Insulin – King of the Hormones

There is a single important chemical in the body which manages a variety of processes and levels in the blood and the entire body.  This single master control – the king in your hand – is called Insulin, and controlling your Insulin is the key to your health.
When I was 75 pounds heavier, I was not in control of my Insulin levels. I was significantly heavier. I always feeling tired and run down. I was snoring and even stopped breathing at multiple times during the night (a condition called Sleep Apnea). I felt like I needed high calorie, high sugar and caffeinated foods to give me an energy boost at every meal and even between meals. I was not in control of my Insulin, and this was messing with the rest of my bodily functions.

Hormones are chemical messengers produced by certain organs and cells in our body. They are stimulated and secreted in order to maintain a balance of many factors related to metabolism, stress and energy production. This balance is called “Homeostasis”.

Insulin is considered the “master hormone” of the body. It is a chemical messenger which is produced and secreted by cells of the Pancreas (Beta-cells) in response to eating food, but most notably, in response to carbohydrates. Insulin facilitates the movement of all macronutrients (protein, fat and carbohydrates) out of the bloodstream and into our cells for use either immediately, or in the future.

When we eat a meal high in carbohydrates (sugar, cereal, pasta, breads, rice), our body responds to the elevated level of sugar in our blood by releasing a wave of Insulin in the bloodstream, telling the cells to remove all this sugar from the blood and take it into the cells for energy production and/or storage. If this happens occasionally in the body, the response will occur properly. When we are eating high carb meals multiple times per day, our blood sugar levels remain chronically high and insulin needs to be produced constantly in order to keep levels within the normal range. When our insulin levels are constantly high, the constant knocking at the door by Insulin annoys our cells.

If a friend rings your doorbell or knocks on your door asking for a favour, you generally have no problem and will help them out. Now imagine that same friend constantly knocking at your door, 3-4 times per day, asking you to help them with this or that. Initially you would get annoyed. Soon, you may not even answer the knock at the door because this friend is asking for too much and is being incredibly annoying, and so you become less friendly and the favour doesn’t get completed.
The same thing happens in our cells when Insulin is constantly knocking at the door, asking for our cells to do them a favour by taking in some sugar from the bloodstream. Our cells eventually stop answering the knock at the door (Insulin Resistance). This can eventually lead to chronically high blood sugar levels (hyperglycaemia), which is harmful to our long-term health. The pancreas eventually stops producing insulin because our body stops reacting to it. We have lost our master hormone so our body’s hormone system. Our body reacts by many other hormones going out of balance including Glucagon, Cortisol, Thyroid, Testosterone, Progesterone, Estrogen and Leptin as well as their controlling hormones.

Chronically high blood sugar is a major cause of health conditions, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, brain and memory conditions (read the book “Grain Brain”), Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, and low sex drive.

Overcome these issues by eating meals higher in natural sources of carbohydrate and other micronutrients like dark, leafy green vegetables, carrots, tomatoes, and mushrooms. Your diet should also be higher in good quality protein like free-run eggs, chicken and wild-caught fish as well as good quality fats like avocado, nuts and seeds. Cook in coconut oil, ghee or butter and avoid low quality industrial oils. Feel free to sprinkle your salads with Olive Oil and Balsamic Vinegar as well rather than packaged dressings.

Stack your deck by treating the King of the Hormones well. Keep insulin working correctly and cells responding to that friendly neighbour. If you treat it will, your outlook will improve immensely as health will no longer limit you.

Dr. Navaz Habib


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The 101 on Raw Food and Digestion

Eek! You started a raw food diet and noticed something alarming: suddenly your body is running a little more slowly, you’re not visiting the bathroom as regularly, you have a tiny – or larger? – food baby all the time… what gives, body? Isn’t raw food supposed to be super cleansing and the easiest thing for us to break down?

Not so fast. There are a few things to take into consideration when working raw foods into your diet. It’s important to know that, yes, there is value to eating raw food!  Some great raw options for most diets include sprouted raw nut butters and soaked, sprouted seeds or grains.

There’s also value in cooked food and it’s important to remember that everyone’s body will respond differently to a combination of raw and cooked foods. Read on for more about the raw versus cooked plant food question. You’ll also find some ways to keep your body happy using cooked plant-based ingredients, especially if you’re noticing that raw foods are a little jarring to your sensitive system at first. Remember, easing into a raw lifestyle is a smarter approach, not forcing your body to do something it may not be ready for yet.

Things to Remember About Raw Food and Digestion:

Raw Foods Are Cooling

Cool foods slow digestion. Think of your digestive tract as a rain forest: in order for it function at its best, it needs to be moist and warm. Too dry (like a desert) or too cold (like a tundra) and things go into slow-down survival mode (you would, too, if you were in an extreme environment like that!). Raw foods cool, while warm foods… warm. While cold smoothies have their place in a diet, too much of them may offset digestion. Something like these Baked Swiss Chard and Sweet Potato Spring Rolls would be a great way to work in the cooked veggies without overtaxing your body’s fiber load and still benefiting from cooked healthy foods.

Fiber is a Tricky Beast

We’re taught that fiber is essential to regularity, so wouldn’t it make sense that packing tons of fruit, veggie and seed fiber into the body should make digestive trouble a non-issue? Well, there are two kinds of fiber: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber, like flax and apple flesh, readily absorbs water and becomes fluid in the body. Insoluble fiber, like the dense crisscrossed structure of a kale leaf, does not break down in water and requires ample chewing to be able to move through the body. It’s more prone to slowing things down if improperly chewed or if it’s introduced to an environment already lacking in water. Here’s an article on Cooking Greens So They Taste Delicious that will also make digestion a bit easier at the same time. Don’t fear fiber, just remember to include a mix of different kinds so your body stays in balance. This Steamed Sweet Potatoes With Wild Rice, Basil, and Tomato Chili Sauce is also a great recipe that’s a perfect example of a nice mix of soluble and insoluble fiber.

Your GI Tract Would Really Prefer to Break Down Liquids

When we cook foods, the heat begins the process of taking apart the macronutrients, so by the time these foods reach the stomach, they’re partially broken down. This makes the GI tract’s job a little easier; after all, the stomach won’t heat up to partially cook something before breaking it down, and it doesn’t have teeth to tear. The wisdom that we should chew our food until it’s liquid applies to raw food, too: we want to do a little work on the stomach’s behalf before we overwhelm it with tough-to-break down fiber.  You should of course, still eat, and not consume liquids alone, but don’t forget to chew your food, even if it’s a yummy smoothie, or a warm, liquid soup. (Want some semi-liquid recipes to start with? See these 10 Plant-Based Stews Using Global Flavors.) Plus, if the stomach sends only partially broken down food to the small intestine, the backlog of work just continues throughout your system. This leads to bloating and backups, especially because…

High-fiber Foods Absorb Water

So now you have a gut full of partially digested fiber. It’s pulling in all of the water it can find, and stirring up anything else that has been hanging out in your system. Unless you’re incredibly well-hydrated, your system will become too dry to move all of this bulk out. Brussels sprouts are particularly tricky: it’s like eating a whole mini cabbage! Get their nutrient goodness in these Stir-fried Brussels Sprout Leaves with Ginger and Curry instead.

Fats From Oils May Help Keep the Body Lubricated

Often, we don’t incorporate enough oil when eating an exclusively raw diet. Some people don’t do well with oil, so please decide how it works for you before adhering to any advice. For those struggling with digestion and regularity, the use of a little oil on a raw salad can help to lubricate the body and prevents digestion from being held up. Cooking with coconut oil, olive oil or sesame oil can be helpful ways to add these beneficial fats into your diet; plus, the vitamins in fruits and veggies are fat-soluble. Adding healthy fats to dishes not only makes things taste good; it actually makes them more nutritious. There are some great ways to use oil alongside high-fiber veggies in this post, 10 Ways to Cook with Root Veggies. If you don’t tolerate oil well, then be sure to eat healthy, whole food fats like avocados and raw coconut meat, which will also provide healthy fats in a lighter format.

Use Dried Fruit With Awareness and Caution

Place a raisin in water and what happens? It rehydrates. It also becomes gooey and sticky… exactly what happens when dried fruit rehydrates in the GI tract. As a popular component of raw food diets, these are a common culprit in digestive trouble, somewhat because of the concentrated sugars, and because some people’s systems don’t handle them as well as others. This isn’t to say they won’t work for some  people (since they may actually help some people with slow digestion), but if you’re using them and having trouble, ease up on the dates, figs, raisins, etc. and use fresh, whole berries (or frozen) instead. Or, try lightly poaching or baking fruit: not only is it easier to break down, the warmth can help soothe your whole system and keep things humming. Check out these fun ways to cook with a variety of fruits.

Remember that raw and cooked foods both have their place in a diet, especially if you’re new to healthy eating and your system is still learning the ropes. Don’t adhere to rigidity or “shoulds” when embracing plant-based nutrition. Listen to your body and incorporate a variety of whole, plant-based foods into your routine.

http://www.onegreenplanet.org/natural-health/raw-food-and-digestion-basics/

7 WAYS TO HEAL IBS NATURALLY

Irritable Bowel Syndrome: it’s an affliction that affects millions of people worldwide (including one in five Americans) every day – causing chronic pain and driving those who suffer with it to their wits end.

But what if I was to tell you there is a way to kick IBS in the guts without resorting to prescription drugs and chemicals?

Here are my top seven tips to showing IBS the door naturally.  

1. ELIMINATE ALLERGENS

Anyone who knows me will be able to tell you that I am not a fan of gluten! With our guts not designed to break down the protein (gluten destroys the gut lining), eradicating it from your diet can be a simple yet effective way of curing IBS – fast! Present in wheat, barley, rye, oats and spelt, gluten pops up everywhere, including in bread, cereal, pasta, sauces, crackers, cakes, pastries, tortillas and beer, amongst other foods. When removing gluten from your diet to help reduce IBS therefore, it is critical to ascertain exactly what items need to be avoided in order to give your gut the true break it deserves.

 

Other such common allergens include dairy, yeast, eggs, corn, soy and nuts. If you get no relief from boycotting gluten (make sure you cut it out for at least six weeks), eliminating one of these other food groups from your diet (and then reintroducing each one over a period of 12 weeks), can also be an effective way to ascertain if your IBS has a trigger. And remember – whatever you eat, always ensure it is high quality, organic and unprocessed.

2. GO PROBIOTIC

When it comes to gut health, it is vital that the natural flora in the stomach is allowed to thrive. As we already know, our immune systems are connected to our gut and when our gut is not happy, our whole body is not happy. Unfortunately however, certain life stressors such as anxiety, prescription drugs, chlorinated water, farmed meat, and processed food etc. can throw off the natural bacteria in our bodies, inflaming the lining of the gut as a result.

 

So how to get a happy tummy? Probiotics.

 

Probiotics are the ‘friendly’ bacteria that keep our digestive systems healthy. Natural probiotics include sauerkraut, kefir, miso soup, kombucha, tempeh and kimchi. Apple cider vinegar is also great for ‘good’ bacteria. If you cannot get your hands on any of these foods, a good quality probiotic supplement can work equally as well.

   

3. OIL UP

Essential oils are one of nature’s most potent medicines. Did you know that frankincense can help to reduce inflammation in the body – boosting the immune system and supporting the human emotional and nervous core? Until Laurentine and I made the Food Matters documentary, neither did we!

 

Did you also know that peppermint oil can calm muscle spasms in the gut, while tarragon, fennel, caraway, coriander and anise can together soothe stomachaches and reduce bloating? Essential oils are capable of so much, and their amazing healing properties in relation to IBS are no exception.

 

4. FEED ON FIBER

Taking additional fiber to keep your bowel functioning can be very effective at reducing IBS systems. Organic psyllium is the best in this regard in my view – adapting to the needs of the digestive system as they arise. Alternatively, a few tablespoons of freshly ground flax seeds taken daily can work wonders.

 

5. TREAT YOUR MIND

When it comes to the physical manifestation of our inner minds, our guts tend to be a primary outlet. Many people with unresolved emotional conflict and tension present with IBS, and therefore treating the mind can be just as important as treating the body. Yoga, meditation and exercise are three such ways to help cleanse the mind and work through inner turmoil, and can make an immense difference to gut health.

6. MAP YOUR DIET

Recent research has shown that a group of gassy carbohydrates called FODMAPs (Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides And Polyols) significantly contribute to IBS. It is therefore arguably possible to reduce the symptoms of IBS by avoiding these foods. The program is known as the Low FODMAP Diet and is now recommended as one of the most effective dietary therapies for IBS. Foods to avoid include apples, onions, milk, beans and mushrooms.

 

7. AMEND YOUR EATING REGIME 

Eating small portions slowly and regularly can help reduce the impact and strain on the gut. In doing so, IBS symptoms can be greatly decreased. Sounds easy? It is.

Do you have any natural IBS-fighting suggestions to add to this list?

http://foodmatters.tv/content/7-ways-to-heal-ibs-naturally

10 Yoga Poses to ease Digestion and Bloating

10 Yoga Poses to ease Digestion and Bloating

14 Warning Signs That You Have Poor Blood Circulation

From the day you were born your body has worked constantly to circulate more than five liters of blood through your body. Your arteries and veins are like highways for blood transportation. This helps your organs function, delivers nutrients and hormones, regulates your PH, and contributes to essentially every bodily process. Like highways, they require maintenance and care to function properly.

What is Low Blood Circulation?

Somebody with poor blood circulation receives insufficient amounts of blood to certain parts of the body. Plaque buildup and other factors slow the blood down and limit the effectiveness of transportation to the legs, arms, heart, and other important areas.

There are several life habits, medical conditions, and behaviors that make an individual susceptible to this issue. Smoking, pregnancy, eating disorders, and weight gain are just a few of many ways someone can become vulnerable to this condition.

Poor circulation affects people of all ages and if left untreated can cause serious damage to your brain, heart, liver, kidney and limbs. It’s most common in elderly people but should be taken seriously at any age.

The Symptoms

Poor blood circulation is a danger because of its silent nature. It can be easy to overlook in its early stage and only found once it has worsened. The following symptoms are common indicators of a weakened circulatory process.

Visible Signs

Leg Ulcers – Ulcers are sore inflamed parts of the skin much like a rash that refuses to go away. Someone with poor circulation might notice them beginning to develop near their feet and on their legs. Look for dry red patches of varied sizes digging into the skin.

Swelling – If poor circulation interferes with the kidneys it can lead to abnormal swelling. If your hands or feet begin to gather fluid from slow blood flow they might appear swollen and puffy. This happens because the circulatory system tries to reduce the load and the result is leaving some fluid that is called edema.

Discolored Skin – Without the right amount of oxygen pumping through your veins you’ll notice a slight discoloration, also known as cyanosis. Your fingers and toes will have a slightly bruised look to them and other areas might look more blue than usual.

Varicose Veins – If the valves working to pump blood are weakened it allows blood and pressure to build up. This causes the veins just below the surface of the skin to twist and swell. You might notice pain after long periods of sitting or random itchiness during the day. These veins most commonly appear near the feet and ankles.

Hair Loss and Weak Nails – One of the clearest signs that your body isn't getting the right amount of nutrients is within your hair and nails. Hair might become dry and start to thin and fall out in certain areas. Your skin may also become much more dry and itchy and nails tend to become much weaker and fall apart easily. Your fingernails can actually tell you a lot about your health.

Physical Signs

Digestive Issues – With less blood pumping through your body all the other processes have to be slowed as well. When digestion is slowed it causes constipation. Bowel movements become much less frequent and more difficult. To ease constipation, you can find more information in my previous article about the 10 best natural remedies for constipation.

Weakened Immune System – Your body’s ability to detect and fight off pathogens and remain healthy will also be affected by a slower blood flow. You may pick up illnesses much easier because of the sluggish antibodies. You also might find that wounds and injuries take much longer to heal. You can find here ways of how to boost your immune system naturally.

Cold Hands and Feet – When your blood is flowing at optimal speed it helps to keep your body temperature at a healthy and comfortable level. If your circulation is poor, the process of regulating temperature is interfered with. This causes chilly feelings, usually in areas with a lot of nerve endings like the hands and feet.

Exhaustion – When blood flow is slowed down, it restricts the amount of fuel delivered to your muscles. With less oxygen and nutrients fueling your muscles you’ll feel tired much quicker as they struggle to keep up with the stagnant flow of blood. This symptom is characterized by a lack of breath, sore muscles, and less endurance during daily activities.

Erectile Dysfunction - Men with poor circulation might experience an insufficient amount of blood flow in the reproductive organs. It becomes increasingly difficult for them to perform sexual tasks and may eventually stop completely.

Angina – This symptom is indicated by a squeezing pain in the chest. There is less blood flowing to the heart, which causes a tight feeling of pressure in the area surrounding it. The heavy feeling will come and go randomly and is a likely sign of poor blood circulation.

Lack of Appetite - Your liver is responsible for sending hunger signals to the brain when it receives an adequate amount of blood flow. You start to experience less food cravings and eat smaller meals during the day. This also leads to weight loss, another common symptom of bad circulation.

Poor Cognitive Function – The brain relies heavily on blood flow to function properly. You might feel less focused and determined throughout the day. Poor circulation may also affect the effectiveness of your short and long term memory. 

Feeling Numb – Almost everybody has experienced the feeling of numbness from keeping your limbs stagnant for too long. With poor circulation you’ll feel this much more frequently and in parts of the body that you don’t normally lose feeling in. The feelings of numbness usually last no longer than a few minutes.

As you can see, poor blood circulation can affect your body quite significantly. And while treating the symptoms can bring a relief, it’s still best to treat the source of the problem and to improve the blood circulation itself. 

http://www.healthyandnaturalworld.com/warning-signs-of-poor-blood-circulation/

Sharpen The Brain For Better Circulation

10 Reasons to Keep Lemons in Stock

This Will Make You Think Twice Before You Add Lemon to Your Water Ever Again


How germy are those lemon wedges we plop into our water glasses at restaurants?

A slice of lemon can spruce up plain-old water, but you might be drinking more than you bargained for. Turns out, those seemingly innocuous water glass garnishes (see also: iced tea and diet soda) could be serving up a host of unappetizing organisms.
For one Journal of Environmental Health study, researchers swabbed the rinds and flesh of 76 lemons from 21 restaurants collected during 43 visits and found that a whopping 70 percent of them produced microbial growth. The samples were collected as soon as the beverage (either soda or water) was served, before drinking or touching, and while the researchers couldn’t pinpoint the exact origins of the microorganisms, they speculated that they may have come from the restaurant employee or raw meat or poultry contamination, among other sources. “Although lemons have known antimicrobial properties, the results of our study indicate that a wide variety of microorganisms may survive on the flesh and the rind of a sliced lemon,” the authors wrote in their report. “Restaurant patrons should be aware that lemon slices added to beverages may include potentially pathogenic microbes.”
Philip Tierno, Ph.D., clinical professor of microbiology and pathology at NYU Langone Medical Center, has conducted dozens of similar experiments, including one commissioned by ABC news, which found that half of lemon wedges collected from various restaurants were contaminated with human fecal matter. What’s more, the ABC cameras nabbed employees handling lemons with their bare hands. And in Tierno’s experience, restaurants may not be diligently washing lemons — or they rinse them, but don’t scrub. It’s also easy for a worker’s hands, whether it be a bartender serving up a drink or a chef slicing the fruit in the kitchen, to cross-contaminate after dealing with patrons, washing glasses and handling food.
“We found in every single group of specimens from different institutions, representations from the three body sites that men usually impart their flora,” Tierno tells HuffPost Healthy Living of his research. Those include bacteria from the intestines (in the form of fecal matter), the respiratory tract (think coughing, talking, sneezing) and the skin. Among the specimens collected were E. coli, staphylococcus epidermidis and candida, a fungus commonly found in the vagina. While his team didn’t test specifically for viruses, such as norovirus (a.k.a. the stomach flu) or the cold virus, this type of contamination is typically an indicator that they are present, he explains.
But beyond the gross-out factor, how likely is a lemon to actually make you sick? The answer, according to Tierno, is that there is a decidedly small but distinct risk. “The usual course will probably result in no infection, but there is a possibility,” he says, with a caveat: “You can’t live in a bubble. Your immune system is usually pretty good.”
Germaphobe lemon lovers might opt to squeeze the juice directly into the water instead of letting the wedge float about for the duration of a meal — doing so will reduce exposure, though not eliminate it, as Tierno points out that even the flesh of the lemon can be contaminated.
But before you freak out, here’s some perspective: His research has turned up similar organisms all over restaurants, from ketchup bottles and salt and pepper shakers to menus and table surfaces. And the same likely goes for a variety of other drink garnishes, including onions, limes and your cherry on top. Aside from basic hygiene, like hand washing and choosing a clean restaurant, sometimes you really do have to trust your immune system to do its job. “Microbes are ubiquitous … You’re not going to escape unscathed forever,” he says. “You do your best to prevent unnecessary illness.”
http://yoganonymous.com/this-will-make-you-think-twice-before-you-add-lemon-to-your-water-ever-again/

10 Reasons to Keep Lemons in Stock



Saying that lemons are a superfood is an understatement. Not only do they add abundant flavor to a variety of dishes, but they also boast a ton of health benefits. The flavonoids within the juice are said to contain antioxidants, which is why lemons are useful in treating so many ailments and conditions.

Here are 10 reasons to enjoy them ASAP:

Prevent kidney stones:
Drinking one half-cup of lemon juice every day raises citrate levels in the urine. Studies have shown that this could protect against calcium stones in the kidney.

Soothe a sore throat:
Mixing lemon juice with honey can help alleviate the discomfort that comes from a nasty sore throat.

Support weight loss:
Beyond the old notion that the Master Cleanse was the only way lemons could help you lose weight, new studies have shown the ways lemon juice supports your goals. Lemon juice contains pectin, a soluble fiber that has been shown to aid in weight-loss struggles.

Start your day right:
Leave caffeinated drinks behind, and start your day off with hot water and fresh lemon juice to stimulate your digestive track and add vitamin C.

Stop an itch:
When it comes to poison ivy or insect bites, the combination of lemon juice and cornstarch can help relieve some of the sting.

Aids in digestion:
Even Dr. Oz is a big believer in the power of lemon juice for weight loss. He suggests drinking a mixture of lemon juice and flaxseeds in order to eliminate waste more quickly from your body.

Anticancer properties:
Studies have supported the anticancer activity of citrus liminoids, compounds that protect your cells from damage that can lead to the formation of cancer cells.

Potassium power:
Bananas aren’t the only way to get a big helping of potassium in your system. In addition to vitamin C, lemons offer 80 milligrams of this mineral that helps your body stay strong and nimble.
Bring down a fever: Forget the days of starving a fever! When your temperature goes up, drinking a lemon juice mixture can help bring your fever down faster.

Balance pH:
While lemons may seem quite acidic, they’re a surprisingly good source of an alkaline food that can help balance your body’s pH.
http://yoganonymous.com/10-reasons-to-keep-lemons-in-stock

20 Reasons Why Guava Is Truly The Ultimate Super Fruit.

by Dr Janardhana Hebbar

Guavas are plants in the Myrtle family (Myrtaceae) genus Psidium. The term “guava” appears to derive from the Arawak (indigenous peoples of the Caribbean) guayabo “guava tree”, via the Spanish guayaba. Another term for guavas is pera, derived from pear derived from Spanish or Portuguese common to regions around the western Indian Ocean. Amrood is another term used in Indian subcontinent and Middle East, possibly deriving from armoot meaning “pear” in Arabic and Turkish languages. In Egypt, it is called gawafa.

Classified as a berry by most botanists, each guava berry is covered by a rough green rind that turns yellow when ripe. The pulp inside occurs in colors of white, pink, or red with numerous tiny, semi-hard edible seeds, concentrated especially at its center. The fruit is soft when ripe with sweet musky aroma and creamy in texture. Ripe fruits have rich flavor with sweet-tart taste.

The early Spanish explorers of the 1500′s found Strawberry Guava, ‘Acca sellowiana O.,’ growing as a native tree in America, where they were firmly established from Mexico southward to Peru. They are native to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. Guavas are now cultivated and naturalized throughout the tropics and subtropics in Africa, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, subtropical regions of North America, Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia and Spain.

TOP 20 HEALTH BENEFITS OF GUAVA:

1. Relieves Diarrhea & Dysentery: Astringents, in guava, are alkaline in nature and have disinfectant and anti-bacterial properties, inhibiting microbial growth and removing extra mucus from the intestines. Other nutrients such as vitamin-C, Carotenoids and potassium, strengthen and tone the digestive system.
2. Eye Care: Vitamin A or retinol slows down the appearance of cataracts, macular degeneration, and prevents degradation of eyesight and night blindness.
3. Brain Health: Guavas contain Vitamin B3 and Vitamin B6 (niacin and pyridoxine), which helps in improving blood circulation to the brain, relaxing your nerves and stimulating cognitive function.
4. Regulates thyroid: Guavas contain the trace element Copper which regulates thyroid metabolism, helping to control hormone production and absorption.
5. Diabetics cure: Rich in fibre and with a low glycaemic index, guavas, help to regulate the absorption of sugar by the body and can be consumed for prevention and cure of Type 2 diabetes.
6. Effective Laxative: Constipation is caused when food is stuck in our colon. Guava, super rich in fibre, aids the body in retaining water and thoroughly cleaning your intestines and excretory system.
7. Nervous Relaxant: Guava is magnesium rich food which acts as a nervous relaxant. It helps to relax muscles and nerves of the body.
8. For pregnant mothers: Guavas contain Folic acid, or Vitamin B-9, which is recommended for pregnant women since it can help in developing the foetus’s nervous system and protect the newborn from neurological disorders.
9. For Fertility: Guavas contain good amount of Folate which help to boost fertility in humans.
10. Speeds Absorption:  Being rich in Manganese, Guavas help the body in quick absorption of key nutrients like biotin, vitamins, minerals from the food that we eat.
11. Immunity Booster: Vitamin C provides a huge boost in antioxidants, which are the major lines of defense against the proliferation of free radicals in the body.
12. Infection Control:Relieves coughs and colds by reducing mucus, disinfecting the respiratory tract, throat and lungs, and inhibiting microbial activity with its astringent properties.
13. Aids Weight loss: Guava is very rich in vitamins, proteins, fibre and minerals and has no cholesterol and a very low number of digestible carbohydrates.
14. Cancer Cure: Being rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants like Lycopene, eating guavas can protect your cells from damage and reduce chances of prostate, breast, and oral cancers.
15. Skin Care: Vitamins, minerals and nutrients, in conjunction with Guava’s astringent property, help keep your skin toned, hydrated, improves elasticity, removes blemishes, acne, dark spots, blackheads, wrinkles and pimples.
16. Scurvy Buster: A deficiency of vitamin-C can cause scurvy, and proper intake of super vitamin-C rich guavas are the best remedy for this dangerous disease.
17. Anti-ageing: Guavas are rich in Vitamin A, B, C and potassium which are good antioxidants and detoxifiers. Lycopene and carotene protect the healthy cells from toxins and UV rays rendering your skin wrinkles free.
18. Blood pressure Stabilizer: Potassium in Guava helps to reduce cholesterol in the blood and prevents it from thickening, thereby maintaining the fluidity of blood and reducing blood pressure.
19. Combats Hair Loss: Rich in vitamin C, guava helps promote healthy hair growth. It also helps in combating hair loss problems.
20. Oral Care:  The juice of guava leaves has been known to cure toothaches, swollen gums & oral ulcers, and the juice speeds up the healing power of wounds when applied externally.



Side Effects and Precautions:

No side effects have been reported for excessive consumption of guava. But herbal supplements derived from the plant and fruits need to be taken under medical supervision.
http://www.curejoy.com/content/20-reasons-why-guava-is-truly-the-ultimate-super-fruit/

The 7 Dangerous Acts After Meal : MUST READ

by: Medic Man

The 7 Dangerous Acts after meal….MUST READ

* Don’t smoke- Experiment from experts proves that smoking a cigarette after meal is comparable to smoking 10 cigarettes (chances of cancer is higher).

* Don’t eat fruits immediately -When you eat your fruits with meals, the fruit is stuck in the stomach along with the contents of the meals and cannot reach the intestines in time. Lying there they get spoilt and spoil the remaining food in the stomach too. Thus it is recommended that you eat a fruit at least one hour after eating a meal or before your meal and preferably in the morning with empty stomach. It is in the morning that the body can best use the nutrients in the fruit and get enough energy to start the day.

* Don’t drink tea – Because tea leaves contain a high content of acid. This substance will cause the Protein content in the food we consume to be hardened thus difficult to digest.It is preferable to drink tea an hour after meals.

* Don’t loosen your belt -Fiction, not particularly bad for you!
We generally have an attitude that a good meal is that which forces us to loosen our belts. However, loosening the belt is bad, not because it causes the intestines to twist or block but because it means that you have over eaten to a level that you are uncomfortable. Loosening of the belt may also cause you to feel comfortable once again which means you may continue overeating.
So eat only to the extent that you can be comfortable without loosening your belt!

* Don’t bathe – Bathing after meal will cause the increase of blood flow to the hands, legs & body thus the amount of blood around the stomach will therefore decrease. This will weaken the digestive system in our stomach.

* Don’t walk about -Fact, it is bad for you! Walking directly after meals is a bad idea, it can result to acid reflux and indigestion. However, walking about half an hour after meals is known to be good for you. Researchers in the Department of Exercise Science at the University of South Carolina, have found that walking after exercise is a good way to burn energy.

The point to note is when to walk, you should ideally walk for about 10 minutes and only 20-30 minutes after meal to prevent acid reflux and stomach upsets.

* Don’t sleep immediately – The food we intake will not be able to digest properly. Thus will lead to gastric & infection in our intestine.

http://www.healthdigezt.com/the-7-dangerous-acts-after-meal/

Home made Celery Juice-Video

Celery juice is a drink that the drug companies don’t want you to take on a regular basis. Why? This drink is an all natural very inexpensive way to help maintain your health and in some cases may even help in the prevention of many maladies that the pharmaceuticals just want you to take their very expensive pills that sometimes have very bad side effects. Check out the excerpt from an article that I recently found .  It reveals what the drug companies really want to keep from you…  A healthy all natural drink that delivers a multitude of nutrients and vitamins as well as many amazing wellness remedies. 

Fights Cancer – Celery is known to contain at least eight families of anti-cancer compounds. A study at Rutgers University of New Jersey found that celery contains a number of compounds that help prevent cancer cells from spreading. 

Lowers Cholesterol – Laboratory studies also indicate that butyl phthalide, a chemical in celery, may help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol. According to researchers at the University of Chicago, celery reduces cholesterol levels by as much as 7 points with as little as 2 stalks a day. Celery also aids in increasing bile acid secretion which helps to remove cholesterol from the body.

Aids in Digestion – Special nutrients in the fiber are released during juicing that aid bowel movements. This makes celery a natural laxative that helps to relieve constipation. It also helps relax nerves that have been overworked by man-made laxatives.

Diuretic – The potassium and sodium in celery juice are powerful body fluid regulators that stimulate urine production to help rid the body of excess fluid.

Lower blood pressure – Celery’s potential for reducing high blood pressure has long been recognized by Chinese medicine. Studies show that drinking celery juice every day for 1 week can significantly help lower blood pressure.

Insomnia – The minerals and essential oils in celery juice have a calming effect on the nervous system, making it beneficial for insomniacs. Its high magnesium levels help people to relax into a soothing and restful sleep.

Elimination and Prevention of stones – Celery juice is an amazing eliminator of toxins from the body, which aids in the breaking and elimination of urinary and gall bladder stones. This lovely juice helps those who have suffered from stones from getting them again.

Increased Sexuality – Celery juice is beneficial for weak sexuality, yet doesn’t cause an uncontrollable urge as some pharmaceutical drugs do. Celery balances the system rather than increasing it.

Celery can be juiced with any other fruits or vegetables. A particularly delicious and powerful combination is carrot, apple, cucumber and celery.

Celery Juicing Video

http://www.letsgoallnatural.com/drug-companies-dont-want-know-celery-juice/

10 Benefits of Beetroot You Probably Don’t Know

 BY TEGAN JONES
Beetroot, or beets, seem to be one of the most overlooked vegetables on the figurative menu. This may be because the majority of people are only exposed to the acidic pickled variety you get in cans. Or maybe it’s just because it seems to infiltrate and stain any other food it comes into contact with. If you’re an Australian like me, you’ve probably had at least one burger that has ended up bright purple because of a pesky beetroot inclusion.


It’s time for you to put the canned stuff down and try roasting off a fresh beet in the oven. Or perhaps you could try sipping on a glass of beetroot juice. Trust me, it’s delicious. Either way, you need to start putting your beetroot prejudices aside because they are actually incredibly healthy for you. Here are 11 benefits of beetroot that

1. Anemia
Beetroot is high in iron, which means it can assist in preventing anemia and low blood hemoglobin. It also helps the body’s absorption of iron, which enables good blood circulation and the capacity of oxygen that the red blood cells can carry.

2. Cancer Prevention
There are several elements contained within beetroot that can help to fight cancer. The first is betacyanin, which has been linked to the reduction of tumors and precancerous lesions. Betacyanin is also what gives beetroot its dark red pigmentation. The second is betanin, which has been effective in both liver and skin tumors.just might change your mind:

3. Heart Health
Beetroot can aid in preventing heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems. This is because it has the ability to lower your blood pressure and thus stop hypertension.

4. Weight Loss and Digestion
Your digestion and metabolism can be greatly aided by beetroot. It does this by stimulating the nerves in your intestine as well as helping your body to digest your food—particularly those of the fatty variety. In addition, it contains fiber, which further aids your digestive system and helps to keep you regular. The fiber found within beetroot, as well as the protein and carbohydrates, can also help you to lose weight because they help you to feel full and satisfied longer on very few calories.

5. Pregnancy
Beetroot is one of the best vegetables that an expectant mother can have. This is because it contains folic acid, which is imperative for the proper formation of an unborn baby’s spinal cord. As such, it also helps to prevent conditions such as spina bifida.

6. Skincare and the Aging Process
Antioxidants and phenolic compounds are found in high quantities within beetroot. This is good news because both help to remove free radicals from your system as well as prevent DNA and cell damage. This is beneficial for your skin because destroying free radicals means that it will be protected from premature aging.

Beetroot also contains anti-inflammatory properties that will further help to prevent aging and age-related diseases.

7. Optimizes Exercise

Beetroot has an astounding effect on brain function, particularly in older members of the population. It helps to increase blood flow to the brain, which subsequently can assist in fighting off dementia. In addition to this, the vegetable can improve cognitive functions in people of all ages.

9. Detox
Beetroot juice is highly effective at helping your liver to detoxify. This is primarily due to the methionine and glycine betaine that it contains. They both stimulate the liver cells and as well as support detoxification. The juice also protects your liver from the fatty depositions that are caused by protein deficiency and alcohol abuse. No, this does not give you the excuse to drink more.

10. Sexual Health
Now we get to the fun stuff. As I previously mentioned, beetroot contains nitrate, which helps carry oxygen around your body. It does this by widening your blood vessels, which means that the blood flow to your genitals is also increased. This is the same effect that Viagra replicates. Furthermore, beetroot contains boron, a chemical compound that’s essential to the production of the human sex hormone. So if you prefer going au naturel, try putting the little blue pill down for a night and having a glass of beetroot juice instead.


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 http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/11-benefits-beetroot-you-probably-dont-know.html