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Health You, Healthy Skin

I will begin this blog about natural beauty and how to make organic skin, face and hair care products that you can make to keep you and especially your skin, face and hair in optimum health by giving you an overview on how your body functions and what is meant by you being healthy. Without this information, many of you will be lack the basic knowledge as to what you should be doing to improve or maintain your overall health and your skin health.

The health of your body is determined by the collective health of every one of its cells. The healthy functioning of the cells is directly related to the following core healthy molecular materials used to build cells: 1. Oxygen; 2. Carbon; 3. Hydrogen; and 4. Nitrogen. All foods are made up of these four basic elements. Combined with these core elements in your food are many inorganic minerals such as sodium, calcium, sulfur, magnesium, chlorine, etc. These core elements and the inorganic minerals are metabolized by our cells in order to build tissues. The tissues are used to build organs, the organs are used to build core systems like the immune system and your skin, and these systems are used to build the body.

The body consist of well over 100 trillion cells. These cells interact in multiple ways to handle multiple cellular processes that control the cell’s environment, reparation, communication, transportation, policing, performance, pH balancing, medical needs and nutrition as well as toxic and waste (including free radicals) removal. Even if you are eating the perfect diet for your body type and avoiding any toxins in your environment, the acidic waste generated through metabolism needs to be constantly flushed from your body through your key organs. For example, the kidneys remove neutralized waste salts, uric acid, ammonia, the lungs take carbonic dioxide out from carbonic acids making your blood more alkaline and your skin uses perspiration to dispose of acidic waste products. Therefore any ss long as you are providing your cells with a healthy stress free environment, nourishing foods, clean water and air, and bathing your skin in biodegradable organic soaps and shampoos and moisturizing with organic oils for your skin and hairs, your body will have all that it needs to continue functioning properly including the disposal of all waste products in your body.

Of the trillions of cells in your body, they can be grouped into about 200 different types that require 90 plus nutrients to produce the hormones, peptides, neurotransmitters and other materials required for cellular renewal and the proper functioning of the body. The types of cells range from stem cells, blood cells and blood cells, to heart cells, spleen cells and muscle cells through to brain cells, eye cells, skin cells and nerve cells. Each cell performs its own unique functions that combine with other cells to provide synergistic choreography and orchestration of all the body’s functions. The different cells have a different half-lives. This means that your body is constantly renewing itself throughout your lifetime. Your skin which is the body’s largest organ is replaced every 21 to 28 days, your heart is renewed every 8 months, a new liver every 5 months, and your blood every 90 days. In the case of your bones because of the nature of the matrix being very hard (consisting of Vitamin D, calcium, boron and oesteoclasts) it renews every 7-10 years. The key thing to remember is that the quality of the renewal of all of your cells is dependent on the quality of building materials you have provided in the forms of nutrients (i.e. amino acids, carbohydrates, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, phyto-nutrients, sunshine, oxygen and water) and/or toxins that you have provided. If it is nutrient rich and not lacking in essential nutrients, then the regenerated body will be stronger than the original. If it is nutrient poor (i.e. missing key nutrients) and/or high in toxins, it will be weaker than before and will continue to worsen unless you make changes in your diet and environment.

To give you an idea of how this translates, consider that 10 to the power of 12 cells or 1% of your body mass needs to be regenerated every day. If you are providing nutrient poor materials and toxins to your body, this regeneration will not take place. Instead your body’s own proteins will endanger your life since after metabolism, many become free floating providing an environment for poisonous and fungal infections to grow on them. The toxins and wastes will accumulate in your body creating an anaerobic environment that is hospitable to fungus, bacteria, cancer cells, etc.

This accumulation of waste in and around the cells is what causes aging in the body. The most ready measure any person can do to have an indication of their state of overall health is to measure the pH of their urine and saliva in the morning. This is because pH is a controlling factor for hundreds of enzymes in the body for digestion, assimilation of nutrients and the production of energy in the cells. When your body is in a healthy state, you saliva pH should be 6.2 to 6.4, your urine pH should be 5.5 to 6.0. This would indicate that your blood pH is probably around it ideal measure of 7.30 to 7.45. If your pH level is below these ranges, your body is overly acidic most likely indicating a deficiency of potassium, magnesium, calcium, trace minerals as well as possible high pulse rate. To give you an idea of how long cells can continue to thrive when they are kept in a nutrient rich environment free from waste products, a French physiologist, Alexia Carrell kept a chicken heart alive for about twenty-eight years in a saline solution containing minerals in the same proportion as chicken blood. He kept the extra cellular fluids constant and disposed of the cellular waste products daily by changing the fluid. It’s only when he stopped changing the solution did the heart cells die.

If you have been allowing toxins and waste to accumulate in your body, your health will start to be compromised, you will find yourself getting sick and your body’s built-in compensating mechanisms will be activated to compensate by neutralizing and excreting acidic toxins and waste from the blood, cells, lymph and tissue fluids. The eight compensating mechanisms are: 1. Increased Oxygenation through respiration; 2. Pulling Amino Acid reserves from intra-cellular amino acids; 3. Pull in high pH body fluids from the lymph and saliva; 4. Pulling High pH Electrolytes from bones, teeth and muscles, 5. Excrete acids through the body’s elimination systems such as the skin, colon, urinary tract and respiratory system; 6. Manufacture High pH Bicarbonate Ion from CO2 for diffusion into blood plasma; 7. Push Excess Acids to outer extremities away from vital organs (in terms of your skin this leads to dermatitis and joints and fingers rheumatoid arthritis); and finally 8. Dumping Acids into the Blood and Vital Organs. If number 8, happens, you body is in trouble because it means that your body’s pH is in deep in the acidic range and dependent on the nature of your cellular weakness and genetic makeup, this can lead to one of a number degenerative diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease and other chronic degenerative diseases.

When you are ill, it can be down primarily to either nutrient deficiency, exposure and/or accumulation of toxins in your body, and finally the accumulation of waste in your body. So logically the key to restoring yourself to full health is to not just directly attack the virus or bacteria since the low pH is your body creates an environment hospitable to virus and bacteria, but also to eliminate the toxins and waste (i.e. detox) and at the same time to provide the proper nutrients to your body (i.e. change your environment, change your diet and change what you products you put on your skin, face and hair). When you restore the proper environment for cellular regeneration, a number of positive things happen: 1. The virus, bacteria or malignant cells die off because the majority cannot survive in the healthy aerobic environment - this is especially the case with cancer cells which can only survive in an anaerobic environment (Dr. Otto Warburg won the Nobel Prize for this discovery); 2. Your immune system is able to properly defend your body against these invaders; 3. Your energy levels go up as your body has the nutrients required for cellular regeneration and is no longer needs to using energy for the various compensating mechanisms to neutralise acidic toxins and waste, leaving your body with more energy.

So how does this relate to your skin? In further blogs in this series, you will discover that ill focus on providing you with information that will allow you to provide all the nutrients that your skin, face and hair needs as well as information on the dangerous levels of toxins found in many common skin, hair and facial products. Once you’ve eliminated these toxins from your body by detoxing and changing from the majority of toxic products one finds in most stores to biodegradable organic products that you can make yourself, your skin’s appearance will improve as well as your hair and face.

References:

Reverse Aging; Sang Whang

The Battle For Health is Over pH; Gary Tunsky

The Detox Book; Bruce Fife, N.D.

Health and Nutrition Secrets that can save your life; Dr. Russell Blaylock M.D.

John Boyd has been passionate about health ever since his young daughter became ill when she was an infant. He has a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and Masters of Business Administration in finance and international economics. For the last 12 years he has run a small IT consulting firm JTB Solutions Ltd. He has just recently started his blog connected to one of his new passions which is making his own cosmetics products. Follow his blog at http://www.naturalbeautyforyou.org

How Do You Fix a Teeth Gap in Your Front Teeth?

Because our smile is one of the first features people will notice, we want to keep our teeth looking their best. Many people have taken advantage of procedures that fix or improve their teeth. If you have a gap in your front teeth and do not find that it makes you look good, there are ways that you can have it fixed. Below are a number of methods used to fix a gap in your front teeth:

1. Teeth Effect Bands: This method makes use of a band that works much like a rubber band. The band is wrapped around the teeth that are situated on either side of the gap. Over time, the band pulls the teeth toward one another, thus closing the gap. Teeth Effect Bands are an affordable choice.

2. Bonding (White Fillings): This method involves a three step process. The first step involves applying a gentle acid on the front teeth. The second step involves applying a plastic bonding substance. The consistency of the plastic bond is doughy so it can be fashioned to the appropriate shape. The third step involves using a high intensity light to harden the plastic bond. The result is a natural and durable bond.

3. Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain veneers are thin and light shell-type porcelain pieces with thickness that is much like artificial fingernails. They are normally bonded to the tops and front of the teeth. When installed, they look much like the rest of the teeth. Veneers are strong and durable and very little tooth structure is removed in order to fit them properly on the teeth. They are quite expensive and will take 2 appointments to complete.

4. Orthodontics Braces: This process involves using small brackets and bonding them to the front of the teeth. Wires are then used to give weight to move the teeth and close the gap. The procedure does not involve removing any part of the tooth’s structure. They are normally worn for 18 to 36 months. There are different types of braces to suit different ages. Although not technically braces, there are clear plastic trays available that one will wear in the mouth to close the gap. They are normally worn for about 9-15 months.

5. Crowns: Crowns can be used if the gap is quite wide. They are made up of either porcelain and metal, or porcelain only, or metal only. Crowns are strong and durable. This method of closing the gap is not as common as the other methods.

In recent years, the field of cosmetic dentistry has made a number of amazing advancements in fixing teeth. If you are not happy with a gap between your front teeth, there are a number of repair options available. The price of each method will vary so it is important to consult with your dentist to discuss prices and assess what method is appropriate for your particular situation. The size of the gap is a factor in determining the type of method you will use. As well, the time it takes to seal the gap will vary. For instance, porcelain veneers closes the gap right away and braces takes months. Once you have made your decision, it will not be long before you are flashing your big beautiful smile.

Orthofill teeth bands actually close gap in teeth permanently by gradually adapting to your teeth to provide optimal and safe teeth movement.

Hosting a Tea

Tea has been a favorite drink of mine for years. Long before the media discovered the many nutritional, cleansing, stress-relieving, energy-boosting and medicinal benefits, there were many folks who just enjoyed tea, whether it was hot or iced and whether it was made from loose tea versus a tea bag. Making tea is not rocket science. It’s easy to accomplish, but it requires attention to detail. Keeping in mind, the amount of tea you would like to make, bring cold water (preferably fresh, spring water or filtered water) to a boil. Note: great tea is made with great water! Pour boiled water over fresh, loose tea leaves or a tea bag and let the liquid steep with the tea. Check package directions for water to tea ratios as well as steeping time recommended. Often an iced tea recipe will call for fresh fruit that has been crushed and sweetened. After the tea is steeped, then it’s poured over the fruit (while in a strainer), then cooled with ice and enjoyed! The variety of ways tea (hot or cold) can be enjoyed are limitless.

My friend, Gena, hosts a “Tea” once a quarter and it’s an awesome, relaxing event – for women. Each woman feels like she’s had an afternoon of pampering when she leaves. Gena has a beautiful room in the back of her home dedicated to a vast collection of tea pots and tea cups, linen napkins and tablecloths, silverware, crystal bowls for sugar and cream, and china pieces (everything one would need for a Tea). A “theme” for the Tea is carefully chosen which dictates the decorations for each table and the favors each lady will leave with. The menu usually consists of a miniature sandwiches, various hors d’oeuvres, fruit kabobs, scones with clotted cream, jam or lemon curd and, of course, several mini desserts. This is a highly organized event with a hostess for each of the six tables that will seat from six to eight ladies. Each hostess brings a dish that will feed 36-48 from the above menu and she is encouraged to bring two guests. In addition to the table hostesses, two other ladies volunteer to “meet and greet” guests when they arrive, three additional ladies “plate” the food tastefully, while two extra volunteers carry the plated food to the stations set up near each guest table. This “behind the scene” work is all done before the guests are seated in the “tea room.”

As each guest arrives at the Tea, they are escorted to a table where they pick up their beautifully decorated name tag and sign in for the door prizes to be given out during the Tea. After signing in, the guest might add her name and email address to the mailing list for the notice of the next Tea. This is also on the sign-in table. The guests are then pointed to the kitchen area where tall, crystal glasses of beautifully flavored iced tea are being served with a garnish of fresh fruit. Usually the flavor goes along with the theme of the Tea. Ladies are encouraged to mingle/visit with each other for a few minutes before being seated in the Tea Room.

Elaborating on the themes of a Tea can be quite exhaustive, in that, themes can be about anything from butterflies to starfish to sunflowers. Gena usually has a spiritual topic for interactive discussion – but any topic would work. She will have prepared a story, which she encourages the hostesses to help with. For example, each table hostess may assume a different character, acting and portraying a specific role in the story. After the story is completed, then the guests will be asked to read a previously prepared question, taken from a small crystal glass. Other guests are then free to answer the question briefly. The discussions are spontaneous, fun and lively, after which the names for door prizes are drawn. Door prizes may be donated from different ladies within the group or purchased.

Preparing the Tea for this event is relatively easy compared to the rest of the preparations. Hot tea is served while the guests are seated at their tables. Gena has a large coffee pot (used ONLY for hot water) to keep water hot. In addition, she has an instant hot water dispenser that serves the event very well. The tea leaves are purchased in bulk; then measured out in bags to accommodate each tea pot. The water is poured over the tea bags and allowed to steep. The tea bag is removed and the tea pot is placed on a little candle-lit warmer at each table. As the tea pots run low, they are replaced with a fresh pot of tea. A caffeine-free tea is usually served with dessert, which occurs after the story, discussion and door prizes have been accomplished. From there, ladies tend to linger over a little more tea and further conversation. Memories are created and friendships are extended or deepened…and you eventually leave knowing that you’re someone special.

Perhaps you could have a Tea - whether it’s for two or for forty. Go ahead, order some great tea, invite a few girls over and just enjoy the afternoon!

Glo Johnsen owns the Herbal Tea Garded webstore specializing is herbal teas, tea sets, loose tea and teas from around the world. Visit http://www.HerbalTeaGarden.com to find the tea of your choice.

Pain Management Through Hypnosis

People have many different ways of dealing with pain. The process of handling and fighting pain is called pain management. Pain is categorized into two types-acute pain and chronic pain. Acute pain is a short-term type of pain like a fever, headache, migraine, stomach pain and the like. Chronic pain, on the other hand involves long-term pains like the ones experienced with illnesses such as cancer.

When it comes to pain management, people with low pain tolerance have a tendency to resort to medicine at the first sign of pain. Some people have a high pain tolerance, put up with the pain, and manage to go on with their planned activities as much as possible. Other pain management options are meditation, rest and in some cases even hospitalization if the pain is very severe. Among these pain management options, there is the old practice that is also used today called hypnosis.

Although some people wonder if hypnosis is truly effective, there are doctors all over the world who use this process for their patients’ pain management. Hypnosis has been found to help patients, which makes it a great approach to pain management that people can highly benefit from.

Some think that hypnosis is for commercial and entertainment use alone and they regard this practice with doubt because of how it is has been portrayed on television. It is important to know that although hypnotism is done mainly by using psychoanalysis, and it is based on solid medical science too.

Hypnosis has been practiced since the 1950s and there are recorded studies that prove the various healing effects of hypnosis for women with eating disorders, athletes with anxiety problems, smokers who thought they could not quit, and people undergoing surgery.

How Does Hypnosis Help People in Pain?

When a person is under hypnosis, he is in a world of complete concentration where the world of his subconscious state of mind is in full use. The conscious state of mind is temporarily overlooked. It is in this condition that the patient’s mind is at its best for understanding and accepting new ideas.

When a person is under hypnosis, he is in a world of complete concentration where the world of his subconscious state of mind is in full use. The conscious state of mind is temporarily overlooked. It is in this condition that the patient’s mind is at its best for understanding and accepting new ideas.

It is in this state where a hypnosis practitioner will suggest and incorporate healing ideas and concepts into the mind of the patient. The ideas suggested to an individual’s mind must be positive, such as “I will get better” or “I will conquer this pain.” When the patient comes back from his subconscious state to his conscious state of mind, the implied ideas will help the patient through the healing process smoothly.

Truly, the great thing about hypnosis is that you have nothing to lose if you try it, and when you experience the healing effects and overcome your pains, you will be happy you gave it a shot.

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Natural Hair Loss Treatments That Work

Many people, both men and women, experience varying degrees of hair loss. Hair loss can cause extreme embarrassment and even lead to low self esteem. Because hair loss is common there are many natural hair loss treatments to help a person fight hair loss.

Male pattern baldness causes a man to lose all of his hair in a relatively short amount of time. It can take place at any age and is in most cases due to heredity. Female pattern baldness does not cause total loss of hair. A women with female pattern baldness experiences hair thinning from all over the head except the front.

Hair loss is mainly caused by poor nutrition and also folic acid deficiency. Other factors that can cause loss of hair are age, genetics, changes in hormones, stress, excessive dandruff, and even decreased blood flow to the scalp.

One way to naturally treat hair loss is through a healthy and nutritious diet. Foods that you consume impact your entire body including your hair. Foods that contain high levels of protein, low carbs, and reduced fat are important for a healthy diet. Essential fatty acids not only are important for good nutrition but also for healthy hair. Walnuts, soy, fish, and canola oil are sources of essential fatty acids.

Women that experience hair loss may be suffering from a deficiency of vitamin B12. This is a nutrient that hair needs in order prevent damage and hair loss. It is important to include foods that contain vitamin B12 such as poultry, eggs, and lean meats in your diet.

Another natural hair loss treatment is to take a biotin supplement. Biotin plays a major role in the manufacturing of hair. Biotin is vital to new hair growth and also healthy skin and nails. Biotin is present in certain foods that we consume but we would have to consume more calories than the daily recommended intake.

Saw palmetto has shown promising results in helping to treat hair loss naturally. Saw palmetto has been shown to have an impact on enlarged prostates in clinical trials. An enlarged prostate is thought to increase the exact same hormones that are related to loss of hair.

Although saw palmetto may be promising in helping to naturally treat hair loss women should be cautious when using this herb. Saw palmetto halts or reduces androgen activity in the follicle of the hair. Women taking any type of female hormones such as birth control pills or HRT should consult a doctor before using saw palmetto.

As stated above, dandruff can lead to loss of hair. Jojoba oil is a natural way to help treat dandruff and also to help fight against hair loss. Jojoba oil has been used for centuries by Native Americans and Mexicans in controlling dandruff and promoting growth of hair.

Jojoba oil mimics sebum in the scalp and is easily absorbed. It helps to get rid of sebum that clogs the follicles of the hair and provides many essential vitamins such as B and E as well as minerals such as zinc and copper. Jojoba oil can be used by most anyone as a natural hair loss treatment because it is hypoallergenic and is a great scalp moisturizer.

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Can You Keep Fit Even During Vacations? – the Three Secrets to Observe

My sisters and I were supposed to have our first cruise only thirty days in to the new fitness program. The health and fitness vacation was drawing closer and closer and so did my anxiety. I could not help but keep on fantasizing about the trip. It was to be on a cruise boat, with different dining being the order of the day. Similarly, it would be a great challenge as I did not want to regain all the weight I had lost.

Therefore, I had no option but to result to a health and fitness vacation. My main goal was to keep fit as well as enjoy my vacation to the maximum. It required prior planning and great commitment. However, I would not have managed to follow my schedule were it not for the three secrets that made my health and fitness vacation a great success.

Do not lose focus.

Any health and fitness vacation needs great focus so as to attain your goal. The main point as to why you are involving fitness programs into your vacation should be well known. This is because vacation time is meant for relaxing, enjoying fellowship, meeting new friends and people, trying new things and shopping. Generally, vacation time is the period when you deviate from your usual day to day activities and routines of life.

Eat what is best for you.

The second secret is to avoid eating as if you are in an eating competition. Substitute the common caloric drinks with water. At the end of the day, you will notice that you spent less money, stayed hydrated and avoided taking unneeded calories. Your health and fitness vacation should be accompanied by mental discipline up to dining discipline. Whenever you take your meal in a restaurant, do not eat more that you should, just because you have paid for it. Tell the waiter to assist you with a doggie bag and take the excess food home. Better still, you can share the meal for two or three people.

During health and fitness vacation, the “I do not care” attitude is what will serve as your greatest enemy. Avoid deserts as most of them have hundreds and hundreds of calories in only one dish. To maintain your good process, keep them away completely.

Always be on the move.

The last secret to ensure your health and fitness vacation goes as planned is to make sure that your body is moving. This is irrespective of whether you are seated on a bench, are travelling on a boat, or something of the sort. Never let your body lie lazily whether you are busy or not. Fifteen minutes of rest will ruin your health and fitness vacation completely. Do regular physical exercises every now and then without giving up.

Similarly, you can walk, go for hiking or biking. Nonetheless, you should not work as if you are in an army barrack. At the end of the whole period, your health and fitness vacation should be an enjoyable experience.

David has been writing articles for nearly 2 years. Come visit his latest website over at www.buyingsharesonline.org which has a great range of information and resources that helps people with buying shares online.

Nutrition Articles : Dairy Farms Products – Stay in Shape and to Stave Off Disease

Dairy farms are farms where, usually, cows or goats are kept to make milk and products like butter, whipping cream and ice cream, which more often than not are high energy yielding products. Some other items that are referred to as dairy products in various nutrition articles include condensed milk, baked milk, cottage cheese, ricotta formula, evaporated milk, quark, whey, curds, buttermilk, frozen custard, frozen yogurt and lots more.

- Nutritional Value of Dairy Farms Products-

Here are some ways that show how dairy products really aid to maintain sound health:

- Milk and Calcium are good sources to keep the body trim: As per the results of recent surveys, the researchers have found that calcium causes the unwanted fat to shed in cells, and boosts the pace at which the unnecessary calories are burned.

- Milk contains the fat soluble vitamins -A (Retinol, for good vision and cellular growth) -D (for bone mineralization and aids in the absorption of calcium) -E (prevents cell and tissue damage) and -K (aids bone metabolism and blood coagulation.)

- Milk also contains the water soluble vitamins -B1 (Thiamine, maintenance of brain and heart) -B2 (riboflavin, essential for carbohydrate into energy conversion) -B6 (Pyridoxine, good for the nervous system) and -B12 (Cobalamin, for formation of blood and normal brain and nervous system function.

- Lower the chances of breast-cancer: CLA or conjugated linoleum acid found in milk inhibits the growth of ‘mammary tumors’ in animals. Also, post menopausal ladies with higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid in their fatty tissues and blood streams have 70% lower chances of getting breast cancer.

- Inhibit colon cancer: High intake of dairy farms products have been shown to lessen the risks of colon-cancer in both males as well as females by 40%. It is really a great advantage of dairy products since colon cancer is one of the major causes of death today.

- Help with hypertension: According to nutrition articles published in various health magazines, individuals having a high intake of dairy products in their diet lowered their blood pressure levels, which is (of course) one of the main causes of heart attacks and strokes. Moreover, milk products have also been found to lower homocysteine levels, which is a major factor responsible for heart disease.

- Fight IRS (Insulin Resistance Syndrome): Individuals who are overweight, have hypertension, high cholesterol, high blood-triglyceride and weak glucose metabolism are said to suffer from IRS. Dairy products have been found effective in dealing with this deadly syndrome.

- Inhibit the risks of growing ovarian malignancy: According to recent studies, ladies with a high intake of dairy showed a decreased chance of ovarian cancer.

- Keep teeth in good shape: Kids are often taught that milk helps build strong teeth, but few know that the calcium in cheese and milk actually fights the formation of plaque and aids to cover the teeth, which protects against cavities.

Besides all this, as it has been mentioned in many quality nutrition articles, products from dairy farms are the best way to fight brittle, weak bones.

So, when you select any of the various dairy products available, you can rest assured that you are doing a lot of good for your health.

Richard Birnel is a Licensed Massage Practitioner who also does research on health and nutrition.(http://healthnutritionarticles.com) He researches, reads and writes nutrition articles. He currently has a website dedicated to health and nutrition articles at healthnutritionarticles.com

Nutrition Articles : Fruit Facts and Nutritional Values of the Best Fruits to Enjoy Great Health

Fruits are considered to have highly dietetic value and they hold a fantastic source of essential minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, vitamins and phyto nutrients. Normally, if you want to find out all the benefits of these natural medicines, you would need to go through several nutrition articles. I can’t list all the resources I have gone through to find out which fruits are the best for you and are the most nutritionally crammed, (There’s a lot) but I will do my best to lay out the a few fruits that I, personally, feel are the best.

Some fruits that are packed with high nutritional content include apples, bananas, fresh apricots, dried apricot, berries (all of ‘em), dried figs, dates, cherries, peaches, lemons, guava, strawberries, watermelon and lots more. The fruit facts state that all these fruits can be digested easily by human bodies, and they all act as excellent cleansing tools for your blood and digestive system.

- The Fruit Facts and Their Nutritional Value -

• Apple: When having a look at nutrition articles on the internet, you will likely find that apples are the fruit that contains highest dietary content: 80-100 calories, flavonoids, potassium, phenolic compounds, and various other antioxidant phytochemicals. Taking an average sized apple a day will lower your insulin emission; decrease the bad cholesterol in your blood; lessen the risks of lung cancer; and help to flush out all toxins from your body.

• Bananas: Bananas are especially helpful to sports-people or athletes because of the electrolyte and potassium content they come packed with. They quickly refill potassium stores in the body and contain large quantities of the B vitamins and folic acid. Bananas diminish the risks of heart disease as well as kidney and breast cancers.

• Watermelon: Watermelon is absolutely perfect for hot summer days. As per fruit facts, in addition to quenching thirst, this fruit takes care of some of the main dietary needs of body. Although 90% of watermelon holds water, it consists of a great amount of minerals (calcium, magnesium, fluoride, iron, sodium and potassium) and vitamins (Vitamin C, B6, B5, B9, B2, B1 and Vitamin A).

• Raspberries: According to several nutrition articles, raspberries have huge value, not only for flavor and taste, but for nutrition too. Antioxidants found in raspberries aid in deterring damage to cell membranes by deactivating the damaging effects of free radicals. Retaining a good amount of ‘Vitamin C’, they are rich in nutritional fiber too, making them very helpful for optimal well-being and health. Low on calories and sodium, raspberries are a fantastic addition for any diet. Some other raspberry benefits include heart health, prevention of age related macular degeneration, cancer protection and inhibiting the growth of bacteria.

• Maqui Berry: Not the easiest berries to get your hands on but HIGHLY nutritious. More antioxidant content than any known fruit, 2-4 times as much as acai berries. Great for assistance in weight loss due to its strong detoxifying qualities. High in vitamin C, calcium, iron and more essential nutrients. Maqui also has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect. An excellent option for anyone suffering from joint or bone inflammation.

• Avocado: Avocado is also quite famous due to the rich content of Vitamin A and Vitamin C, which makes it an excellent anti oxidant. The fruit also traces lots of essential minerals such as magnesium, iron, calcium, selenium, copper, zinc, sodium, phosphorus, and manganese. Skin care and hair care are other major benefits mentioned in nutrition articles; the paste of avocados can be applied on rough skin or skin rashes to make the skin soft and smooth.

Incorporate fruits and vegetables in your daily diet and add years to your life. It definitely will improve your efforts to stay in good physical shape for longer.

For more fruit facts and information check out my ‘fruit facts’ page.

Richard Birnel is a Licensed Massage Practitioner and a researcher of health and nutrition articles. He studies, reads and writes nutrition articles. He also has a website for health and nutrition articles and information at healthnutritionarticles.com

Health, Fitness & Wellness Are Very Important to Seniors

If we are going to live to be 100 or more, then it is for damn sure that we want to be physically able to enjoy life when we get there. I am fond of the saying, children make choices but adults make decisions. If you are like most of us, you spent most of your life up til now, chasing the almighty buck and trying your best to take care of and provide for your family. If you had the time to take care of yourself, or even remembered to think about it, you were lucky. Now that you’re on the back side of 50, the short side of time, it’s time to do just that.

You want to keep on top of things, mainly your health. Also, exercise is very important. When you become a ‘Senior Citizen’, sitting around and watching the cars rust and the grass grow is actually ‘no where man’, and I mean Amen to that. Regular exercise keeps the heart healthy and keeps you focused.

You got to eat right man. Lay off the grease and the salt that have brought on some of ‘old timers’ life conditions already. Get a food chart for seniors and read it. Instead of fried, try boiled, broiled, or baked. Enjoy fruit instead of candy and remember the ‘No sugar added’ juices to keep glucose in check

Also, find a hobby and get out of the house on a regular basis. And by the way, there is nothing wrong with walking when you can instead of driving or riding. When I see those old fogies riding around the stores in those electric carts when there is nothing wrong with their legs I just want to throttle them. At an old age, the choice is either to wear out or to rust out. Your physical condition is expected to deteriorate a little at a senior age, but it would be better to go through it by being busy than rotting in bed. The simple exercise of walking can also lessen the amount of bodily toxins that may have accumulated. It also tunes and tones the muscles, especially the heart and bones.

A national survey of senior sexual attitudes, and behaviors in the United States has found that most people between 57 and 85 think that sex is an important part of life and that the frequency of sex, for those who are active, declines only slightly between the 50s and the 70s. The same survey also found sexual activity was closely tied to overall health, which was even more important than age.

If you have never been interested in herbal supplements or vitamins, you might be interested in knowing that the botanical kingdom offers a range of healing powers as well as breathtaking beauty. If you’re feeling a little puny or down in the dumps, you could try an anti-depressant like Prozac, or some form of psychotherapy, perhaps. But 7.5 million Americans who suffer from depression have chosen an extract made from a beautiful, bright yellow flower… St. John’s Wort.

Feverfew has been studied and found effective for the prevention of migraine headaches, reducing the number of headaches suffered by as much as 70 percent, or reducing the pain and controlling the nausea commonly experienced with such headaches.

Cleavers is a powerful and restorative herb for the lymphatic system; cleavers is beneficial in helping swollen glands, tonsillitis and adenoid problems. Internally and externally, it is effective in the treatment of inflammations including relieving skin conditions, rashes and burns.

Echinacea is a “preventative” herb. Not used in any modern commercial drugs today but it is heralded by many herbalists as one of the very best blood purifiers and an effective antibiotic. It is a broad based infection fighter, and it is considered an immune system stimulant which increases production of infection fighting T cells.

Coffee is America’s most popular herbal beverage; it combats drowsiness, temporarily boosts athletic performance, eases congestion due to colds and flu, prevents asthma attacks and enhances the pain-relieving effects of aspirin. Also, in a study, green and black tea appeared protective against fatty arterial plaque buildup.

Today, and for most of our lives, we have had a completely different outlook from the previous generations, we are more active, more demanding, and we have a longer life expectancy. Better known as ‘The Baby Boomers’. Now it is our turn to relax and enjoy the fruits of our labors.

The author has found a website that can help you with decisions Regarding your health and fitness. Remember, Mr. Spock says To live long and prosper. (Star Treck) The site is at; http://www.health-fitness-aging.blogspot.com/

Nutrition Articles : Why Gluten Free?

Personally, I have always been an advocate of whole wheat, but I have been seeing a lot of Gluten-Free-Diet ads and labels about lately. At the grocery store, on the internet, in restaurant menus and even at the Bakery with BIG exclamation points at the end (!!!) the signs are all around me. I’ve even seen gluten free pet foods. But if you had asked me, even a month ago, ‘exactly what is Gluten?’ I would’ve replied, ‘ I think it’s an ingredient in wood glue.’

Since then I decided to do some research on the issue and look into what all the hype was about. I found out that not only is gluten used as a stabilizing agent in some foods (Ketchup and Ice Cream) but that ‘Gluten’ actually comes from the Latin word for ‘Glue’. (I was close!)

Gluten is a protein that is found in many commonly consumed grains, including Barley, Wheat and Rye. It is what gives breads their chewy and absorbent qualities. When separated from the grain, it is used in some vegetarian diets, because it absorbs the flavor of the broth it is boiled or cooked in. For this reason it is used as a base for imitation meats that are made in China. It is also used to improve the protein content in pet foods.

So, what’s wrong with this common component of whole grain? Well, lets start with Celiac Disease. Celiac disease is an inherited autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the villi (small finger-like protrusions) in the small intestine whenever gluten is introduced into the system. This prevents nutrient absorption into the body which causes symptoms such as anemia and fatigue.

If you aren’t afflicted with celiac disease, you may still be able to benefit from a gluten free diet. Studies have been done recently linking gluten to a number of negatives. If you suffer from Neuromyelitis, Osteoporosis, Multiple Sclerosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Anemia, Ataxia, even Brain Fog or difficulty concentrating, you may be able to benefit dramatically by eliminating gluten from your diet! Even if a loved one suffers from Downs Syndrome or Autism they could benefit from ditching gluten!

Basically, if you suffer from Celiac disease, any chronic pain issues or cognitive fogginess, you should at least give a gluten free diet a try. This can be a bit tricky if you like to eat breads, pastas and cereals or drink beer, but it IS possible. In fact, it’s getting easier and easier as the gluten free diet is gaining momentum and manufacturers, restaurants and bakeries are all producing products with this new diet option in mind. There are gluten free breads, pastas, cereals as well as beers that are available. There are also grain alternatives such as quinoa, soy, rice, potato and buckwheat. Oh, and vegetables and fruits are gluten free so there is no need for concern there as long as they are whole and fresh.

In conclusion, though whole wheat definitely has it’s benefits, (like the fact that it is a great source of fiber, protein, iron, calcium and minerals,) for some people, it may be worth a shot to avoid it. If you have celiac disease, whole wheat and grains should be avoided entirely. If you happen to have any of the other issues listed earlier I would recommend giving gluten a seat on the sidelines for at least a few weeks. See if you start feeling any better. If not… well, then enjoy your whole wheat toast and bowl of Crunch Berries.

Richard Birnel is a Licensed Massage Practitioner and a researcher of health and nutrition information. He studies, reads and writes health and nutrition based articles. He has a website he operates at healthnutritionarticles.com

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