Ditch the Toxic Sunscreen; Use Coconut Oil Instead

Summer time is beach time, or at least poolside time. But if you want some protection form the sun’s UV rays, don’t always reach for toxic sunscreens. Instead, pack some extra virgin coconut oil along with your beach towel and umbrella.


That’s right, the same extra virgin coconut oil found in your kitchen pantry will do the trick to protect your skin – minus the toxicity from health-compromising ingredients. Coconut oil has been used as an effective sunscreen for thousands of years by indigenous, pacific islanders. Why slather toxic chemicals on your body when you can use non toxic coconut oil instead?


There are two types of UV (ultraviolet) rays from the sun: UVA and UVB. UVA rays are primarily responsible for skin damage from excessive sun exposure that can lead to cancer and skin aging. However, although UVB rays can also cause damage and sunburn, they are necessary for your body to produce its own cancer protective vitamin D via the skin.

Avoid Toxic Sunscreens

According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG) approximately 75% of commercial sunscreens contain toxic chemicals that are linked to cancer and disrupt hormones.
Store bought sunscreens typically contain:

• Retinyl palmitate, a known skin cancer hazard.

• Oxybenzone, which disrupts hormones leading to cell damage and cancer.

• Zinc and titanium nanoparticles are in colorless sun screen lotions.

Those and other chemicals rubbed on your skin are readily absorbed into your bloodstream and can be just as unhealthy and toxic as an oral dose.

The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) Hoax

An excerpt from a 2012 CNN article about sunscreens:

“The EWG said consumers should not purchase sunscreens with SPF greater than 50. SPF (sun protection factor) works by absorbing, reflecting or scattering the sun’s rays on the skin. It is very misleading to put high SPF numbers on labels because it gives consumers a false sense of security and doesn’t offer a lot more protection.”

While SPF 85 may sound like a lot more protection than SPF 30, the higher the number doesn’t always offer a higher return. Studies show that sunscreen with SPF 15 can block about 93% of all incoming UVB rays. SPF 30 blocks 97%. SPF 50 blocks 98%. The protective factors plateau from there.

“A product with SPF 100+ blocks about 99.1 percent of the UVB rays. You don’t really need a high number. They end up being expensive and don’t offer more protection than SPF 50. Keep in mind, SPF protects only against UVB rays.”

Coconut oil has an SPF of 10 which means 90% of beneficial vitamin D creating UBV rays are blocked. How many people know that SPF ratings do not indicate any protection from the highly damaging UVA rays?
Yet, the American Cancer Society advises to apply a generous amount of of toxic commercial sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure and minimally every two hours thereafter, reapplying after being in the water, sweating, and towel drying.

Choose Coconut Oil for Sunscreen Instead

Daily exposure to the sun is essential to your overall health; it’s the overexposure that could cause some issues. Sunshine exposure is the best way for your body to create health protecting vitamin D. To protect against sunburn, use a non-toxic sunscreen like coconut oil or opt for a low-risk, safe sunscreen that doesn’t contain health-compromising ingredients.
Bruce Fife, ND, author of Coconut Cures: Preventing and Treating Common Health Problems with Coconut Oil, explains that coconut oil applied on the skin protects against sunburn and cancer. Unlike sunscreen, unprocessed coconut oil doesn’t completely block the UVB rays that are necessary for vitamin D synthesis. It protects the skin and underlying tissues from damage excessive exposure can cause. Instead of burning or turning red, it produces a light tan, depending on the length of time you spend in the sun.
Fife asserts that “Consuming coconut oil also strengthens the skin and makes it more resilient and less prone to sunburn.” He warns against using hydrolyzed or processed oil. Just make sure the coconut oil is pure and not processed.


Source: http://naturalsociety.com/ditch-toxic-sunscreen-use-coconut-oil-instead/

Do Fish Oil Pills Really Work?

 

Two recent studies have indicated that fish oil capsules may not confer any benefits to the health-conscious.  Both studies looked at whether supplementing one’s diet with long-chain ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids resulted in a reduced rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD).  The studies found no significant protection against such diseases when compared to other types of dietary fat.

Dr. Rajiv Chowdhury, a cardiovascular epidemiologist at the University of Cambridge, stated that of the range of fats studied, only trans fats showed a clear negative effect on heart health.  Chowdhury co-authored the review published in the March 18^th Annals of Internal Medicine.

“Looking at the 17 randomized clinical trials that we combined, the majority of the trials, especially the more recent and large scale ones, showed consistently little or no significant effect on reducing coronary disease events,” Chowdhury said.

Additionally, saturated fats, considered unhealthy, posed no additional risks for heart disease according to Chowdhury.  They carried about the same cardiac risk as unsaturated fats, omega - 3 fatty acids and omega - 6 fatty acids.

The second study, published March 17^th in JAMA Internal Medicine came to the same conclusion although the study had originally been reviewing the use of omega – 3s for eye health.  Researchers, however, used the data to examine whether the supplements could also help prevent heart disease.

The Council for Responsible Nutrition, a trade association representing the diary supplement industry, released a statement calling the new reports “potentially irresponsible” and reproaching them for causing “nutritional guidance whiplash.”

 

Source Annals of Internal Medicine, JAMA Internal Medicine

Health Benefits of Cloves

Cloves are native to the Moluccas, formerly known as the Spice Islands of Indonesia. They have been consumed in Asia for more than 2,000 years. Arab traders brought cloves to Europe around the 4th century, although they did not come into widespread use until the Middle Ages when they became prized for their pungent flavor that served to mask the taste of poorly preserved foods. 

While for a long time, they were cultivated almost exclusively in Indonesia, today the leading clove-producing region is Zanzibar in Eastern Africa. In addition to these two regions, cloves are also grown commercially in the West Indies, Sri Lanka, Madagascar, India, Pemba and Brazil.

Health Benefits of cloves

This powerful plant can be used in myriad ways to heal the body. Along with other vitamins and minerals like vitamins C, K, and calcium, cloves can treat multiple diseases which are caused by a deficiency in nutrient dense foods – from cardiovascular problems, depression, and even cancer.

1) The active principles in the clove are known to have antioxidant, anti-septic, local anesthetic, anti-inflammatory, rubefacient (warming and soothing), carminative and anti-flatulent properties. The super spice also contains health benefiting essential oils such as eugenol. It is a phenyl-propanoids class of chemical compound, which gives pleasant, sweet aromatic fragrances to the clove-bud. 

2) Clove oil contains a chemical that may decrease pain. People use the oils, dried flower buds, leaves, and stems to make medicine.

3) Eugenol has local anesthetic and antiseptic properties, hence; useful in dental care essentials as well as in treatment procedures. Clove is applied directly to the gums (used topically) for toothache, for pain control during dental work, and for a complication of tooth extraction called “dry socket.”

4) The active principles in the clove may increase gut motility as well as improve the digestion power by increasing gastro-intestinal enzyme secretions. Thus, helps relieve indigestion and constipation problems.

5) Clove oil is also applied to the skin as a counterirritant for pain and for mouth and throat inflammation. 

6) Clove is used for upset stomach and as an expectorant. Expectorants make it easier to cough up phlegm. Clove oil is used for diarrhea, hernia, and bad breath. Clove and clove oil are used for intestinal gas, nausea, and vomiting.

7) The spice also contains a good amount of minerals like potassium, manganese, iron, selenium and magnesium. Potassium is an important electrolyte of cell and body fluids that helps control heart rate and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme,superoxide dismutase.

8) In combination with other ingredients, clove is also applied to the skin as part of a multi-ingredient product used to keep men from reaching orgasm too early (premature ejaculation).

9) In manufacturing, clove is used in toothpaste, soaps, cosmetics, perfumes, and cigarettes. Clove cigarettes, also called kreteks, generally contain 60% to 80% tobacco and 20% to 40% ground clove. Eugenol, one of the chemicals in clove, acts like menthol to reduce the harshness of tobacco smoke.

10) Further, the spice buds contain very good amounts of vitamin A and beta-carotene levels. These compounds are known to have antioxidant properties. Vitamin A is also required by the body for maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin in addition to essential for vision. Consumption of natural foods rich in flavonoids helps to protect the body from lung and oral cavity cancers.

11) Additionally, this spice is a good source of vitamin-K, vitamin-B6 (pyridoxine), thiamin (vitamin B-1),vitamin-C and riboflavin. Consumption of foods rich in vitamin C helps the body develop resistance against infectious agents and scavenge harmful oxygen-free radicals.

12) Eugenol also has been found to reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics, but further detailed studies required to establish its benefits.

13) It is a good remedy for treating morning sickness. Take around ten grains of cloves, mix them with tamarind and palm sugar and make it into a nice mixture using water. Drink this solution twice a day as an effective treatment.

14) Common cold can be treated effectively by drinking a lukewarm mixture made with ten drops of clove oil and honey. Drink it twice or thrice a day.

15) The essential volatile oils functions as a rubefacient, meaning that it irritates the skin and expands the blood vessels, increasing the flow of blood to make the skin feel warmer, making it a popular home remedy for arthritis and sore muscles, used either as a poultice or in hot baths.

16) Cloves and clove oil when taken together can provide relief from Nausea.

17) Clove is mixed with water and used in the preparation of tea to overcome flatulence.

18) Clove is also an aphrodisiac and its fragrance eliminates exhaustion and fatigue related thoughts. It thus soothes the senses and relieves stress in the body. Mix cloves with basil, mint and cardamom in water to make a flavoured tea. Take this along with honey to provide you relief from stress.

19) It is also thought to have natural anti-parasite (kills intestinal worms) function.

 20) In foods and beverages, clove is used as a flavoring. Its seasoning capabilities make it very easy to blend in many dishes, beverages and desserts. It helps to provide strong flavour and aroma to the food.

Health Benefits of Mint

Health Benefits Of Mint:

1) Relieves Indigestion 
Mint is said to be a very good remedy for upset stomach and other associated signs like vomiting, nausea, excess gas, acid indigestion and bloating. Mint is packed with antioxidants and phytonurients that do wonders for your stomach. The menthol present in Mint helps the enzymes necessary for digestion and helps the process along, by acting on the smooth muscles of the stomach. These muscles when activated work more efficiently relieving indigestion. It is also known to calm stomach cramps, help beat acidity and gets rid of flatulence.

2) Potential anti cancer agent
Mint has a potent phytochemical that can prevent various types of cancers. Called perillyl alcohol, In animal research studies this phytonutrient has been shown to stop the growth of pancreatic, mammary, and liver tumors. It has also been shown to protect against cancer formation in the colon, skin, and lungs. Its benefits in this particular area are still under the scanner when it comes to humans.

3) Gives you smooth glowing skin
The strong antioxidants present in mint leaves, gives your skin a natural glow and re-hydrate dull and dry skin. Mint has a high content of salicylic acid which helps prevent pimples, blemishes and even helps get rid of blackheads. Juice from Mint leaves act as anti-pruritic agent and has the ability to soothe and calm an itchy or infected skin. 

Also the high content of salicylic acid, which is found naturally in mint, is an active ingredient used in many skin care products, it plays a helpful role in treating acne inflammations. The acid loosens up dead skin cells, allowing them to shed easier, thus preventing your pores from clogging up and resulting in fewer pimples and clearer skin.

Mint oil, however, has served as a natural astringent, and people have used it to treat pimples, wounds and rashes for a long time. You can even use it to help heal bites from mosquitoes, wasps and bees. Because mint contains vitamin A, it may strengthen skin tissue and help reduce oily skin.

4) Helps fight oral infection.
Mint leaves are packed with anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. That is why they are so great to for your oral health. It kills bacteria in the mouth preventing tooth decay, beats bad breath and keeps your tongue and teeth clean naturally. Just chew on a few leaves on mint regularly to keep dental diseases at bay.

5) Helps relieve the pain associated with menstrual cramps
Since mint leaves purify the blood and have an anti-spasmodic effect on the soothe muscles of our body, it is a great remedy to relieve the pain of menstrual cramps. It also relieves nausea associated with the condition. Just brew a hot cup of mint tea and sip it several times through the day. It will make you feel calmer and soother your uterus too. 

6) Helps in Irritable Bowel Syndrome
According to Ayurveda practitioners, it is also very beneficial for patients suffering from IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). It helps the muscles in the stomach relax and promotes overall digestion. Drink a cup of pudina tea after every meal by either boiling the leaves along with a few green tea leaves or on their own for maximum benefits. 

7) Boost Immmunity
Mint leaves are packed with nutrients such as calcium, phosphorous, vitamin C, D, E and small amounts of vitamin B complex. All these compounds put together improves the body’s immune system, keeping it safe from infections and inflammation.

8) Beats stress and depression
In aromatherapy mint extract is used to beat stress and rejuvenate the mind. Breathing in the fumes of mint helps relax the body and calm the mind, freeing it of stress. It releases a small amount of serotonin in the brain that also helps beat depression. If you are feeling low, add a little mint leaves or mint extract to your bath water, or use mint extract on a vaporizer to get some relief.

9) Helps relieve cough and respiratory disorders
The strong aroma of mint is very effective in clearing up congestion of the nose, throat, bronchi and lungs, which gives relief for respiratory disorders that often result from asthma and the common cold. As mint cools and soothes the throat, nose and other respiratory channels, it relieves the irritation which causes chronic coughing. Mint has a very strong aroma which helps open up the airways and allows relaxed breathing. It is also an expectorant and helps the expulsion of phlegm, allowing the patient recover faster. Its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help relieve inflammation along the respiratory tract. 

10) Helps in Asthama
In case of asthmatic patients, put one drop of mint extract in warm water and inhale the fumes through the mouth and push out the steam through your nose. This way mint extract passes through your throat and nose relieving both the areas. According to Ayurvedic doctors, simply planting a mint plant outside the window of an asthma patient will help keep the diseases at bay.

Besides these major health benefits mint is widely used for industrial purposes like ice-cream and chocolates and chewing gums, beverages, cosmetics, medicines, inhalers and breath fresheners, it is also used as a condiment and a decorative item in culinary preparation around the world. Drinks and foods containing mint cool you off in the summer, and it is often included in summer cocktails for a refreshing burst of flavor. 

Get Rid of Blackheads and Whiteheads Naturally

Maintaining a clear and beautiful skin, takes time, consistency and effort. Dermatologist may recommend lots of products, but some of them can be expensive and may actually take a long time to work. You can, however, incorporate some home remedies for blackheads and whiteheads into your daily beauty regimen and in a few weeks, you will experience a drastic reduction or even total elimination of the problem.

Remember – Be gentle to your skin. Never pinch, scrape, poke, press, or squeeze too hard!

Expose your black heads and whiteheads to steam. The heat from the steam produced by boiling water will help open up your pores and release the dirt and oil backed up inside. Once you remove that bacteria, your black heads and white heads will heal much faster. 

Boil water and pour into a shallow bowl. Place your face over the bowl, putting a towel over your head to trap the steam. Stay there for about ten minutes, then immeditaly wash your face with a mild soap to remove the dirt and oil you just released. You can also expose your black heads and white heads to a steam room or the steam created by a hot shower

Get the right medication. Your dermatologist can prescribe a medication that will be stronger than exposing your skin to steam. The Cleveland Clinic says medications containing retinoids will help kill the oil and bacteria trapped inside your white heads and black heads.

Use aloe vera to get rid of your white heads and black heads. Aloe vera contains an ingredient that can calm down the swelling of your acne and speed up the healing process. Either use the juice from an aloe vera plant or buy aloe vera gel at the store. Rub the gel or juice into your black heads and white heads with your hand or a cotton ball and let it evaporate into your skin.

You can try an extractor on your white heads and black heads. An extractor is a tool that looks like a scissors but has loops on both ends. Place those loops around your black heads or white heads and gently squeeze until the dirt and oil oozes out of your skin. Make sure you correctly clean the extractor first with a sanitizer or boiling water. You may visit an esthetician for the treatment as improper use of the extractor can cause scarring.

Maintaining a clear and beautiful skin, takes time, consistency and effort. Dermatologist may recommend lots of products, but some of them can be expensive and may actually take a long time to work. 

You can, however, incorporate some home remedies for blackheads and whiteheads into your daily beauty regimen and in a few weeks, you will experience a drastic reduction or even total elimination of the problem.

● Toothpaste – Toothpaste is an effective blackhead and whitehead remover. Apply a thin paste to your infected areas and let it sit on your face for at least 25 minutes. You will probably feel a burning sensation when you apply the toothpaste, but this is normal and will pass. Once you remove the toothpaste, the top of your blackheads and whiteheads will disappear, but you still need to thoroughly wash your face to remove the buildup underneath. Repeat this home remedy every other day for two weeks.

● Almond or oatmeal – Mix either oatmeal or almond powder with just enough rose water to make a spreadable paste. Apply it to your problem areas with your fingertips first and then apply it to the rest of your face. Let it set for about 15 minutes and then rinse your face with cold water.

● Rice – Soak rice in milk for 5 hours and then grind this in a blender until it is paste-like in consistency. Use the paste as a scrub on affected areas of the body.

● Potatoes – Grate raw potatoes and then rub the area with the mixture. Wash it off after 15 minutes.

● Fenugreek leaves – Crush some fenugreek leaves and mix with water to form a paste. Put this on the face for 15 minutes and then remove it. Do this every night to keep your face free of blackheads.

● Coriander leaves – Mix some coriander leaves and a little turmeric powder with water and form a paste. Use this as a mask to eliminate blackheads.

● Oatmeal -Grind oatmeal into a powder in a blender and then add some rose water. Use this on affected areas for 15 minutes and then wash it off with cold water.

● Baking soda – Prepare a mixture of equal parts of baking soda and water and rub it onto your face or other body areas prone to blackheads. Leave it on for 15 minutes and then rinse it off with warm water.

● Honey - is also good for removing blackheads. Spread honey on the affected area and remove it after 15 minutes

● Tomato – Tomatoes have natural antiseptic properties that dry up whiteheads and blackheads. Peel and mash a small tomato. Apply the tomato pulp to your blackheads and whiteheads before going to bed. Leave the tomato pulp on your face while you sleep and then wash your face in warm water in the morning.

● Lemon -Wash your face in warm water. Then, squeeze the juice of one lemon into a bowl. Add in a pinch of salt and stir the mixture. Apply the mixture to your blackheads and whiteheads. Leave the mixture on for approximately 20 minutes and then wash your face with warm water again.

● Lime – You can also use equal parts of lime juice and cinnamon powder and apply this mixture to blackheads. Leave it on overnight and rinse it off in the morning

● Cornstarch – Mix about a three-to-one cornstarch to vinegar ratio into a paste. Apply it to your problem areas and let sit for 15 to 30 minutes. Remove the paste with warm water and a washcloth.

● Yogurt - Mix three tablespoons of plain yogurt with two tablespoons of oatmeal. Add one teaspoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of lemon juice to the mixture. Stir the mixture thoroughly and apply it to the effective area of the face. Let the mixture sit for five to seven minutes then rinse off with cold water.

Health Benefits of Drinking Coconut Water

Everyone’s heard about coconut milk, but can you name the benefits of coconut water? Did you know that coconut water is the purest liquid second only to water itself?  It’s chock full of electrolytes, calcium, potassium, magnesium; everything that is good for you!
Coconut water is the liquid that is taken from unripe coconuts. If coconuts get ripe the liquid that is inside will harden and become a part of the white flesh of the coconut, which is used to make coconut milk. So, picking the coconut while it is unripe will ensure that the body gets all the benefits of coconut water.

Health benefits of coconut water:
Coconut water is very beneficial after a bout of diarrhoea, as it replaces fluid loss. It is rich in amino acids, enzymes, dietary fibre, vitamin C and minerals such as potassium, magnesium and manganese; at the same time it is low in cholesterol and chlorides. This fluid is ideal to maintain body fluids when a person gets dehydrated. 

Coconut water contains a good amount of electrolyte potassium, thus it can replenish the electrolyte composition in body fluids. Coconut water was used as a “universal donor”, making it identical to human blood plasma. It was used in the Pacific War to save thousands of lives through Coconut IV’s, and emergency plasma transfusions.

A study published in the American Journal of Emergency Medicine suggested that coconut water can be successfully used as a short term intravenous hydration fluid for hydration and resuscitation of critically ill patients in the remote regions of the world where medical resources are not available. Other health benefits are as under.

Quick energy boost
Abundant in vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, Coconut Water makes a wonderful energy drink. In particular, coconut water has less sugar and sodium content compared to most sports drinks, while packing more Potassium, Calcium, and Chloride, which makes it a better choice to rehydrate, replenish and boost the body's energy levels after any strenuous activity or workout. 

Weight Loss
Coconut water is a natural electrolyte and isotonic beverage which help increase the body's metabolism. Therefore, it can greatly benefit people who are struggling with weight issues. Drinking coconut water helps a person to lose weight as it is low in fat and it keeps a person feeling full. It also reduces food cravings.

Useful in aging spots, wrinkles, and other skin problems
Researchers have found that Cytokinins help regulate the cell growth and their divisions. Coconut Water contains these cytokinins and lauric acid which can minimize the aging of skin cells, balance PH levels, and keep the connective tissues strong and hydrated. Therefore, simply applying ccoconut water onto affected skin areas every night before going to bed may help with acne, age spots, wrinkles, stretch marks, cellulite, and eczema. Within two to three weeks, it clears up the skin.

Cardiovascular health
Coconut water promotes health as it is rich in potassium and it also helps to reduce the risk of hypertension and strokes. According to researchers, individuals with high blood pressure usually have low potassium levels. Therefore, drinking coconut water on a regular basis can be quite effective at regulating blood pressure. 

There are several animal studies suggesting coconut water can lower cholesterol and blood pressure, but this research is too preliminary to make claims about it’. But they do agree that coconut water may be a healthier option as compared with other beverages. Similarly, some recent studies have found that coconut water can help increase HDL (good) cholesterol, which makes it a wonderful natural treatment for maintaining good cardiovascular health.

Dehydration
Rich in Potassium and other minerals, Coconut Water helps to regulate our internal fluids and replenish and rehydrate the body. It has been used to treat dehydration caused by dysentery, cholera, diarrhea and stomach flu, and the electrolyte balance and plasma in coconut water has been found to be similar to that of human blood. 

Therefore, drinking one cup of Coconut Water twice daily during digestive tract abnormalities, hot temperatures, and after strenuous workouts can help rehydrate the body quickly.

Good in diabetes 
It is good for diabetics as it is good in nutrients required by diabetics to keep their sugar levels in control.

Anti viral
If you are suffering from flu or herpes due to some type of viral attack on your body, drinking coconut water is very beneficial as it has anti viral and anti bacterial properties.

Reduces the risk of kidney stones 
Due to the minerals, potassium and magnesium, present in coconut water the risk of kidney stones is greatly reduced.

Amazing Benefits of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil can provide benefits to your skin, can relieve stress, can boost your immune system, improve your heart health, help in kidney problems, maintain your cholesterol level, help in weight loss, regulates your blood pressure, helps in HIV and diabetes, improves your digestion and can regulate you metabolism. 

These overall health benefits are due to antimicrobial, antibacterial, anti-fungal and strong antioxidant properties of coconut oil which contains lauric, capric and caprylic MCFA's (Medium Chain Fatty Acids).  MCFA's doesn't require any bile or pancreatic enzymes for digestion and are directly sent to the liver for digestion providing instant energy to your body. 

More than 90% of coconut oil is saturated fat, but don't panic most of them are medium chain triglycerides which assimilate well in body's system a completely different form of saturated fat. Lauric acid is the main content contributing upto 40% of the composition other contents include capric acid, caprylic acid, myristic acid and palmitic acid.

If you are still concerned about saturated fats and believe that coconut oil can cause heart problems, you are wrong in fact if you search through medical literature and medical research studies you will find that coconut oil, in one form or another, was used in hospital IV solutions, it was added to infant formula, and used in anti-candida medications. You will also learn that it was recommended for those with digestive concerns, such as premature infants and cystic fibrosis patients, and that it could help prevent a wide variety of health problems ranging from cancer and diabetes to influenza and AIDS. This is the reality. 

The statement you see time and time again that "coconut oil is a saturated fat and causes heart disease" is false. The statement is never backed by scientific evidence by its authors. You can find the same statement circulating in all the so called health books, magazines and articles, the authors just repeated the statement on and on, which some one else had said to them earlier.

What the hell is the truth?
Once coconut oil was very popular in west also but lost its popularity because of false propaganda earlier. In 1950s it was observed that some saturated fats may tend to raise blood cholesterol. Since high cholesterol levels were considered a risk factor for heart disease doctors were recommending that we reduce our saturated fat intake. 

The vegetable oil industry used this idea very aggressively in order to influence people to use vegetable oil in place of saturated fats. Since the tropical oils (coconut and palm) were highly saturated they were viewed as being unhealthy and even causing heart disease, even though no study had ever shown it.   

Up until the mid-1980s coconut oil was commonly used in many foods. The anti-saturated fat campaigns sponsored by the soybean industry and misguided special interest groups succeeded in frightening the public away from using coconut oil and food manufacturers and restaurants eventually replaced it with hydrogenated soybean oil. By 1990 coconut had virtually disappeared from American and European diets.

So, as a result we'd be seeing less heart related problems, but the truth is that, Heart related problems increased drastically since peoples in west eliminated coconut oil from their diets. 

In fact there were no heart specialists and cardiology doesn't even existed before 1940's. As peoples neglected coconut oil and other saturated fats from there diets and all the so called health experts convinced peoples to eat a low fat diet whole grain diet low in saturated fats, in result we got a new medical field cardiology and heart experts are grown up everywhere like mushrooms and today "coronary heart disease and related heart problems are the no. 1 cause of deaths in USA and western culture" 

However coconut oil is used in India and other tropical countries like Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand extensively. Peoples in these countries have a less sedentary lifestyle and live in difficult conditions but they have less instances of heart disease and an even lower rate for cancer. So, some saturated fats are necessary for our body cell functions and growth some fats like coconut oil which contain high amounts of lauric acid which is converted in to monolaurin by our body which fights with bacteria and viruses that cause disease. 

Lets have a look at some of the remarkable health benefits coconut oil can provide you.    
Health benefits of Coconut Oil

1. Unique combination of nutrients.
Coconut oil contains a lot of MCFA's (medium chain fatty acids) which have powerful medicinal properties. These medium chain triglycerides go directly to the liver where they are used as a source of energy or converted in to ketone bodies which have therapeutic effects on some of the health disorders, that's why "The peoples who eat a lot of coconut products are the healthiest peoples on the planet".

2. Hair care
Coconut oil contains best natural nutrients to take care of your hairs. Coconut oil is used extensively in Indian sub-continent for hair care. Peoples here apply coconut oil tropically, coconut oil is an excellent conditioner, it provides better protection to hair against dandruff, lice, lice eggs and hygral damage. Coconut oil provides essential proteins required for good nourishment and regrowth of damaged hairs.

3. Help in Heart Health
Coconut oil is good for you heart health. It contains about 50% of lauric acid which helps to reduces bad cholesterol and high blood pressure providing support in your heart health.

4. Skin care
Coconut oil is used as a base ingredient in various types of skin care and anti aging products due to its strong antioxidant properties. Coconut oil is an excellent moisturizer for your skin. When applied tropically it prevents dryness and flaking without any side effects. It also delays wrinkle formations and sagging of skin and helps in anti aging solutions. It also helps in treating various skin infections like posariasis, dermititis and eczema etc.

5. Immunity booster
Coconut oil strengthens your immune system as it contains strong antioxidants and nutrients which have antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. Almost 50% of coconut oil is lauric acid, your body converts lauric acid into monolaurin which research has supported as an effective way to deal with viruses and bacteria that cause diseases like herpes, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and even HIV. Coconut oil helps in fighting harmful bacteria and increases your immunity.

6. Helps in weight loss

Coconut oil can help you lose weight in long run. It contains medium chain triglycerides which have a different effect on your body. It increases metabolic rate of your body by increasing energy expenditure. To lose weight you have to expend more calories than you consume right. Also, the MCFA's in coconut oil can significantly reduce your appetite making you feel fuller and consume less calories. 

7. Helps in proper digestion.
The saturated fats present in coconut oil have antimicrobial properties and help in dealing with various bacteria, fungi, and parasites that can cause indigestion. It helps to improve the digestion system by facilitating proper absorption of vitamins and minerals from food. It helps in IBS.

8. Helps to cure candida

Coconut oil has been shown to provide relief from candida, it relives inflammation caused by candida and helps to recover from symptoms of candida. Candida, also known as Systemic Candidiasis, is a tragic disease caused from excessive and uncontrolled growth of yeast called Candida Albicans in the stomach. This yeast is more or less present in everyone’s stomach, but it doesn’t manifest any adverse effects since its growth is controlled by the beneficial bacteria which also resides in our stomach.

9. Liver health

The presence of medium chain triglycerides and fatty acids helps in preventing liver diseases because those substances are easily converted into energy when they reach the liver, thus reducing the work load of the liver and also preventing accumulation of fat.

10. Stress relief

Coconut oil is very soothing and hence it helps in removing stress. Applying coconut oil to the head, followed by a gentle massage, helps to eliminate mental fatigue.

11. Diabetes

Coconut oil helps in controlling blood sugar, and improves the secretion of insulin. It also promotes the effective utilization of blood glucose, thereby preventing and treating diabetes.

12. Kidney

Coconut oil helps in preventing kidney and gall bladder diseases. It also helps to dissolve kidney stones.

13. Dental care

Believe it or not, a spoonful of coconut oil can clean your teeth more thoroughly than rushing, flossing, and gargling with antiseptic mouthwash. In addition, it will help prevent tooth decay better than fluoride, without the toxic side effects.

Just put a spoonful of coconut oil into your mouth and swish it around for a period of 15 to 20 minutes. The coconut oil is “worked” in the mouth by pushing, pulling, and sucking it through the teeth. As you work the oil, it sucks up bacteria, toxins, pus, and mucous. Don’t swallow it! When you are finished pulling, spit it into the trash. (This is called oil pulling)

14. HIV and cancer

It is believed that coconut oil plays an instrumental role in reducing a person’s viral susceptibility for HIV and cancer patients. Preliminary research has shown an indication of this effect of coconut oil on reducing the viral load of HIV patients.

Finally, Good for over all health 

Coconut oil is often used by athletes, body builders and by those who are dieting. The reason behind this being that coconut oil contains less calories than other oils, its fat content is easily converted into energy, and it does not lead to accumulation of fat in the heart and arteries. Coconut oil helps boost energy and endurance, and generally enhances the performance of athletes.

1 in every 3 persons in the world is using coconut oil. If you haven't started yet, you can use coconut oil in many different ways like in cooking, as skin lotion, massage oil, try in smooties and snacks. 

Where to buy  
It is easily available in all grocery store all over the world. But if can't find one you can always buy online. 

10 Amazing Benefits of Pink (Himalayan) Salt

By Amanda Ennett

Imagine everyone sitting down for a big family feast. The best china set gently upon silk cloth, crystals brimming with fresh apple-cinnamon-ginger juice. An array of baked, steamed and sautéed vegetables decorate the table. Suddenly Grandma reaches for the salt, startled she rears back and exclaims, “Why is the salt PINK?!”

                     

Origins

The Himalayan mountain range stretches across Asia passing through China, Nepal, Myanmar, Pakistan, Bhutan, Afghanistan, and India. Most people associate the Himalayans with Mount Everest, the highest peak on this planet, but here is something new to think about- salt.

Once upon a time (a couple of hundreds of millions of years ago) crystallized sea salt beds, now deep within the Himalayans, were covered by lava. Aside from being kept it in a pristine environment that has been surrounded by snow and ice year round, the lava is thought to have protected the salt from modern-day pollution leading to the belief that Himalayan Pink salt is the purest salt to be found on earth. It is now hand-mined from the mountains and brought to the culinary market.

Why Pink? 

The many hues of pink, red and white are an indication of this salt’s rich and varying mineral and energy-rich iron content.

Benefits

In the same manner that vitamins and minerals are perfectly packaged in fruits and vegetables, because this salt was formed naturally the minerals within the sodium work in synergy.

(Synergy is the interaction of multiple elements in a system to produce an effect different from or greater than the sum of their individual effects.)

Iodine- Natural salts are rich in iodine, so it doesn’t need to be artificially added in.

Less sodium consumed per serving- Himalayan salt is made of the same components as table salt but since the crystal structure is larger than refined salt, and by volume- this salt therefore has LESS sodium per 1/4 t. serving- because the sea salt crystals or flakes take up less room on a teaspoon than highly refined tiny table salt grains.

Packs a hearty 80+ minerals and elements- Himalayan salts are mineral packed crystals which formed naturally within the earth made up of 85.62% sodium chloride and 14.38% other trace minerals including: sulphate, magnesium, calcium, potassium, bicarbonate, bromide, borate, strontium, and fluoride (in descending order of quantity).

Because of these minerals Himalayan pink salt can:

• Create an electrolyte balance
• Increases hydration
• Regulate water content both inside and outside of cells
• Balance pH (alkaline/acidity) and help to reduce acid reflux
• Prevent muscle cramping
• Aid in proper metabolism functioning
• Strengthen bones
• Lower blood pressure
• Help the intestines absorb nutrients
• Prevent goiters
• Improve circulation
• Dissolve and eliminate sediment to remove toxins

It is even said to support libido, reduce the signs of aging, and detoxify the body from heavy metals.

Pink Salt vs. Sea Salt

Even though pink salts come from the mountains, they are technically sea salts as well. All salt comes from a salted body of water—namely, an ocean or salt-water lake. However, Himalayan salt is said to be the purest form of sea salt.

Why Table Salt is Inferior

Commercial refined salt is not only stripped of all its minerals, besides sodium and chloride, but is also chemically cleaned, bleached and heated at unnecessary high temperatures.

In addition, it is treated with anti-caking agents which prevent salt from mixing with water in the salt container. These agents also prevent dissolving within our system leading to build up and then deposit in organs and tissue, causing severe health problems.

Finally, the iodine that is added into salt is usually synthetic which is difficult for your body to process properly. Shockingly under U.S. law, up to 2% of table salt can be additives.

The Many Uses of Pink Salt

Cooking and curing- use pre-ground salt or grinders like any other salt.

Salt Slabs- used as serving platters, the slabs will impart an enhanced salt taste and mineral content. Chilled: decorate with fruits, sushi, vegetables or cheese. Frozen: present cold desserts and even sorbets. Heated: use the slabs to sear vegetables, shrimp, fish fillets or thinly sliced beef or even to fry an egg. The dense salt blocks conduct heat beautifully with near perfect heat distribution.

Best of all, Himalayan salt is naturally anti-microbial, so clean up requires just a quick scrub or rinse.

Decoration- use the salts in containers, as décor crystals and sprinkled on food for presentation.

Bathing- throw in the tub for a detoxifying Himalayan salt bath. The replenishing nutrients stimulate circulation and soothe sore muscles. Naturally rich in 80+ nourishing and skin-replenishing minerals, bathing with pink bath salt is a healing and therapeutic experience for mind and body.

Potpourri Holders and Essential Oil Diffusers- many on-line sites sell beautiful home décor featuring the pink salt as crystal rocks.

Air purification- crystal rock lamps for air purification are also found and sold on-line.

Hopefully now you will not be as shocked as Grandma when you reach for the salt shaker and find pink crystals staring back at you!

If you eat meat, brining should be in your bag of tools. Brining makes meat very juice and succulent! Here’s is an extremely simple recipe for it.

Basic low sodium brine for pork and poultry. (Brine will work for up to 8 lbs. of protein.)

Ingredients

• 1 gallon water
• 3 ounces sea salt
• 3 ounces sugar (optional)
• 1 Tbsp. citrus zest (lemon, lime or orange – optional)

Instructions

• Add the salt, sugar and other aromatics to a pot and bring the water to a simmer until the salt and sugar have dissolved.
• Remove the pot from the heat and chill before using the brine.
• Let your protein brine for 6 hours.
• Drain the protein, and let it rest and air dry in fridge for 2 hours.
• Roast, broil or grill as you would!

Source: Amanda Ennett - FitLife.tv

Grapefruit Juice: Can It Be Dangerous?

 

Rich in vitamins and minerals and a great source of potassium, pouring oneself a glass of grapefruit juice can often be considered a healthy move.  However, a 20-year old study discovered that the interaction between grapefruit juice and specific medications can have serious consequences.  Now, doctors say, the list of possibly serious drug reactions has only grown larger.

According to Katherine Zeratsky, registered dietitian, problems arise because the chemicals in the fruit can interfere with the enzymes that break down (metabolize) the medication in your digestive system.  This results in medication not staying in your body long enough to have an effect or, possibly worse, staying in your body too long, increasing to potentially dangerous levels and causing serious side effects.

The number of drugs that have the potential to interact with grapefruit juice has jumped to 85 and includes commonly prescribed medicines that fight infections, reduce cholesterol, treat high blood pressure and treat heart problems.  Others include medications to fight cancer or suppress the immune system in people who have received an organ transplant.

David Bailey, the clinical pharmacist who first discovered the dangerous interaction, states, “Taking one tablet with a glass of grapefruit juice is like taking 20 with a glass of water.  This is unintentional overdosing.  So it’s not surprising that these levels go from what we call therapeutic to toxic.”

A recent article in the Canadian Medical Journal, titled “Grapefruit medication interactions: forbidden fruit or avoidable consequences?” underlined these problems and added that the interaction can happen even if the grapefruit juice was ingested hours before taking the drug.

The fundamental warning was this: if you are getting a new prescription, check with your doctor or pharmacist to find out if it interacts with any foods or other medicines.  If you drink grapefruit juice, there’s a good chance it does.
 

Source:  Canadian Medical Journal

Yoga May Help Breast Cancer Patients

A new study reveals that women with breast cancer who practiced yoga had lower levels of stress hormones and also reported less fatigue and a better quality of life.

The study was published on March 3rd in the online edition of the Journal of Clinical Oncology. 

Study co-author Lorenzo Cohen, director of the integrative medicine program at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, in Houston stated, "Yoga is having an impact on subjective well-being, as well as better regulation of cortisol, a stress hormone.  Better regulation of stress hormones has been linked with better survival and longer survival."

This is the first study to compare a yoga group to a control group and the largest study so far.  It supports the data from previous smaller studies.  160 women who were in therapy with breast cancer were assigned to either do yoga or stretching three times a week for an hour each session.  These two groups were compared to a control group that did not receive such instructions.

The women in the study reported on such factors as quality of life, depression, and ability to function daily. Saliva samples were taken at intervals so that cortisol levels could be measured.

Another takeaway from the study is that recommending exercise to a patient who is already fatigued may sound counter-intuitive, but is in fact beneficial.

Dr. Joanne Mortimer, director of women's cancer programs and co-director of the breast cancer program at City of Hope Cancer Center in Duarte, California adds, "This study supports that the more you do, the better off you are."

Source: Journal of Clinical Oncology 

Don’t Drown: Water Won’t Sink Your Fat.

 

It’s common enough to be deluged by information when attempting weight-loss, and one piece of oft-heard advice is to drink a lot of water.  There’s no evidence for it according to Beth Kitchin, an assistant professor of nutrition sciences at the University of Alabama.   “I’m not saying drinking water isn’t good,” Kitchin says, “but only one study showed people who drank more water burned a few extra calories, and it was only a couple of extra calories a day.”

Kitchin adds another water myth to the junk pile: the advice to drink eight 8-ounce glasses a day.

“Yes, people do need to get fluids, but it does not have to be water,” Kitchin said.  “There’s no evidence that it melts away fat.”

Certainly water is the best hydrator, but fluid replacement can take many forms, even coffee and other caffeinated beverages hydrate.  “When you drink coffee, your body is retaining much of that fluid – especially for people who are habituated to drinking caffeine, as the body adapts, resulting in a reduced loss of fluids.”

Kitchin also addressed a belief that the temperature of drinking water has a beneficial fat-loss effect.

“You will hear that ice-cold water helps burn extra calories,” Kitchin said.  “While there may be a few extra calories lost, it won’t be nearly enough to make a dent in your weight-loss endeavours.”

Kitchin added that the consumption of fewer calories is the only proven way to lose pounds.  She also recommended that people eat more fruit, vegetables and soups, food items that have a high water content, maybe even enough to tear you away from the tap.

Source:  University of Alabama News Release           

Shed Calories or Gain Muscle: Which Contributes to Longer Life?

Body mass index, or BMI, is often measured by physicians to monitor a patient’s need for exercise, and if a patient’s BMI points towards obesity, exercise is usually prescribed to shed extra pounds.  However, while obesity presents a variety of health challenges, a new long-term study has revealed that muscle mass is a vastly more accurate indicator of longevity.

Researchers from U.C.L.A. have just concluded a long-term study of 3,600 seniors over the course of 10 years.  The researchers focussed on subject mortality rates and used both BMI and muscle mass in an attempt to predict chances of death.  Their study, appearing in The American Journal of Medicine, revealed that BMI did rather poorly as a prediction tool.  Rather it was muscle mass that proved a reliable indicator.

Although the researchers could not conclusively establish a cause-and-effect relationship between muscle mass and survival they did assert its importance as a predictor of risk of death.  Study author Preethi Srikanthan, of U.C.L.A. had this to add: “Get up and start moving.  Focus on trying to maintain the maximum amount of resistance training that you can, and stop worrying so much about dropping calories.”

In other words, share a little time between the treadmill and the barbell; a stronger life might just be a longer life.         

Source:  The American Journal of Medicine