Eight Supplements You Should Include In Your Diet For A Healthier You

 

When it comes to improving your health, the mass variety of supplements out there make it difficult to know what to choose for best results. To make matters worse, you have probably tried a lot of supplements that had no significant affect on your health at all. Often, this is because you are not being well-informed as to the types of supplements that truly matter to your overall health. Here are eight supplements that will provide your body with incredible health promoting benefits.

 

Probiotics

Health is said to begin in your gut. When your intestines are overrun with bad bacteria, it is essential to shift the balance of power back over to the good bacteria. A quality probiotic blend will help to accomplish this task. Not only will this improve digestion, but it can also help to improve your immune response.

 

Diatomaceous Earth

Another great supplement for helping to keep your colon functioning properly is a daily dose of food-grade diatomaceous earth. Unlike other forms of diatomaceous earth, the one designed as food-grade is actually safe to consume. When you take food-grade diatomaceous earth, it helps to remove incrusted waste and parasites from your intestines. This makes it possible for you to get more of the nutrients out of your food again. It is a rich source of silica, which is lacking in many people’s diets anyway. Silica helps to promote healthy bones, teeth, fingernails, hair and skin.

 

Vitamins D3 and K2

You have probably heard that you should be taking more vitamin D3. However, it is important to take vitamin K2 in conjunction with D3 for best results. These two vitamins together help to regulate and move calcium to where it needs to go in your body. This is important, because calcium can build up in the wrong places and become a health hazard when your body does not have sufficient amounts of D3 and K2 to orchestrate what happens with the calcium you uptake.

 

Hyaluronic Acid

If you suffer from pain due to an injury, then hyaluronic acid will help to reduce the pain and suffering you are going through. Not only does this help with pain in key areas, but it has an ability to work all over the body to improve the use of joints and muscles.

 

Beta Glucans

Beta Glucans, in conjunction with probiotics, will provide you with an immune system that is truly unstoppable. Beta Glucans help to provide a critical signal that wakes up your dormant immune system. It is also useful in fighting cancer.

 

Redox Supplement

ASEA offers a supplement that contains a stable form of redox signaling molecules. These molecules diminish in your cells after age 12 and are essential for providing your body with that youthful vitality and energy you would like to regain in your older years. This supplement can help you to function optimally at every age. Read Asea reviews for more details.

 

 

DHA Omega 3 Fatty Acids

The DHA form of omega 3 fatty acids is the better form of omega 3 that your body truly needs. Best obtained from eating fatty fish or taking a potent krill oil supplement, omega 3 fatty acids help to reduce joint pain and general inflammation throughout the body.

 

Omega 7 Fatty Acids

Though you might be familiar with omega 3 fatty acids, omega 7 fatty acids are perhaps just as critical to revitalized health. Omega 7 fatty acids have been used since ancient times to heal wounds faster and to rehydrate the mucus membranes of the body.

 

When you get your hands on the right supplement, you truly will feel the difference. Because everyone’s body is different, you may not be able to determine from another person’s experience how a supplement will work for your particular situation. Sometimes the best health supplements are found by simply testing one out for yourself.

 

Categories: beta glucans, body, body nbsp, diatomaceous earth, fatty acids, food grade, grade diatomaceous, Hyaluronic Acid, nbsp

How to Eat Your Way to an Amazing, Acne-Free Complexion

 

You may want to look younger, but having spots like a greasy teenager probably wasn’t what you had in mind. Acne is a common problem, especially if you have oily skin, but there are ways in which your diet can help.

 

1. Pick up more protein: Your skin cells react and recover faster from infections with a high intake of protein, as these prevent the secretion of oil onto your skin. This hampers the main cause of acne, as well as causing your skin to replace old cells quickly and become more light and soft.

 

2. Choose the right kind of fats: You might think fats aggravate your skin problems, but in fact you need a 1:3 ratio of omega-3 and omega 6 fatty acids to help your brain work properly and also fight acne. For omega-3, turn to olive oil, flax seed oil, fresh salmon, etc., while you can get omega 6-fatty acids from beef, red chicken, all nuts and peanut butter.

 

3. Find your favourite fruits: No food is better than fruits for skin wellness. Try apples to gradually reduce acne, or apricots for the vitamin A, vitamin B complex and fibre you need to control and fight spots. Bananas are a known boost to anti-ageing wellness, as their high content of potassium acts against acne-causing bacteria, while cherries help to cleanse your blood, which is vital in suppressing spots and pimples. For vitamin A and C try cantaloupe melons, or else pick papaya and other citrus fruits.

 

4. Eat vital vegetables: A strong way to clean up acne is by eating raw vegetables, especially the key players. Carrot is beneficial as it contains vitamin A, carotene and magnesium, while the nutrients in cucumber (notably vitamin A and vitamin C) control your acne and enrich your skin tone. Spinach is a skin superstar, providing you with iron, vitamins A and K and antioxidants, and finally garlic can control your skin’s oil balance, so you might want to add it to dishes or even directly apply garlic juice to the spots themselves.

 

5. Choose acne-treating carbs: Carbohydrates have a huge impact on your body’s inflammation and the balance of your blood sugar. This means that the carbs you eat have to be suitable for acne; low-glycaemic carbohydrates. These carbs don’t exacerbate inflammation, so try to get your carbohydrate fix from beans, legumes, oats, barley and quinoa, and eat them along with protein to effectively treat your acne.

 

6. Make sure you get all your vitamins and minerals: We’ve touched on this with the fruits and vegetables sections, but vitamins and minerals are so vital to your skin health that it bears repeating. The essential vitamins for preventing acne are vitamins A, C, D and K, while your non-miss-able minerals include magnesium, potassium and zinc. The reason why these nutrients are so important is that they have the properties you need to fight against harmful bacteria, exfoliate your skin of any dry and nasty bits, act on those persistent pimples and eliminate the inflammation on any skin rashes you might have. You’ll probably get all the vitamins and minerals you need if you eat a decent amount of fruit and veg – especially those listed above – but if not, talk to your doctor about deficiencies and the possibility of vitamin and mineral supplements.

 

7. Limit your consumption of dairy and processed foods: Milk products antagonize your affected skin, because they are high in saturates animal fats. This means that they promote the growth of bacteria, and so you’ll never protect your wellbeing against acne. Processed foods likewise promote the growth of acne and skin problems, as these contain skin-harming preservatives.

The post How to Eat Your Way to an Amazing, Acne-Free Complexion appeared first on .

Categories: acne, acne free, fatty acids, free complexion, nbsp, processed foods, skin, skin problems, vitamin

How to Eat Your Way to an Amazing, Acne-Free Complexion

 

You may want to look younger, but having spots like a greasy teenager probably wasn’t what you had in mind. Acne is a common problem, especially if you have oily skin, but there are ways in which your diet can help.

 

1. Pick up more protein: Your skin cells react and recover faster from infections with a high intake of protein, as these prevent the secretion of oil onto your skin. This hampers the main cause of acne, as well as causing your skin to replace old cells quickly and become more light and soft.

 

2. Choose the right kind of fats: You might think fats aggravate your skin problems, but in fact you need a 1:3 ratio of omega-3 and omega 6 fatty acids to help your brain work properly and also fight acne. For omega-3, turn to olive oil, flax seed oil, fresh salmon, etc., while you can get omega 6-fatty acids from beef, red chicken, all nuts and peanut butter.

 

3. Find your favourite fruits: No food is better than fruits for skin wellness. Try apples to gradually reduce acne, or apricots for the vitamin A, vitamin B complex and fibre you need to control and fight spots. Bananas are a known boost to anti-ageing wellness, as their high content of potassium acts against acne-causing bacteria, while cherries help to cleanse your blood, which is vital in suppressing spots and pimples. For vitamin A and C try cantaloupe melons, or else pick papaya and other citrus fruits.

 

4. Eat vital vegetables: A strong way to clean up acne is by eating raw vegetables, especially the key players. Carrot is beneficial as it contains vitamin A, carotene and magnesium, while the nutrients in cucumber (notably vitamin A and vitamin C) control your acne and enrich your skin tone. Spinach is a skin superstar, providing you with iron, vitamins A and K and antioxidants, and finally garlic can control your skin’s oil balance, so you might want to add it to dishes or even directly apply garlic juice to the spots themselves.

 

5. Choose acne-treating carbs: Carbohydrates have a huge impact on your body’s inflammation and the balance of your blood sugar. This means that the carbs you eat have to be suitable for acne; low-glycaemic carbohydrates. These carbs don’t exacerbate inflammation, so try to get your carbohydrate fix from beans, legumes, oats, barley and quinoa, and eat them along with protein to effectively treat your acne.

 

6. Make sure you get all your vitamins and minerals: We’ve touched on this with the fruits and vegetables sections, but vitamins and minerals are so vital to your skin health that it bears repeating. The essential vitamins for preventing acne are vitamins A, C, D and K, while your non-miss-able minerals include magnesium, potassium and zinc. The reason why these nutrients are so important is that they have the properties you need to fight against harmful bacteria, exfoliate your skin of any dry and nasty bits, act on those persistent pimples and eliminate the inflammation on any skin rashes you might have. You’ll probably get all the vitamins and minerals you need if you eat a decent amount of fruit and veg – especially those listed above – but if not, talk to your doctor about deficiencies and the possibility of vitamin and mineral supplements.

 

7. Limit your consumption of dairy and processed foods: Milk products antagonize your affected skin, because they are high in saturates animal fats. This means that they promote the growth of bacteria, and so you’ll never protect your wellbeing against acne. Processed foods likewise promote the growth of acne and skin problems, as these contain skin-harming preservatives.

The post How to Eat Your Way to an Amazing, Acne-Free Complexion appeared first on .

Categories: acne, acne free, fatty acids, free complexion, nbsp, processed foods, skin, skin problems, vitamin

How to Eat Your Way to an Amazing, Acne-Free Complexion

 

You may want to look younger, but having spots like a greasy teenager probably wasn’t what you had in mind. Acne is a common problem, especially if you have oily skin, but there are ways in which your diet can help.

 

1. Pick up more protein: Your skin cells react and recover faster from infections with a high intake of protein, as these prevent the secretion of oil onto your skin. This hampers the main cause of acne, as well as causing your skin to replace old cells quickly and become more light and soft.

 

2. Choose the right kind of fats: You might think fats aggravate your skin problems, but in fact you need a 1:3 ratio of omega-3 and omega 6 fatty acids to help your brain work properly and also fight acne. For omega-3, turn to olive oil, flax seed oil, fresh salmon, etc., while you can get omega 6-fatty acids from beef, red chicken, all nuts and peanut butter.

 

3. Find your favourite fruits: No food is better than fruits for skin wellness. Try apples to gradually reduce acne, or apricots for the vitamin A, vitamin B complex and fibre you need to control and fight spots. Bananas are a known boost to anti-ageing wellness, as their high content of potassium acts against acne-causing bacteria, while cherries help to cleanse your blood, which is vital in suppressing spots and pimples. For vitamin A and C try cantaloupe melons, or else pick papaya and other citrus fruits.

 

4. Eat vital vegetables: A strong way to clean up acne is by eating raw vegetables, especially the key players. Carrot is beneficial as it contains vitamin A, carotene and magnesium, while the nutrients in cucumber (notably vitamin A and vitamin C) control your acne and enrich your skin tone. Spinach is a skin superstar, providing you with iron, vitamins A and K and antioxidants, and finally garlic can control your skin’s oil balance, so you might want to add it to dishes or even directly apply garlic juice to the spots themselves.

 

5. Choose acne-treating carbs: Carbohydrates have a huge impact on your body’s inflammation and the balance of your blood sugar. This means that the carbs you eat have to be suitable for acne; low-glycaemic carbohydrates. These carbs don’t exacerbate inflammation, so try to get your carbohydrate fix from beans, legumes, oats, barley and quinoa, and eat them along with protein to effectively treat your acne.

 

6. Make sure you get all your vitamins and minerals: We’ve touched on this with the fruits and vegetables sections, but vitamins and minerals are so vital to your skin health that it bears repeating. The essential vitamins for preventing acne are vitamins A, C, D and K, while your non-miss-able minerals include magnesium, potassium and zinc. The reason why these nutrients are so important is that they have the properties you need to fight against harmful bacteria, exfoliate your skin of any dry and nasty bits, act on those persistent pimples and eliminate the inflammation on any skin rashes you might have. You’ll probably get all the vitamins and minerals you need if you eat a decent amount of fruit and veg – especially those listed above – but if not, talk to your doctor about deficiencies and the possibility of vitamin and mineral supplements.

 

7. Limit your consumption of dairy and processed foods: Milk products antagonize your affected skin, because they are high in saturates animal fats. This means that they promote the growth of bacteria, and so you’ll never protect your wellbeing against acne. Processed foods likewise promote the growth of acne and skin problems, as these contain skin-harming preservatives.

The post How to Eat Your Way to an Amazing, Acne-Free Complexion appeared first on .

Categories: acne, acne free, fatty acids, free complexion, nbsp, processed foods, skin, skin problems, vitamin

The Science of Nutrition: The Facts about Fat You Don’t Know

There’s no denying that nutrition, and how different foods affect your wellbeing, is a science. However, calling it “a science” can make you think that you’ll get black and white results every time, which isn’t the case. Sports dietician Heather Neal explains, ‘The problem with nutrition is that the science both makes sense and doesn’t make sense all at the same time. It’s not because of a lack of quality research; it’s because research can both prove and disprove a theory all in one go. Nutrition science can show that something is fact, then turn around and demonstrate the opposite. It’s not experts trying to persuade us that something’s true when it’s not or poorly designed research studies (although there are plenty of those). It’s because while nutrition is based in science, it can’t be put into a box with a checkmark next to it that says, “yes, this is absolutely fact.”’ How frustrating!

 

‘It’s why I both love and hate my job as a dietician,’ Neal points out. ‘I can’t tell clients that yes, this 100% will work, and this is absolutely wrong, or guarantee xyz results by doing precisely abc. See, nutrition is a science woven with art. What works for one person doesn’t work for another. What destroys one person’s body may help somebody else’s. What’s “true” one day may be wrong the next and then true again. It happens a lot, and it’s what makes people distrust nutrition.’ She adds, ‘Here’s one to wrap your head around: fat isn’t bad — even saturated fat. Now, I know most people have gotten off the low-fat bandwagon by now and appropriately so, but it’s also time to get off the fat-is-bad wagon entirely.’

 

Neal details, ‘Saturated fat is, apparently, good for you. Or at least not terrible for you. It’s not the demonized, artery-clogging culprit we’ve made it out to be…The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reviewed old saturated fat research and came to a new conclusion: saturated fat doesn’t cause heart attacks. It was a logical conclusion from past research: people who had heart attacks and clogged arteries ate a lot of saturated fat, therefore saturated fat is bad for you. What the research missed was the actual cause and effect connection. This doesn’t mean you should dive in to a plate of saturated fat, though…What it does mean is that we should give fat a chance.’ So what do we really know about fat, and why should you let it play a role in your diet wellness?

 

1. Cholesterol Confusion: Neal notes, ‘Saturated fat does raise LDL cholesterol (the artery-clogging stuff) but it also raises HDL cholesterol (the good kind) and lowers triglycerides (also good). For reference, carbohydrates raise triglycerides, which are markers of heart disease.’

2. The Right Stuff: ‘Replacing dietary saturated fat with fats like polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats (like those from nuts, oils, etc.) will likely lower your cardiovascular disease risk,’ says Neal. ‘But replacing saturated fat with carbohydrates will not. It’s all about the context of your diet as a whole.’

3. The Wrong Stuff: Neal warns, ‘The one thing everyone seems to be able to agree upon is that trans fats are bad. Avoid them.’

4. Omega 3s: According to Neal, ‘Most people eat way more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids, which is why you hear so much about supplementing with omega-3s. This doesn’t mean omega-6s are bad, but you want to keep the ratio in proportion. Good sources of omega-3s are fatty fish and nuts. Omega-6s are found in vegetable oils like corn, soy, and safflower.’

5. Fat Functioning: ‘Most important of all, you need fat to function,’ Neal asserts. ‘Fat is required to absorb vitamins A, D, E, and K, synthesize hormones, lubricate joints, and promote the sensation of satiety (fullness).’

Categories: artery clogging, cholesterol, Fat, fatty acids, heart attacks, neal, nutrition, omega 3s, omega 6s, Omega-3, saturated, science

Five Foods That Are Good For Your Eye Health

There are many ways to keep your eyes healthy, from getting your annual checkup to wearing sunglasses when it is bright. It can even be as simple as eating. The nutrients found in these 5 common foods can help protect your eyes and keep them healthy longer.

 

Sweet Potato

Sweet potatoes contain beta carotene, an antioxidant which may help slow the progress of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Beta carotene is a provitamin and can be converted by the body into Vitamin A, which helps prevent dry eyes, eye infections, and can help improve night vision.

You can get beta carotene from deep orange foods including carrots and butternut squash. Dark, leafy greens such as collard greens also contain beta carotene. Eat with healthy fats, such as olive oil, to help the body absorb the nutrient better.

 

Salmon

Salmon and other fatty fish contain omega-3 fatty acids, an essential nutrient with numerous health benefits. Omega-3s, like beta carotene, may help slow AMD, since they are important to nerve cells of the retina.

If you don’t eat fish, you can get Omega-3 fatty acids from various sources, including chia and flax seeds, walnuts, avocados, and olive oil.

 

Kale

Kale contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which help protect the eye from sun damage. Lutein and zeaxanthin are related to vitamin A and, according to Harry W. Chan, OD, these nutrients help protect the cornea, prevent cataracts, and slow AMD.

Dark, leafy greens such as spinach and collard greens are all good sources of lutein and zeaxanthin as are kiwi, honeydew, and corn. These nutrients are best absorbed with healthy fats.

 

Oranges

Just like oranges can help with colds they can help with healthy vision as well. Vitamin C can help lower your risk of cataracts and, when taken with other nutrients, can help slow AMD.

You can get Vitamin C from citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits, and lemons. It is also found in strawberries, bell peppers, cantaloupes, and broccoli.

 

Blackcurrants

Blackcurrants contain anthocyanosides, a compound that helps develop night vision. Anthocyanosides are an antioxidant, which are beneficial to eye health, though it is unclear how.

Anthocyanosides can be found in brightly colored berries, such as blueberries and raspberries, as well as bell peppers and grapes.

A small change now can help prevent eye problems as you get older. Including these everyday foods in your diet is a simple yet effective way to keep your eyes healthy longer.

Categories: Bell Peppers, beta carotene, collard greens, diet, eating tips, eye health, fatty acids, Healthy Fats, leafy greens, night vision, olive oil

Anti-Ageing Foods To Add To Your Diet Now

We all know by now that antioxidants are fantastic in helping create an inner anti-ageing regime, to prime us for a healthier, longer and better looking life – both inside and outside. But do you know where to get these antioxidants from? There are certain foods which are better than others in packing our diets with these age fighters – here is a list of the best ingredients to add to your diet and why you should be eating more of them.

Cruciferous Vegetables and Leafy Greens

You have probably been told to eat your greens by your parents since you were a child, but there’s a good reason for this. These vegetables are loaded with nutrients, from calcium and folate to vitamin C, to support bone health, protect against cognitive decline and help to prevent eye problems which are associated with age. More significantly, studies show that they can also provide anti-cancer properties. Vegetables such as cabbage, spinach, broccoli, kale and Swiss chard all count towards.

Apricots

A peach-like fruit, the apricot may seem humble but you may be surprised to learn that it’s packed with anti-ageing ingredients. The orange colour they possess comes from carotenoids, which are powerful antioxidants which prevent heart disease, lower bad cholesterol and protect against cancer. The carotenoid beta-carotene can be converted by the body into vitamin A to contribute towards healthy eyes, skin and hair.

Berries

Berries have some of the highest levels of antioxidants of any fruits, with kale and spinach being the only vegetables to match berries in terms of antioxidant levels. Fresh berries have phytochemicals and colour pigments, known as anthocyanins, which have been shown to lower the risk of certain cancers, improve memory function and contribute towards healthy ageing. They also contain quercetin, a flavonol which is both an antioxidant and anti-carcinogen, to protect against heart disease and certain cancers.

Olive Oil

Mediterranean diets use a lot of olive oil, which contains health-boosting omega-3 fatty acids. These not only keep your heart healthy and reduce inflammation, but they also improve your skin circulation and digestion, and lower your cholesterol. All of these factors contribute towards a longer and healthier life.

Wild Alaskan Salmon

Staying on the side of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is rich in these healthy oils which offers a health boost. Selenium levels are high in salmon which protects healthy skin cells by fighting free radicals, which age the skin. Salmon also helps to protect the function of the thyroid, which keeps your weight in check and boosts your overall wellbeing.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are something found in foods so regularly we almost forget the properties they possess. But did you know that they can help to protect against sunburn? Studies show that people who ate tomatoes mixed with olive oil each day had 40 per cent less sunburn than those who consumed just olive oil. This is because tomatoes have lycopene in them, which protects the skin against oxidation that can lead to wrinkles and sun damages.

Raw Almonds

Almonds are loaded with vitamin E, which can be difficult to get from your diet. One small handful is enough to give you half of your daily dose, and this nutrient is great for protecting against ageing. It helps to protect the skin, as well as improving agility and speed as we age.

Avocado

Put them on salads, in sandwiches or as a topping to Mexican cuisine, but be sure to get them into your diet – avocados are packed with healthy fats and are also very high in vitamin E. The result? Shiny hair, glowing skin and a wrinkle-free complexion.

Categories: ageing, anti, anti ageing, anti-ageing, fatty acids, Food, Healthy, heart disease, nutrients, olive oil, Protect, skin

Could Fatty Fish Help You to Fight Breast Cancer?

Breast cancer is a health concern that affects the wellbeing of men and women alike, albeit occurring more often in females. According to wellness experts, maintaining a healthy body weight and following a healthy diet is essential for keeping breast cancer at bay, especially when that diet contains high amounts of fatty fish, fruits and vegetables.

 

According to Zone Diet founder Dr Barry Sears, a leading authority on the effects of diet on hormonal response, ‘A recent study found that women who gained 55 pounds or more after age 18 had almost 1.5 times the risk of breast cancer compared to those who maintained their weight, and a gain of 22 pounds or more is an increased risk of 18%.’ And the primary reason for this development, as well as multiple chronic diseases? Inflammation. ‘Increased inflammation causes the production of a wide variety of inflammatory mediators (hormones and proteins) to be released at the cellular level that lead to a depression of the immune system,’ says Dr Sears. ‘Excess weight gain is also driven by inflammation. The more obese a person is, the greater the levels of inflammation in the body that can depress the immune system.’

 

However, even if you’re one of the lucky ones who can eat whatever they want and stay stick-thin, you may not be so lucky after all. Even for people of a healthy weight, a diet high in unhealthy fat, sugar, calories and processed foods can lead to breast cancer. Dr Sears explains, ‘A poor diet can be defined as one that increases inflammation and it is inflammation that is the driving force behind breast cancer as well as most other chronic diseases.’ So not only is a healthy diet – high in fresh fruits and vegetables and fatty fish – helpful for weight loss, it will also aid in mediating inflammation throughout your body.

 

So that’s why you need to fight inflammation through your diet, but how do you go about it? Like Dr Sears’ Zone Diet, anti-inflammatory diets reduce your glycaemic load by making fruits and vegetables your primary source of carbohydrates. These diets also include adequate amounts of low-fat protein sources such as chicken and fish, and primary use of olive oil. All these factors have been clinically demonstrated to have an anti-inflammatory effect in the body, and, at the other end of the scale, vegetable oils rich in omega-6-fats can, when consumed in excess, have been shown to increase inflammation. This is why Dr Sears strongly recommends the exclusion of omega-6-fats from your diet, wherever possible.

 

Unlike omega-6s, omega-3s are vastly beneficial to your wellness, being long extolled as a source of heart-healthy fat, as well as inflammation reduction. According to one of many studies, published June 2009 in the medical journal BMC Cancer, both pre- and post-menopausal women can greatly reduce their risks of breast cancer by eating a high amount of omega-3 fatty fish. Moreover, omega-3s can even improve your breast cancer treatment efficacy. This is the finding of an April 2009 study, reported in the peer-reviewed online journal Cell Division, which showed that an omega-3 fatty acid reduced systemic inflammation, oxidative stress and leukocytosis, and also augmented the effects of chemotherapy drug cisplatin.

 

So why are omega-3s so beneficial for fighting breast cancer? Whether they are found in oily fish or fish oils, omega-3s dilute the omega-6 fatty acid arachidonic acid, which is the primary mediator of inflammation in the cell membrane. Dr Sears comments, ‘Increased levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the cellular membrane make it more difficult to produce inflammatory hormones derived from toxic omega-6 fat. Omega-3 fatty acids can also suppress overactive cellular inflammatory responses that are also important in the development of breast cancer.’

Categories: anti-inflammatory, breast cancer, Chronic Diseases, diet high, dr sears, fatty acid, fatty acids, fatty fish, omega 3s

Celebrity Secret Weapons: How to Banish Your Cellulite

With New Year’s Eve coming up, you may be thinking about your resolutions. For many of us, better wellness and weight loss is a high priority, with a toned bottom and smooth, sculpted thighs ranking high on our body wish lists. However, even if you do manage to kick your bum into gear, come summer, you won’t feel like showing off your gorgeous new rear if it’s covered in cellulite. The dreaded orange peel effect makes the idea of wearing shorts a dampener to your sense of wellbeing – let alone the idea of donning a skimpy swimming costume. Unfortunately, up to 90% of all women will experience some form of cellulite at some time in their life after puberty. However, when you think about it, this means that celebrities also have to fight against cellulite.

 

Some of the most photographed and beautiful women in the world also wage a constant war against lumpy legs, including hot models like Kate Moss, and a-list actresses such as Jennifer Anniston. True, you don’t have the same access to five-star cellulite treatments like these celebs do, but you can have an all-access pass to their lump-and-bump-shedding secrets. The thing that all these celebrities have in common is that they have all taken on board advice from dermatologist to the stars, Dr Howard Murad. He explains, ‘Cellulite is not a fat problem; it’s a skin cellular problem, you can have total liposuction and get rid of every bit of regular fat and still have cellulite – you can exercise till the cows come home, it isn’t going to help.’

 

So then, what is the answer to getting rid of your stubborn cellulite? Murad asserts, ‘Foods rich in nutrients like lecithin, essential fatty acids, amino acids and antioxidants will reduce cellular inflammation, squeeze out excess fluids, and, most importantly, increase circulation which prevents cells from migrating to the surface and looking like cottage cheese.’ According to Murad, the key to beating cellulite is to strengthen your skin through the foods you eat. Put it that way, and the war against cellulite seems more like a walk in the park, so how are the celebs making their way to smoother skin?

 

Kate Moss: For cover girl Kate Moss, white tea is the best source of antioxidant goodness. Alongside this, Kate consumes eggs and soya for their lecithin content, and munches on nuts and seeds to gain some essential fatty acids.

 

Jennifer Lopez: Singer and actress Jennifer Lopez also gets her fill of lecithin, but she gets hers from spinach. The Maid in Manhattan star claims to “Go Popeye” for breakfast, lunch and dinner when she needs to get her legs in shape. J Lo also loves flax seeds, citrus fruits, iceberg lettuce and olive oil, as these are all crucial for giving her the full range of nutrients needed to combat cellulite.

 

Claudia Schiffer: Again, lecithin is high on this model’s list of cellulite-fighting priorities, but Claudia drinks in her lecithin from tomato juice and gets her antioxidants from green and herbal teas. Like J Lo, Claudia eats lots of citrus fruit, as well as dining on avocados and salmon to make sure she eats enough essential fatty acids.

 

Cameron Diaz: The star of There’s Something about Mary has her own homemade soup which she whips up to get her fill of some of the most important foods on Murad’s list. Cameron also drinks a lot of green tea and adds plenty of pulses to her diet.

 

Jennifer Aniston: For her lecithin needs, the Jennifer Anniston eats eggs and cauliflower. The Friends actress also makes a point of eating lots and lots of essential fatty acids in the form of nuts, seeds, canola oil and fresh tuna.

Categories: acids nbsp, celebrities, Cellulite, cellulite nbsp, diet, essential fatty, fatty acids, jennifer anniston, jennifer lopez, kate moss, nbsp jennifer

Why are Fish Oils so Beneficial to Children?

Fish oils contain omega-3 fatty acids and are vital for good health, improving everything from our brain function to our skin’s appearance. They can reduce the risk of chronic diseases and can either be sourced from your diet or from a supplement. Fish oil vitamins can also be further fragmented into better constituents, such as DHA (Docosa Hexaeonic Acid) or EPA (Episa Pentaeonic Acid). Some studies have shown that omega-3 oils could help to diminish severe ADHD-type behaviour in children, as well as helping to improve reading levels and autism. This is because omega oils support the neurotransmitter, decreasing irritation which is caused by deteriorating ailments such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and Alzheimer’s disease. It can also do wonders for your digestion, brain cells and your joints. From supplements to your diet, omega oils are wonderful for your health. You can source omega oils from oily fish, such as salmon, mackerel and tuna, as well as from flax-seeds, walnuts, linseeds and pumpkin seeds. Your GP can advise you how to include more omega oils in your diet, as well as advising whether supplements could help you and your children to lead healthier lives. As with any supplement, you should check with your GP before taking them or giving them to your children in case they are not safe. However, as a rule, fish oil supplements don’t usually cause any undesirable side effects.

 

Autism is a developmental disorder which affects the brain, and has been studied intensely over the past few years as it affects many children. Children who have autism may find that the symptoms of the condition are improved by taking fish oil supplements, as they can improve the brain functions for better oral, memory and spelling expertise. There is also a developing theory that fish oils could be useful for children with ADHD, helping to advance the attentiveness and parent attachment. Children with ADD or ADHD often have low intensities of fatty acids, including EPA and DHA. A supplement could improve their learning ability and reduce social problems, such as disturbed sleep patterns and irritability outbursts. If your child is taking ADHD medication they can also take fish oil supplements, however this should only be done once you have consulted your GP first. Fish oil supplements shouldn’t be taken as an alternative to ADHD medication.

Studies show that children with learning disabilities could benefit greatly from omega-3 fatty acids. Researchers noted that these essential oils can enhance mechanical expertise, general learning, motor perceptual swiftness and reading practices. Providing children with a daily supplement could help them to develop at an improved rate. Mood disorders can be significantly improved by essential fatty acids, with many studies showing that supplements can help children suffering with mood issues and depression. In many ways, fish oils are considered as antidepressants – the rate of depression is low in many countries where fish is consumed in large quantities. This is because high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood helps serotonin, an antidepressant chemical in the body, to move more easily between the cells in the body. If your child has trouble concentrating at school, supplements could help them learn new things and retain the information. This is because omega oils have great effects on the function of the brain development , which is vital for children as they are in a prime developmental stage. Children who take fish oil supplements are found to be more dynamic and alert.

Categories: adhd medication, Children, fatty acids, Fish, fish oil, fish oils, oil supplements, oils, omega oils, Omega-3, Supplements

Six Steps For Younger, Healthier Skin

Getting that youthful, healthy glow doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Below are 6 simple ways to maintain gorgeous skin, protect it from damage, and possibly even reverse damage already done.

 

Stay Out of the Sun

The sun speeds up the aging process in the skin, damaging the elastin our skin needs to remain flexible. After all those hours in the sun, we end up with sagging skin, age spots, and wrinkles. Avoid the sun during it’s highest intensity (10am-4pm), wear a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher, and wear protective clothing.

 

 

Don’t Smoke

Besides wreaking havoc on your lungs, smoking causes the skin to lose collagen. Collagen is the protein responsible for keeping the skin firm and supple. It also constricts blood vessels in the skin which depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients it needs to stay elastic. Repetitive actions of smoking, such as pursing the lips, also leads to fine wrinkles around the mouth.

 

 

Eat Healthy

Blackberries, strawberries, and blueberries are high in the antioxidants needed to prevent or delay damage to skin cells. Turkey, tuna, and brazil nuts contain the mineral selenium which is vital to healthy skin cells. Salmon, walnuts, and flax seed give the skin essential fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are important for healthy cell membranes that act as a passageway for nutrients to get in and waste to get out. Products such as Xango Ageless (found at xalo.xango.com), containing Lychee Prophenol from the lychee fruit, also aid in healthy skin appearance.

 

 

Don’t Skimp on the Beauty Sleep

Not getting enough rest makes you look worn out and old, not to mention the hideous dark bags under your eyes. Keep a regular sleep routine, avoid caffeine and heavy meals before bedtime, and keep your bedroom quiet, dark, and cool.

 

 

Exercise

Regular exercise promotes healthy circulation that keeps your skin healthy and glowing. When you move around, you increase blood flow. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to cells all over the body, including the skin.

 

 

Cleanse and Moisturize

Gently wash your face morning and night to remove dirt and bacteria. Moisturize to protect the skin from the drying effects of weather and pollution and to help maintain the skin’s natural moisture levels.

 

Follow those 6 easy steps and say goodbye to dry, dull, lifeless skin and hello to a radiant, youthful appearance. You’ll look better, feel better, and I guarantee everyone will notice.

Categories: anti-ageing, diet and health, essential fatty, fatty acids, Healthy, healthy skin, nbsp, nbsp don, nbsp nbsp, Recommended Levels of Sleep, skin, skin cells, skincare, Smoking

Fighting Figs: Provide Your Body with 7 Essential Nutrients

Categories: beneficial, body, essential nutrients, fatty acids, Figs, nbsp, potassium, vitamin, vitamin B6, Weight Loss

Why Are You In Danger By Eating Fish During Pregnancy?

Being pregnant is a wonderful time, but it comes with a fair amount of rules and regulations in order to stay healthy. One of these rules is that you need to avoid fish during your pregnancy, as it can affect the baby’s development. Seafood is a great source of protein, zinc and iron, which are all vital for both your own and your baby’s health. As well as this, seafood contains plenty of omega-3 fatty acids which keep the brain and joints healthy. So, with this in mind, why are women told to avoid these healthy ingredients? Some types of seafood contain high levels of mercury – this is especially the case with larger fish such as shark, king mackerel and swordfish. In adults, mercury isn’t a concern, but in infants it requires a certain level of caution. Regular consumption of fish that’s high in mercury can mean that a buildup of mercury in the bloodstream, which over time can damage the baby’s brain and nervous system development.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advise that pregnant women can eat up to 12 ounces of seafood a week and still remain healthy. Not all researchers agree with these limits, stating that eating more than this amount won’t affect your baby’s health. However, it is best to discuss this with your GP before eating any more. There are, of course, some species of fish which are low in mercury and therefore still healthy additions to your diet. These include salmon, herring, anchovies, sardines, trout, and Atlantic and Pacific mackerel. Other choices which are fine to eat when you’re pregnant include canned light tuna, catfish, pollock and shrimp. You shouldn’t eat more than six ounces of tuna steak each week though. The main rules to stick to are to avoid large predatory fish, as these tend to have higher levels of mercury. You should also avoid eating uncooked fish and shellfish, as this could lead to you ingesting bacteria and viruses – this means sushi and sashimi is off the menu, along with smoked fish.  If you’re cooking fish at home, make sure that you cook it through properly – fish is generally done when it separates easily into flakes and appears opaque throughout. Shrimp, lobster and scallops turn a milky white colour when they are cooked, and mussels and oysters’ shells will open when they’re cooked. If any shellfish shells don’t open, throw them away – it means they are not fresh and could have bacteria in them.

Of course, if you don’t want to take the risk, there are other ways to get your omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseeds, walnuts, pine nuts and soybeans are all great sources of omega-3s. You can also buy fortified foods, such as milk, eggs and yoghurt. Supplements are the best way to ensure you get a healthy dose every day, but check with your GP before you begin taking them to ensure that it is safe for both you and your baby. It’s important to remember that researchers still haven’t determined whether omega-3s sourced from plants can actually impact your baby’s brain development, which is why seafood is often considered the best source. Although mercury can damage your baby’s brain development, eating an average amount of healthier sources can keep you healthy and has been shown to cause minimal problems. The best thing to remember is that balance is key, so speak to your GP about how to keep your diet as healthy as possible for the both of you.

Categories: Baby, brain development, fatty acids, Fish, Healthy, mercury, omega 3s, Omega-3, pregnancy, Seafood

Lifestyle Changes to Boost Your Life Expectancy

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the average American will live to the age of 78.5 years. But what do you do if you want to live another 20 years on top of that and see in the century marker? There are the obvious lifestyle changes, such as avoiding smoking and exercising regularly, but are they enough to boost your life expectancy? A good diet that’s low in fats can only do so much, so follow these guidelines for a healthy and long life.

 

Floss more

Periodental disease has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and systemic inflammation, so flossing your teeth could help to strengthen your defence. It’s not yet been clinically proven, but there have been studies which suggest that good dental hygiene could help to keep your heart healthy. In fact, research shows that people with gum disease are twice as likely to have heart disease – this is because inflammation in the gums can lead to your arteries building up plaque.

 

Eat spicy foods

Turmeric contains curcuminoids that are active compounds used for centuries as healing agents in Eastern medicine. There have been several studies that show curcumin’s can help to protect the body from cancer, inflammation and liver complaints. Eating spicy foods such as Indian food, which often contains turmeric, could help to keep your body healthy and improve your defences.

 

Take an aspirin

If you suffer from heart problems, have previously suffered from a heart attack or had a stroke, taking an aspirin could extend your life. The consumption of aspirin in this way has been up against a lot of controversy over the years, but one study recently published in The Lancet suggests that taking one aspirin every day could significantly lower your risk of premature death from cancer. In fact, participants who had taken as aspirin each day for five years had a 40 percent lower chance of developing cancer compared to those who didn’t take anything. Speak to your GP before actioning this, however, as there can be a risk of gastro=-intestinal bleeding in some people.

 

Eat more omega-9 fatty acids

Everyone knows the benefits of eating more omega oils, but omega-3s usually get the front page slot. Omega-9 fatty acids shouldn’t be forgotten, though, as these are great for extending your life. They help to protect against the risk of stroke in older people and reduce inflammation in the brain, promoting a better function of the nerves.

 

Eat more dark chocolate

Dark chocolate has long been seen as the healthier choice when it comes to the sweet stuff, but many people don’t realise that it can actually do you good as well. Dark chocolate has been proven to lower your blood pressure and can help to protect against cardiovascular problems in people with metabolic syndrome.

 

Check your hormones

Hormones play an important role in your health, so check that your levels are accurate. People over the age of 40 who want to remain energetic and lively will require a balanced hormone production – they are chemical messengers that are vital for our health. It’s natural for our hormone levels to drop as we age, with the prime age for production being between 25 and 30. After this, they begin to decline and do so rapidly the older we get. There are supplements and treatments available to keep them topped up though, so speak to your GP if this is something you’re concerned about.

Categories: Age, aspirin, Disease, fatty acids, health, life, life expectancy, lifespan, nbsp, nbsp eat, people, spicy foods

Lifestyle Changes to Boost Your Life Expectancy

According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the average American will live to the age of 78.5 years. But what do you do if you want to live another 20 years on top of that and see in the century marker? There are the obvious lifestyle changes, such as avoiding smoking and exercising regularly, but are they enough to boost your life expectancy? A good diet that’s low in fats can only do so much, so follow these guidelines for a healthy and long life.

 

Floss more

Periodental disease has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and systemic inflammation, so flossing your teeth could help to strengthen your defence. It’s not yet been clinically proven, but there have been studies which suggest that good dental hygiene could help to keep your heart healthy. In fact, research shows that people with gum disease are twice as likely to have heart disease – this is because inflammation in the gums can lead to your arteries building up plaque.

 

Eat spicy foods

Turmeric contains curcuminoids that are active compounds used for centuries as healing agents in Eastern medicine. There have been several studies that show curcumin’s can help to protect the body from cancer, inflammation and liver complaints. Eating spicy foods such as Indian food, which often contains turmeric, could help to keep your body healthy and improve your defences.

 

Take an aspirin

If you suffer from heart problems, have previously suffered from a heart attack or had a stroke, taking an aspirin could extend your life. The consumption of aspirin in this way has been up against a lot of controversy over the years, but one study recently published in The Lancet suggests that taking one aspirin every day could significantly lower your risk of premature death from cancer. In fact, participants who had taken as aspirin each day for five years had a 40 percent lower chance of developing cancer compared to those who didn’t take anything. Speak to your GP before actioning this, however, as there can be a risk of gastro=-intestinal bleeding in some people.

 

Eat more omega-9 fatty acids

Everyone knows the benefits of eating more omega oils, but omega-3s usually get the front page slot. Omega-9 fatty acids shouldn’t be forgotten, though, as these are great for extending your life. They help to protect against the risk of stroke in older people and reduce inflammation in the brain, promoting a better function of the nerves.

 

Eat more dark chocolate

Dark chocolate has long been seen as the healthier choice when it comes to the sweet stuff, but many people don’t realise that it can actually do you good as well. Dark chocolate has been proven to lower your blood pressure and can help to protect against cardiovascular problems in people with metabolic syndrome.

 

Check your hormones

Hormones play an important role in your health, so check that your levels are accurate. People over the age of 40 who want to remain energetic and lively will require a balanced hormone production – they are chemical messengers that are vital for our health. It’s natural for our hormone levels to drop as we age, with the prime age for production being between 25 and 30. After this, they begin to decline and do so rapidly the older we get. There are supplements and treatments available to keep them topped up though, so speak to your GP if this is something you’re concerned about.

Categories: Age, aspirin, Disease, fatty acids, health, life, life expectancy, lifespan, nbsp, nbsp eat, people, spicy foods

What is the Best Way to Get Omega-3?

It is common knowledge that omega-3 is good for you. These fatty acids are recommended by virtually every dietician and nutritionist in the world – and that’s because they have a number of health benefits for you and your body both in the short and long term. However, imagine if you were to go to the doctor and they spoke to you about your health. You would find it pretty strange if they were to recommend eating several portions of salmon to stay healthy.

 

But, truth be told, there’s no reason that this wouldn’t have the same effect as taking the omega-3 pills that so many people obsess over and could not do without in their daily routine. In fact, the idea of eating fish in place of taking the pills might actually be very beneficial for a number of reasons according to esteemed MD Carl Lavie. Lavie believes that eating fish is an important method in securing a healthy heart for a long time.

 

Dr Lavie has now published a review of a number of studies that looked at the heart health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, which are abundant in fish such as salmon and easily available in the form of these small fish oil supplements that you have probably seen in your local supermarket or health shop. The research has consistently shown that omega-3s are able to reduce heart failure, hold back the effects of artery disease and even reduce the risk of death from major cardiac events, which include things like heart attacks but can also refer to less serious problems.

 

The science is undoubtedly very clear that omega-3s are very good for you – this cannot be doubted. But Dr Lavie was also interested in the best way to get omega-3s into your body – and the science behind this is far less obvious and there are many competing theories and ideas. It effectively boils down to that some people believe it is far better to get your omega-3s naturally from the fish that you eat, while others contend that it is fine to get the omega-3s in supplement form and there is no need to eat many portions of fish in order to get your regular intake of these beneficial nutrients.

 

So lets now take a look at some of the facts behind the case and analyse the pros and cons of either taking fish or just taking the fish oil supplements:

 

Fish

Pros: You can get all the nutrients of the omega-3 that you need from simply eating two portions of fish a week. Of course, it is also naturally much easier for you body to absorb nutrients from your food that it is in tablet form, because your body is naturally used to breaking down the compounds in this manner.

 

Cons: Trying to choose the right fish to eat can be quite tough. Aside from the fact that you should always try to choose sustainably sourced fish, you also have the issue that some fish does not have the right amounts of omega-3 to make it worthwhile to eat for the benefits.

 

Fish Oil

Pros: There is no getting around it – fish is somewhat of an acquired taste and many people simply don’t like it enough to eat it regularly, even with the apparent health benefits. And fortunately most fish oil tablets are created from small fish which do not suffer from the effects of over-farming.

 

Cons: We may well be harming the environment by removing so many small fish, which would often be eaten by larger fish. And as previously stated it’s harder for the body to take on fish oil that to absorb it from food.

Categories: dr lavie, fatty acids, Fish, fish oil, Health Benefits, nbsp cons, nbsp fish, oil, oil supplements, omega 3s, Omega-3, small fish

It’s a Must-ard: Why this Herb is So Good for Your Health

Mustard is a much-loved ingredient around the world, but did you know it was also a powerful tool in complementary wellness? Not only is it one of the healthiest herbs with almost no calories, but mustard greens and mustard seeds have been used as herbal remedies for numerous ailments since olden times, and remain very popular today. Even if you don’t forgo your trip to the doctor for a hot dog with extra relish, mustard is very beneficial to your wellness, providing vitamins, protein, fibre, omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant minerals, such as iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, zinc and selenium.

 

So, what can mustard do for your wellbeing?

 

1. Lowers your temperature. The myrosin and sinigrin found in mustard generate heat, which speeds up your metabolism and increases your blood flow. This causes you to sweat, and, in turn, brings down your core temperature.

 

2. Stimulates your digestive system. As mustard is hot and spicy, it stimulates your secretion of saliva, which aids the digestion process.

 

3. Prevents cancer. In black and brown mustard, there are isothiocyanates, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. You can still prevent cancer with your mustard greens, as these contain cancer-fighting antioxidants such as flavonoids, indoles, sulforaphane, carotenes, lutein and zeaxanthin.

 

4. Improves your skin. If you suffer from skin ailments, the sulphur in mustard can be very beneficial.

 

5. Relieves your inflammatory diseases. Whether you’re affected by asthma, migraines or rheumatoid arthritis, the anti-inflammatory properties of mustard can help to reduce the severity of your condition.

 

6. Enhances your heart health. Mustard greens and seeds contain magnesium, which is very effective against high blood pressure. Moreover, the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in mustard make it effective against coronary heart disease. Plus, mustard greens have been proven to reduce your levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol and increase your levels of “good” HDL cholesterol, all of which is good news for your heart.

 

7. Protects your brain. The high levels of magnesium and selenium found in mustard seeds make them very effective against age-related memory disorders like Alzheimer’s.

 

That sounds great, but how do you include more mustard in your diet? Start with your condiments, and replace mayonnaise, cheese spread/dips, butter and oil dressings with the less fatty mustard. You can also use mustard as a salad dressing, which packs a flavourful punch when combined with vinegar and honey. Mustard makes for an excellent marinade for your fish, chicken and meat dishes, while the seeds give any meal a rich, nutty flavour. If you fancy baking your mustard into your diet, try using mustard greens and spinach in flat-breads, adding butter, tomato, garlic and onion to mellow down the pungent flavour. Failing that, the greens also taste great with chicken, meat, and soup.

 

If you are going to include more mustard in your diet, you need to store it properly in order to reap the benefits. Keeping whole mustard seeds in airtight containers in a cool, dry place will help them to last up to a year, while storing ground/powdered mustard in a similar manner can give them a shelf life of up to six months. You don’t have to worry so much about sauces made from mustard, as they are made using an acid component and salt and so will last for ages. However, even if you don’t open the bottle, the pungency and flavour will start to diminish so store your mustard sauce in the fridge, and consume it within a year. You also want to refrigerate your mustard oil, or else it may go rancid.

Categories: cancer, Cooking Tips, fatty acids, greens, Health Benefits, health mustard, Mustard, mustard greens, mustard seeds, nbsp, Seeds

Is Fish Oil Helping or Harming Your Body?

Health articles and experts are constantly praising fish oils and the benefits that they can provide to your body. However, why is there such a hype surrounding these oils and are they really as good for you as people claim? Omega-3 fatty acids are the oils found in oily fish, such as salmon or mackerel, as well as flax seeds, walnuts and canola oil. The highest concentration of the oils can be found in fish, but the other sources can provide healthy doses of these nutrients as well if you don’t eat fish. Nutritionists claim that omega-3 fatty acids are vital for your health, helping to keep your joints lubricated, your brain healthy and your heart working efficiently.  There have been many studies into the effects of these oils on our health. More and more experts are recommending these oils to their patients in order to boost their health, but how healthy are they really? And what do we really know about the effects of essential oils on our health?

 

The American Heart Association advises that everyone should consume omega-3 fatty acids from fish or plant sources in order to protect their heart. Research shows that essential oils can help to decrease your risk of sudden death from heart disease, decrease the development of plaque formation on the heart, lower the risk of a blood clot, improve the health of your arteries and lower triglyceride levels in the blood, which is a type of cholesterol.  Fish oils have also been proven to be helpful in preventing strokes, prostate cancer, colon cancer, high blood pressure and rheumatoid arthritis. In an interesting study recently carried out in England, pregnant women who consumed two to three servings of fish each week throughout their pregnancies gave birth to children with higher IQs than those who didn’t. There are numerous benefits to omega-3 oils, but there are also various different forms of this beneficial nutrient. The active forms found exclusively in fish are known as eicosapentaenoic or EPA, and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA). You can eat fresh or canned fish to get your dose of oils, as well as plant sources. Flax-seeds and flax-seed oil contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) which is converted in the liver into active EPA and DHA. Supplements are also an option if you’re struggling to get enough omega-3 oils from your diet alone.

There are risks to eating fish. Mercury levels in fish could be toxic to the nervous system, and may be especially harmful to children and babies. There are certain types of fish which may be best avoided in large quantities due to the levels of mercury they contain, such as king mackerel, tile-fish and shark. People who suffer from bleeding problems or blood thinning should also avoid fish oil, as it thins the blood further. Studies suggest that fish oil could elevate your cholesterol levels so you should check with your GP beforehand to ensure that it is safe for you to take. Fish oils can be hugely beneficial to your health, but in certain cases they may carry risks. The best advice from experts is to speak to your GP before you take supplements or increase your intake of fish oils to ensure that they’re safe for consumption. Once you’ve determined that they are safe for your diet, you can begin to add fish, nuts and seeds to your diet and begin enjoying the rewards to your health – namely better heart health, improved joints and overall wellbeing.

Categories: diet, Essential Oils, fatty acids, Fish, fish oil, fish oils, flax seeds, health, oils, Omega-3, plant sources

How to Eat Your Way to an Amazing, Acne-Free Complexion

You may want to look younger, but having spots like a greasy teenager probably wasn’t what you had in mind. Acne is a common problem, especially if you have oily skin, but there are ways in which your diet can help.

 

1. Pick up more protein: Your skin cells react and recover faster from infections with a high intake of protein, as these prevent the secretion of oil onto your skin. This hampers the main cause of acne, as well as causing your skin to replace old cells quickly and become more light and soft.

 

2. Choose the right kind of fats: You might think fats aggravate your skin problems, but in fact you need a 1:3 ratio of omega-3 and omega 6 fatty acids to help your brain work properly and also fight acne. For omega-3, turn to olive oil, flax seed oil, fresh salmon, etc., while you can get omega 6-fatty acids from beef, red chicken, all nuts and peanut butter.

 

3. Find your favourite fruits: No food is better than fruits for skin wellness. Try apples to gradually reduce acne, or apricots for the vitamin A, vitamin B complex and fibre you need to control and fight spots. Bananas are a known boost to anti-ageing wellness, as their high content of potassium acts against acne-causing bacteria, while cherries help to cleanse your blood, which is vital in suppressing spots and pimples. For vitamin A and C try cantaloupe melons, or else pick papaya and other citrus fruits.

 

4. Eat vital vegetables: A strong way to clean up acne is by eating raw vegetables, especially the key players. Carrot is beneficial as it contains vitamin A, carotene and magnesium, while the nutrients in cucumber (notably vitamin A and vitamin C) control your acne and enrich your skin tone. Spinach is a skin superstar, providing you with iron, vitamins A and K and antioxidants, and finally garlic can control your skin’s oil balance, so you might want to add it to dishes or even directly apply garlic juice to the spots themselves.

 

5. Choose acne-treating carbs: Carbohydrates have a huge impact on your body’s inflammation and the balance of your blood sugar. This means that the carbs you eat have to be suitable for acne; low-glycaemic carbohydrates. These carbs don’t exacerbate inflammation, so try to get your carbohydrate fix from beans, legumes, oats, barley and quinoa, and eat them along with protein to effectively treat your acne.

 

6. Make sure you get all your vitamins and minerals: We’ve touched on this with the fruits and vegetables sections, but vitamins and minerals are so vital to your skin health that it bears repeating. The essential vitamins for preventing acne are vitamins A, C, D and K, while your non-miss-able minerals include magnesium, potassium and zinc. The reason why these nutrients are so important is that they have the properties you need to fight against harmful bacteria, exfoliate your skin of any dry and nasty bits, act on those persistent pimples and eliminate the inflammation on any skin rashes you might have. You’ll probably get all the vitamins and minerals you need if you eat a decent amount of fruit and veg – especially those listed above – but if not, talk to your doctor about deficiencies and the possibility of vitamin and mineral supplements.

 

7. Limit your consumption of dairy and processed foods: Milk products antagonize your affected skin, because they are high in saturates animal fats. This means that they promote the growth of bacteria, and so you’ll never protect your wellbeing against acne. Processed foods likewise promote the growth of acne and skin problems, as these contain skin-harming preservatives.

Categories: acne, fatty acids, nbsp, processed foods, Protein, skin, skin problems, vitamin, vitamins, vitamins and minerals

How to Eat the Right Foods to Beat the Aging Process

Everyone wants to look younger these days, as evidenced by the fact that the US anti-aging product market is valued at around $80 billion. Some experts are now saying, however, that to look younger all you really have to do is improve your general wellness, and that that can be done solely through the food that you eat.

 

Many foods contain important nutrients that can boost your wellbeing and take years off your age. There are different types of foods and varying benefits, and we’ve identified some of the best ones for you, which can be eaten in pairs as follows.

 

Blueberries and yoghurt are both thought to be particularly beneficial, for example. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and are also believed to help prevent memory loss and to fight some degenerative diseases, such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Smothering your blueberries in yoghurt also keeps up your calcium levels, which helps keep your bones young and strong, and the good bacteria in live yoghurt also keeps your gut healthy and fights off age-related stomach problems.

 

Tomatoes and avocado can be paired together to make a nice salad which will help protect your skin from the sun and thus reduce sun damage and the aging effects of the sun. Vitamins C and A in tomatoes and E in avocados, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, help your body to repair itself and to live longer.

 

Garlic and fish also make a youthful combination. Garlic in particular helps to lower cholesterol and is an anti-oxidant. Fish, meanwhile, has been proved to reduce your risk of having a stroke and is packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

 

Oatmeal for breakfast gives you a great source of soluble fibre and helps to rid your body of bad cholesterol. Drinking a glass of orange juice on the side will help you to stock up on vitamin C and beta carotene and should give you lots of energy.

Categories: aging, blueberries, fatty acids, foods, helps, nbsp, skin, yoghurt