to be junk food. There are few exceptions, and you need to read ingredient labels carefully. Very few food manufacturers and even restaurants prepare food with your health in mind. Of course, they want to satisfy you, but they don’t use foods that are in your best interest.
Most people eat junk food 85% of the time and then eat good food the other 15%. It should be the reverse of this – eat good food 85% and junk food 15% of the time.
To have better health, here are some foods to stop eating. Eliminate these foods over the next two to three weeks.
Milk (non-fat or no-fat also) – is a mucus and acid-forming food. Milk creates mucus in the body and makes the lymph liquid (we will talk about lymph later) in your body acidic, which attracts parasites and other pathogens. (In the place of milk almond milk or goats milk)
Cancer thrives in a body that is acidic. 
Bread – white bread is also acid and mucus forming. It is also more difficult to pass through the colon and gives rise to constipation.
Sugar the #1 food additive. Sugar is in most of all the products that you buy.
Sodas (regular or diet) – are extremely high in sugar or artificial sugar – 7 teaspoons per can. Most people drink over 35 gallons per year. Sugar is a body poison and leads to many diseases – diabetes, obesity, tooth decay and osteoarthritis, and so on.
o sugar, also depletes your B-vitamins and calcium and magnesium from your bones and teeth.
o In addition, since sodas are in aluminum cans, aluminum can go into the soda because most sodas contain phosphoric acid. Aluminum has been associated with senility and Alzheimer’s disease.
o Calcium is also leached from your body to neutralize the phosphoric acid. (It’s healthier to drink juices of all kinds)
There is just no way around it. Sodas suck health right out of your body.
Regular salt (NaCl) – excessive salt intake is related to high blood pressure, edema, and imbalances in the minerals in your lymph liquid. Sodium, Na, in salt attracts water, so the more sodium you eat the more water your body will hold. (Use sea salt, it has 25% less sodium, use low salt soy sauce, and herbs to flavor your food)
o Most people eat too much salt – over 10,000 milligrams per day. We only need around 200-300 mg per day.
o Excess salt is also involved with kidney problems, cardiovascular disease, stomach cancer, and excess sensitivity to stress.
o Get your Sodium from eating vegetables that are high in sodium. When you get your salt from vegetables, it is organic salt, which does not have the same effect in your body as inorganic salt from a shaker. It would help if you had a lot of organic salt or Na in your body. Your stomach is a Na organ. It needs organic salt, Na, to keep its lining from being eaten by the hydrochloric acid in your stomach – an ulcer.
o Foods high in organic sodium are apples, apricots, asparagus, greens, red cabbage, carrots, celery, dulse, egg yolks, figs, fish, raisins, prunes, and lentils.
For the next two weeks, try adding the following foods to your eating habits.
Lecithin – is 30-40% choline, which is used throughout your body. This is why you want to include it in your diet.
o choline is one of the main chemicals in our cell membrane.
o It is used in our brains to create the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is required for thinking and memory. Consider lecithin brain food.
o It is used by the liver, which helps to prevent a fatty liver. A fatty liver prevents you from losing weight around your belly.
o it helps to break up fats into tiny goblets so that they are easily digestible and will reduce your cholesterol.
o it helps to keep cholesterol from clinging to your artery walls.
flax seed oil – is an essential oil, omega 3. This means your body does not make it, and it is necessary for you to eat it so that you can live without illness or pain.
o It helps to detoxify the liver.
o It stimulates the production of bile. Remember that bile helps to breakdown fat so that the liver can better metabolize it.
o Stimulates the body to burn fat.
Apple juice and Apples – are high in vitamin A in Potassium and have other minerals that strengthen the blood. They contain malic and tartaric acids, which keep the liver healthy and promote good digestion. Apples help you to lose weight by providing fiber and keeping you regular.
FIBER – you need 30-35 grams of fiber every day. Most people only get up to 10-15 grams. Fiber is one food that reduces your transient time in the colon. Fiber helps to keep your colon clean, reduce cholesterol, remove toxins from your body, and eliminate constipation.
There you have it. If you can accomplish these changes in one year, you will notice a big difference in the way you feel and the health that you have.
Cholesterol is a wax-like substance present in the cell membranes of body tissues and is carried in the blood plasma. It is a sterol (alcohol and steroid combination), also called atherosclerotic plaque. The body requires cholesterol to form and sustain the plasma membrane, help with bile production, and aid the metabolism of fat-soluble vitamins. However, having high blood cholesterol levels is not always good and can even cause an increased risk of cardiovascular health problems such as a heart attack or stroke.
Over time cholesterol builds up on the artery walls, a condition called atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis was thought to be an affliction of the elderly until the 1950s. When American pathologists were sent to Korea by the Pentagon to study the bodies of soldiers who died during the conflict, they autopsied around 2000 soldiers and found that approximately 75% had waxy, yellow deposits on the walls of their arteries; a shocking statistic considering the average age of the soldiers was 21. Their findings astonished the scientific community by highlighting the onset of heart disease in the very young. That’s why our focus here is to help you know a natural way to lower high cholesterol.
After all, what is good cholesterol and what is bad?
So get ready that now is the time to clarify all doubts. Continue in this text and learn the natural way on how to reduce high cholesterol.
Good reading!
LDL and HDL cholesterol
There are two different types of cholesterol; low-density lipoproteins (LDL) and high-density lipoproteins (HDL).
HDL cholesterol, the good.
Let’s start with the “good guy,” HDL, which is transported by high-density lipoproteins. The difference between HDL and LDL makes him the “hero” of this story.
HDLs remove cholesterol from the arteries, including plaques, preventing atherosclerosis. To stay in the superhero metaphor, it is as if Good Cholesterol were a protector responsible for fighting the dirt left by its antagonist, Bad Cholesterol.
LDL cholesterol, the bad.
They transport cholesterol and some triglycerides through the blood to store them and use them in biosynthesis.
Because of its function, LDL facilitates fat accumulation in blood vessels, forming plaques. This happens when our body has many of these molecules circulating in the body in search of tissues that need cholesterol.
This process, called atherosclerosis, is what causes clogged arteries, which in turn leads to heart attacks and strokes – also known as strokes. And that’s why LDL is considered bad.
While HDL is believed to reduce the chance of a heart attack, an estimated 25% of Americans are at risk of heart disease due to atherosclerosis. About 10% have levels so high that doctors have no choice but to prescribe medication to reduce cholesterol.
The increase in cholesterol has no symptoms, being perceived through laboratory tests, in which the entire lipid profile is verified, that is, HDL, LDL, VLDL, and total cholesterol. The main causes of high cholesterol are:
Family history;
Food rich in fats and sugar;
Excessive consumption of alcohol;
Cirrhosis;
decompensated diabetes;
Thyroid changes, such as hypo or hyperthyroidism;
Renal insufficiency;
porphyria;
Use of anabolic steroids.
As the increase in cholesterol can also be due to genetic factors, it is important for people who have a family history of high cholesterol to be more careful and pay more attention to diet and physical activity, as the risk of developing diseases cardiovascular diseases due to high cholesterol is higher.
Contrary to what many people think, high cholesterol has no symptoms in most cases. This further reinforces the importance of performing routine exams, where these values will be measured and, if necessary, treatment initiated.
Although cholesterol does not show signs, the diseases caused by its increase can manifest in very serious and dangerous ways, mainly as a result of atherosclerosis, which is the accumulation of fatty plaques in the arteries, obstructing the flow of blood, leading to a series of risks, the main ones being infarction or cerebrovascular accident (CVA).
And this risk is even greater for people with diabetes or pre-diabetes, who are 3 to 4 times more likely to have clogged arteries.
And anyone who thinks that only overweight or obese people are at risk of having high cholesterol is wrong. Although these groups are at greater risk, even people considered thin can also present the problem.
Therefore, the ideal is to maintain the habit of checking blood cholesterol levels – performing a lipid test or lipid profile – at least once a year, preferably under the supervision of a cardiologist or endocrinologist.
Foods that Lower LDL Cholesterol
Many foods are believed to significantly lower LDL cholesterol. Fiber-rich foods are said to be particularly beneficial. Fiber will lower ‘bad’ cholesterol and help the bowel function properly, reducing the risk of colon and bowel cancer. Many other foods can help the body fight back against these dangerous deposits.
Some Fiber-rich foods are oat bran, barley, and wheat bran. They can be eaten as a cereal for breakfast and sprinkled onto other foods. Pearl barley can be added to soups. Apples and pears also have considerable amounts of soluble fiber and should be enjoyed daily.
Beans, Peas & Lentils (Pulses) are high in fiber and low in fat. They also contain lecithin, a nutrient that is known as one of the ways to reduce cholesterol. Try incorporating kidneys, fava beans, borlotti, and other dry whole foods into your diet; many different types of lentils and peas are delicious in soups and stews.
Avocado contains prolific amounts of monounsaturated fat, which helps to reduce LDL cholesterol and has many other health benefits, including anti-cancer properties.
For breakfast, avocados can be consumed with a bit of sugar or pure. At lunch or dinner, it can be used for sweet and sour salads — which mix salty with sweet and, in this case, is the fruit’s natural sugar.
Therefore, investing in foods is one of the good ways to reduce cholesterol, as avocados can bring good results for your health in the long run.
Raw carrots are rich in pectin fiber; carrots will act as a tonic on the liver because it also has a purifying and cleansing effect. It helps the liver to eliminate excess bile and fat accumulated by an unhealthy diet. Many fruits also contain pectin, including; apples, citrus fruits, strawberries, raspberries, and other red or black fruits.
Shitake mushrooms are widely used by the Japanese and include a compound called lentinan; they are also considered anti-cancer and can help boost the immune system. These tasty mushrooms are rich in vitamins A and C and other compounds that have antioxidant action, fighting free radicals.
This characteristic protects against rheumatoid arthritis, cirrhosis, arteriosclerosis, and premature aging.
Extra virgin olive oil; Rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols, which can fight free radicals responsible for cell aging, it has a protective effect against a number of cardiovascular health problems. Still, the consumption of olive oil is associated with low levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) due to the presence of poly and monounsaturated fats.
Garlic is a superfood and is well known for its blood-thinning properties. It also contains the substance allicin, which is thought to prevent the body from retaining LDL cholesterol. Research has shown that the equivalent of one clove a day can lower “bad” cholesterol by 10-15% in most people.
The mechanisms behind this effect are not fully understood. Still, it appears that it acts both on the absorption of cholesterol in the intestine and on the synthesis of endogenous cholesterol — the one we produce in the liver and is responsible for most of the circulating cholesterol.
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Root ginger has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries and has numerous health benefits. It can be added to stir-fry (using healthy sesame oil) and other vegetable dishes, or it can be used to create delicious ginger tea.
Nuts are naturally high in omega-3 fatty acids and are known to reduce blood cholesterol significantly; walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, and almonds are especially beneficial.
Sesame seeds are rich in phytosterols. These compounds are said to lessen LDL cholesterol substantially. Other foods containing phytosterols include; celery, lettuce, asparagus, spinach, tomatoes, ginger, squash, and strawberries.
Safflower, canola, and soybean are monounsaturated oils and are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Research indicates that they can decrease atherosclerotic plaque by up to 15% when eaten regularly.
Salmon, tuna, sardines & mackerel contain considerable amounts of omega-3 fatty acids, which have many health benefits and are essential for brain and eye function.
Prunes are an excellent source of antioxidants and fiber, notably lowering total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels and slightly increasing HDL cholesterol levels. In addition, it can positively alter the human intestinal flora and thus improve various physiological functions, benefiting health.
Alfalfa sprouts contain saponin, a substance that clogs and inhibits the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries. In addition, alfalfa is rich in phytoestrogens, substances with estrogen-like activity, and are therefore effective in relieving menopausal symptoms, for example.
Tip 1: Increase Dietary Fiber Intake
The first tip for reducing high cholesterol is to increase dietary fiber intake. Dietary fiber helps reduce cholesterol absorption in the body and can also help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. Eating a diet high in fiber-rich foods, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, can help to reduce cholesterol levels. Additionally, fiber supplements can be taken to increase fiber intake further.
Tip 2: Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking improves your good cholesterol levels. It lowers the risk of heart disease and heart attack within one year of quitting smoking.
Tip 3: Lose Weight
Losing weight is another natural way to reduce high cholesterol. Weight loss can help to reduce LDL cholesterol levels, as well as increase HDL cholesterol levels. When trying to lose weight, you must be mindful of what you eat, as some foods may be high in unhealthy fats or sugar. Eating a diet that is low in saturated and trans fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help to promote weight loss and reduce high cholesterol.
Tip 4: Exercise Regularly
Engaging in regular physical activity is another natural way to reduce high cholesterol. Exercise can help to raise HDL cholesterol levels, as well as reduce LDL cholesterol levels. It is essential to find an exercise routine that you enjoy and that is appropriate for your fitness level. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or biking, at least five days a week.
Tip 5: Reduce Stress
Reducing stress is another natural way to reduce high cholesterol. Stress can hurt cholesterol levels, as it can cause an increase in LDL cholesterol and a decrease in HDL cholesterol. Time to relax and unwind can help reduce stress and improve cholesterol levels. Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help reduce stress and improve cholesterol levels.
High cholesterol is a serious health concern that can lead to heart disease and stroke. Fortunately, there are several natural ways to reduce high cholesterol. Increasing dietary fiber intake, eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, losing weight, exercising regularly, and reducing stress can all help to reduce high cholesterol levels. Taking small steps to implement these tips can help to reduce high cholesterol and improve overall health.
Medications used to manage high cholesterol levels are called statins.
Side effects vary between different statins, but the most common ones are:
Statin use may lead to more side effects and conditions like pancreatitis, hepatitis, skin problems, diabetes type 2, erectile dysfunction, etc. If you are at risk of developing these conditions, you should avoid taking these medications through lifestyle and dietary changes. Talk to your healthcare provider about the natural approach.
Suppose you have high cholesterol or a family tendency towards atherosclerosis. And now you ask yourself, “what is the natural way how to reduce high cholesterol?”
In that case, it is best to avoid processed and prepared foods, fried food, food containing animal fats or animal products, high-fat dairy products, and food containing either saturated fat or trans fats. Research has revealed the key to lowering LDL cholesterol is a healthy, balanced diet that incorporates plenty of soluble fiber and at least five portions of fruit or vegetables a day. Combined with regular cardiovascular exercise, these dietary changes should help keep the heart healthy and provide numerous other health benefits.
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Studies have shown that high cholesterol increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and circulation problems. BM High Lipid Profile Compositum is particularly researched by a double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial study method to reduce the high lipid profiles and maintain the same to avoid the risk factors.
Most people at some point or other have found themselves not being able to sleep when they are supposed to. It is normal for this happen now and again and is really no cause for concern. But, when lost sleep becomes a regular occurrence you might be suffering from a mild form of insomnia.
If this sounds like you then you can choose from a number of different types sleep improving options. Many people prefer to look for a natural solution before resorting to using OTC or prescription sleeping pills. There are a wide variety of natural sleep aids, herbs, remedies, certain foods and relaxation techniques can promote a better night’s sleep.
Some of the best natural sleeping remedies include:
Valerian – this herb has been used for centuries and valerian does work in a similar way to chemical sleeping pills. Valerian helps to increase your levels of GABA, which is a calming neurotransmitter in your brain. The valerian helps to make you feel more relaxed and sleepy. Valerian can be taken in many forms including capsules, extracts or as an herbal tea. If you take valerian consistently for two weeks you will feel the full benefits.
Natural Light – your body reacts differently depending upon the amount of light it is exposed to. If you tend to stay indoors in low lighting conditions your body can actually become confused. It may not recognize when it is time to sleep. This results in your sleep patterns becoming very irregular. You should aim to get outside during the day and a good way to achieve this is by taking a walk after dinner.
Aromatherapy – certain scents like lavender and chamomile work extremely well in calming your body and your mind. A good way to use these scents is my taking a warm bath or by using small sachets that fit inside your pillow. Chamomile can be purchased as an herbal tea and should be drunk just before going to bed.
Relaxation Techniques – stress has a lot to do with suffering from mild insomnia. By taking the time to learn and perform relaxation techniques your ability to have a better quality sleep improves. Easy relaxation techniques include deep breathing, yoga and muscle relaxation. These methods can be combined successfully with the aromatherapy uses above.
Your Diet – what you eat has a huge impact on your sleeping patterns. Too much caffeine and sugary foods can disrupt sleep for many people. Be sure to include foods like milk, fresh vegetables including dark green veggies, chicken and turkey along with nuts.
Music –many studies have been done that show that soft music can help your body relax. You can easily play some soft music while getting ready for bed. Try listening to music while sipping your Chamomile tea or relaxing in your lavender bath.
Exercise – including exercise into your lifestyle is very important to encourage quality sleeping habits. Physical activity helps to boost your endorphins which make you feel good! In addition exercise will help reduce muscle tension and stress.
Insomnia affects people in different ways, and because of this, there is no one cure for insomnia. Instead, a person will need to try different treatments and lifestyle changes to see what works for them the best.
Everyone has different sleeping patterns, with many people requiring as much as ten hours of sleep while others can manage six hours. You know that you are suffering from insomnia when your regular sleep patterns become disrupted. 
Insomnia normally lasts for a couple of nights, and this is referred to as mild insomnia. This is when you either have trouble falling asleep or find yourself waking up frequently or too early each morning. Not feeling refreshed in the morning can lead to you being tired all day and starts affecting your lifestyle in adverse ways.
The first thing you want to do when dealing with a case of insomnia is to look at your lifestyle. Has something recently changed? Maybe you are dealing with a lot more stress or have financial worries. Any new and unforeseen circumstances can lead to insomnia.
Stress is known to be one of the most common causes of insomnia. Then if you start worrying about not sleeping, your stress levels increase and cause your insomnia to last longer. This can result in a never-ending cycle and leads to you becoming exhausted and unable to function properly.
Helpful Tips:
Most people will find that using any of the above tips will help improve their insomnia and allow them to have a good night’s sleep. Natural insomnia cures, which include valerian, are becoming extremely popular. Herbal solutions tend to not have any side effects and can be purchased over the counter without a doctor’s prescription.
Yoga classes can be very beneficial as you will learn how to relax your entire body. This, combined with listening to soft music, such as water flowing over stones, can be very therapeutic. Think about it, babies love to fall asleep listening to soft music, so why not you too?
If you are suffering from insomnia, there is no need to think that your only cure is to use chemical sleeping pills. There are many well-known and proven herbal remedies for insomnia that you can try first.
After you have learned about the essential oils you want to use for different ailments and conditions, you will then need to decide exactly how to use them. The following information provides some of the more common ways to use these oils.
Use Them in the Bath
The first way you can use essential oils is in the bathtub. This is great because you get the benefit of them both with aromatherapy by inhaling the scents, and by having them come into contact with your skin. You are able to use them without any fancy equipment, diffusers, or by using carrier oils to dilute them. With the bath, you just need a few drops of whatever essential oils you want to use, whether it is just one or several of them. Lavender and chamomile are great for the bath when you want to relax and de-stress, plus they help you sleep better.
Try Aromatherapy
With aromatherapy, the essential oil s are inhaled and will help you heal in a variety of ways. There are blends that can work on different ailments at one time. Some things that aromatherapy helps with include inflammation, pain relief, arthritis, pregnancy pains, migraines, stress and anxiety, insomnia, and depression. A good way to use them for aromatherapy is by using a diffuser. You drop the oils into the diffuser and it puts the scent out into the room.
Apply Them to Your Skin
You can also apply the essential oils directly to your skin. When you use this method, it is often to help with a physical ailment, such as rubbing oil on your joints that are swollen and tender from arthritis, or treating a bug or insect bite. When you put them on your skin, it is very important that you mix the oil with a carrier oil. This helps to dilute the oil and prevents skin irritation from the pure essential oils. Whether treating a burn or scrape, or applying them to your skin for better moisture and glowing skin, you need to remember to dilute them.
Make Body Products
Don’t forget about using essential oils for body or beauty products. The oils will further help to clear your skin, offer more hydration, or even help with healing wounds and slowing the signs of aging. Decide on what you want the body product for, then look up what each of the oils can help with. This will give you a good idea on blends to use for that skin or beauty issue.
