When you think about health foods, how often do you consider chocolate?

Fortunately, dark chocolate is a superfood! When you consume the right type of dark chocolate, you can look forward to surprising benefits, like boosting your antioxidants, lowering blood pressure and even reducing your risk of cancer.

Read on to discover the surprising benefits of dark chocolate, as well as what type you should be eating.

Dark Chocolate: A Sacred Food with Healing Benefits

Throughout history, dark chocolate (or cacao, as it’s called before being made into a chocolate bar) has been hailed as a health tonic. This is especially true throughout Mesoamerican cultures, who held the belief that the cacao bean was a sacred food handed down by the gods to provide stamina, heal numerous diseases, and reduce fatigue (1).

In fact, the effects of cacao were thought to be so powerful that consumption was reserved specifically for priests, high government officials, military officers and great warriors. It was considered unsuitable for women, children, and the lower classes due to its potency.

What exactly is it about dark chocolate that makes it such a cherished health food? Let’s dive into the research-backed facts behind its benefits.

8 Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate

Many of dark chocolate’s surprising benefits stem from its potent antioxidant compounds epicatechin, catechin, and procyanidins, along with flavonoids and polyphenols. These antioxidants are responsible for putting a halt to DNA damage, reducing inflammation, regulating glucose levels, slowing aging, and more.

Read on to see just how powerful they are in dark chocolate.

1. Lowers Blood Pressure and Improves Heart Health

Not only does dark chocolate make you feel similar to being in love (okay, maybe not that good), but it has major benefits for your heart and blood pressure levels.

Studies show that the compound prostacyclin in dark chocolate is able to help lower blood pressure by increasing vasodilation, the opening and loosening of your arteries and blood vessels (2). In addition, another study revealed that higher chocolate intake is associated with a lower risk of future cardiovascular events (3).

The Kuna Indians of the San Blas islands of Panama, who drink roughly three cups of a cacao beverage daily and have a very low prevalence of hypertension, myocardial infarction and stroke compared to those on the mainland, are a good example of chocolate’s benefits at work. In addition, studies have found that their blood pressure doesn’t rise with age (4).

2. Fights Aging

As we mentioned earlier, dark chocolate is loaded with antioxidant compounds that help fight the DNA damage that causes aging symptoms like wrinkles, graying hair, and disease. In fact, research shows that just a single serving of cacao contains more phenolic antioxidants than most foods and more antioxidants than many Americans get on average per day (5).

Research also shows that the polyphenols and flavonoids in dark chocolate can help protect your skin from UV damage, which is a huge factor in preventing skin aging (6).

3. Reduces Cholesterol

Alongside lowering blood pressure and improving heart health, dark chocolate also has a few cholesterol-lowering tricks up its sleeve. Studies have shown that just one week of dark chocolate consumption was enough to improve lipid profiles and decrease platelet reactivity for both men and women (7). This may be due to the fact that the cocoa butter in dark chocolate contains some of the same heart-healthy fatty acids found in olive oil.

4. Improves Brain Function

Dark chocolate has been studied for its ability to boost cognitive function by improving cerebral blood flow, thanks in part to its high flavanol content. One study showed that the intake of flavonoid-rich foods, including chocolate, wine and tea, results in improved cognitive performance, especially in elderly participants.

Another study out of Italy also found that the flavanols in chocolate could prevent and even reverse age-related memory decline (8).

5. Anti-Diabetic Effects

Research has shown that dark chocolate improves glucose balance, insulin sensitivity and inflammation markers – all symptoms that contribute to the development of diabetes. In one particular study, scientists found these benefits occurred only when participants ate dark chocolate; those who consumed white chocolate received no benefits (9).

Interestingly, a study in Japan found that the risk of developing diabetes was reduced 35 percent among men who consumed “chocolate snack pieces” once per week or more versus those who never or almost never ate chocolate (10).

6. Potentially Reduce Risk of Developing Cancer

To date, studies have confirmed that chronic inflammation contribute to factors that increase your risk of developing cancer, including DNA mutations and cancer cell growth. Research has confirmed that the antioxidants in dark chocolate have a strong ability to fight the DNA damage that could lead to cancer development, as well as reduce certain inflammation enzymes that could encourage its growth (11).

7. Reduces Risk of Developing Neurological Diseases

Flavonoids have been shown to offer significant protection for neurons in your brain and nervous system. Specifically, they reduce neuroinflammation, which has been found to be a major cause of the development of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, their ability to increase cerebral blood flow encourages the growth of new neurons in the hippocampus, which processes memory (12).

8. Increases Satiety and Reduces Appetite

Just when you thought chocolate was banned from your diet while trying to lose weight, research shows it may actually help you keep cravings in check, which can help keep the pounds off. Studies have found that the smell of dark chocolate reduces appetite and improves satiety (13).

How to Choose the Best Dark Chocolate

Obviously, not all chocolate is created equal. To get the most benefits associated with dark chocolate, you want to steer clear of any of the candy bar varieties (even if they are “gluten-free” or “Paleo”) and be sure to choose a bar that contains at least a 75 percent cacao content. This will ensure there are minimal added sugars, so you get the bittersweet goodness without the damaging effects of sugar.

How Often Should You Indulge in Dark Chocolate?

While dark chocolate is loaded with benefits, more doesn’t necessarily equal better. Most of these studies used a moderate amount of dark chocolate consumption, which could be comparable to a square of dark chocolate per day, or a tablespoon or two of dark cacao made into a hot chocolate drink (just make sure you don’t add any sugar).

Even if you don’t eat it every day, try to get in a dose of dark chocolate at least three times a week to boost your antioxidant levels and cash in on the many benefits of this true superfood.

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(Original source article can be found here.)

The post 8 Surprising Health Benefits of Dark Chocolate appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

Some of these oils are healthy and some are VERY unhealthy — soybean oil, olive oil, coconut oil, corn oil, etc… Let’s take a closer look.

by Mike Geary, Certified Nutrition Specialist, Certified Personal Trainer
Author of best-sellers: The Fat Burning Kitchen & The Top 101 Foods that FIGHT Aging

Today, I wanted to give you my take on a confusing subject to most people:

Why some oils and fats you may use in cooking, baking, or other food use are actually harmful to your body, and why some are healthful.

Here’s the deal…

A lot of people seem to think that anything labeled as “vegetable oil” is good for you. NOT A SHOT!

Most of what is labeled as “vegetable oil” is simply heavily refined soybean oil (processed under high heat, pressure, and industrial solvents, such as hexane)… sometimes perhaps it may also be heavily refined cottonseed, safflower, corn, grapeseed, or other oils too.

In most instances, almost all of these processed oils are NOT HEALTHY for you. I’ll explain why below…

If you buy processed food or deep fried food, you can usually be certain that these unhealthy oils are used to prepare your foods (or worse, it may use hydrogenated versions of these oils… aka – trans fats).

You may have even bought some of these oils for your own cooking or baking at home.

The problem with soybean oil, cottonseed oil, corn oil, safflower oil, and other similar “vegetable oils” is that they are mostly composed of polyunsaturated fats (the most highly reactive type of fat) which leaves them prone to oxidation and free radical production when exposed to heat and light.

Processed polyunsaturated oils are the most inflammatory inside our bodies because of their high reactivity to heat and light. This inflammation is what causes many of our internal problems to develop such as heart disease, cancer, and other degenerative diseases.

Note: It’s ok if a polyunsaturated fat source isn’t processed such as in whole foods like various nuts and seeds… In that case it’s usually not inflammatory (as long as it’s not been exposed to high heat), and nuts are usually a great source of healthy polyunsaturated fats. By the way, omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are both polyunsaturates, and a healthy balance of approx 1:1 to 3:1 ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 is considered healthiest.

Your best bet is to choose raw nuts and seeds whenever possible to avoid the oxidation of polyunsaturated fats that can occur during roasting of nuts and seeds. Keep in mind though that some nuts are mostly monounsaturated, (for example, macadamias), so the issue of roasted vs raw nuts is less of an issue for highly monounsaturated nuts.

However, all of the vegetable oils listed above are generally heavily refined during processing, so that makes them already inflammatory before you even cook with them (which does even more damage).

Here’s the actual order of stability of a type of fat under heat and light (from least stable to most stable):

1. polyunsaturated
2. monounsaturated
3. saturated

Here’s something that mainstream health professionals will never tell you…

Saturated fats are actually the healthiest oils to cook with!

Why? Because they are much more stable in cooking conditions and less inflammatory than polyunsaturated oils with cooking.

This is why tropical oils such as palm and coconut oils (and even animal fats such as lard and butter) are best for cooking… they have very little polyunsaturates and are mostly composed of natural saturated fats which are the least reactive to heat/light and therefore the least inflammatory in your body from cooking use.

That’s also why natural butter (NOT margarine) is one of the best fats for cooking. This all goes directly against what you hear in mainstream health talk… because most health professionals don’t truly understand the biochemistry of fats, and falsely believe that saturated fats are bad for you… when in fact, they are actually neutral in most instances… and saturated fats from tropical oils are actually good for you as they contain mostly medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) which are lacking in most people’s diets.

In fact, lauric acid is one of the abundant MCTs in tropical oils and is known to strengthen the immune system. Lauric acid is even being studied currently in medical studies for controlling contagious diseases.

To summarize… your best cooking or baking fats are generally butter or tropical oils such as palm or coconut oil.

Olive oil (extra virgin preferably) is okay for lower cooking temps as it’s mostly monounsaturated, so moderately stable. I also like avocado oil and macadamia nut oil for baking as they are mostly monounsaturated and relatively stable for baking, plus add great flavor!

The mostly polyunsaturated oils such as soybean, corn, grapeseed, cottonseed, safflower, etc, are the least healthy for cooking or baking.

My choices for top healthy cooking oils that I use:

• Virgin Coconut Oil (very stable at med-high temps and healthy fats)
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (only for low temp cooking)
• Real Butter (grass fed butter is actually healthy and contains important nutrients like vitamin K2, omega-3’s, and CLA. Kerry gold is a popular brand of Irish butter that’s grass-fed and readily available in most grocery stores)

Of course, with all of that said… we should keep in mind that trying minimize our cooking with oils can help to reduce overall calories. Cooking with oils in moderation is okay and can actually help satisfy your appetite more, but be careful not to overdo it as the calories can add up fast.

Also, please don’t be fooled by deceptive marketing claiming that canola oil is healthy for you — it’s NOT!

So enjoy your coconut oil, grass-fed butter, and delicious extra-virgin olive oils knowing that you’re doing your body GOOD! But just make sure to stay FAR AWAY from dangerous inflammatory vegetable oils like soybean oil, corn oil, and cottonseed oils which are used in so many processed foods these days.

Also remember that most salad dressings you find at the store are loaded with unhealthy soybean or canola oils usually, so make your own with healthy olive oil instead.

But BEWARE…

Although using real butter, coconut oil, & extra virgin olive oil can be a super-healthy choice for a lean, healthy, & strong body as well as fighting the aging process, if you follow the tips you just learned…

Did you know THIS Popular Cooking Oil May Erase Brain Cells?

If you cook with this popular oil

You could be ingesting a toxic substance that slips past the brain’s blood barrier…

Clogging blood vessels and starving your brain cells of the fuel it needs.

Day by day… worsening brain fog, slowing down activity in your brain, and completely deleting memory banks…

👉 Click here to see if this brain-killing oil is in your pantry right now

The post Which of these cooking oils are destroying your health? (the truth may surprise you!) appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

Today’s blog is republished from my friends at TheAlternativeDaily, a leading publisher of daily alternative health tips that I personally read every day.

By Susan Patterson, TheAlternativeDaily.com

Coconut oil has been gaining a lot of popularity in the fast growing community of health conscious people. People in Asia and the Pacific Rim have used coconut products for thousands of years. They drank the milk, ate the flesh, turned the tree sap into sweet syrup, and weaved baskets with the leaves of coconut trees. In the 1950s, coconut oil, which you receive when you press the meat of the coconut, could be found in every household.

With the low-fat craze that swept through the Western world, coconut oil gave way to margarine and vegetable oils. The “experts” demonized saturated fats. People touted highly processed vegetable oils as heart-healthy, but only in very small amounts.

Fortunately, coconut oil is seeing a comeback of epic proportions. From slathering your baby’s bottom to cooking up some fabulous-tasting eggs, coconut oil is making its way to the top of the charts. How about putting some coconut oil into your morning cup of coffee?

Of course, those who have been using coconut oil for years never truly believed the lipid hypothesis that said saturated fat was bad for us. More and more evidence is being uncovered to say just the opposite.

What is coconut oil?

Coconut oil is a medium-chain fatty acid with a high saturation level. The main fats in coconut oil are caprylic acid, lauric acid and capric acid. Most fats take much more effort from the body to be digested (26 steps), whereas coconut oil is digested much easier (3 steps). Because it is a medium-chain fatty acid, coconut oil is processed by the liver, so it is converted into energy rather than stored as fat.

Coconut oil is a solid at room temperatures and it has an amazing shelf life due its saturation. It is also an ideal oil to cook with because medium-chain fatty acids are much more stable and will not break down during cooking.

Healthy saturated fat is not only good for us, but essential for numerous bodily functions. Did you know that more than half your brain is made up of saturated fat? Coconut oil is described as one of the healthiest saturated fats on the earth.

Coconuts are revered by people all over the world for their amazing medical and nutritional properties. They have been used for ages by diverse cultures and races, all of whom respect the magnificent qualities of this tree-growing nut. Fortunately, the Western world is quickly catching on. Now there are even numerous studies supporting some of the health claims that so many of us already know to be true.

Medicinal uses for coconut

In traditional medicine, people use coconut for a wide number of health problems. These include kidney stones, nausea, rash, scurvy, infections, wounds, asthma, colds, constipation, cough, earaches, fevers, jaundice, kidney stones, lice and ulcers, to name a few.

Modern medicine is finally coming alongside traditional medicine and echoing the amazing health benefits of coconut. Published studies in a number of prominent health journals note the benefits of various forms of coconut.

Several studies have confirmed that coconut oil has the ability to increase the good cholesterol HDL. In other studies, women and men were fed a diet containing coconut oil and butter. Researchers found that coconut oil increased energy in study participants and was able to help with weight maintenance or weight loss.

What is even more amazing are the results of a study of women with stage III and stage IV breast cancer. The 60 women were fed a diet containing virgin coconut oil and experienced an overall improved quality of life. Coconut oil also reduced the side effects of chemotherapy.

Other benefits of coconut oil

As you can see, saturated fat isn’t necessarily the bad guy, when it is from a good source like coconut oil. The lauric acid in coconut oil can actually prevent high blood pressure. Below, find a list of other proven health benefits of coconut oil which will make you want to run to the store and stock up on this amazing fat.

Proven treatment of Alzheimer’s disease

The brain produces its own insulin in healthy people. In people with Alzheimer’s disease, this function is limited or stopped. The ketones produced through coconut oil consumption increase energy for people with Alzheimer’s and can help improve brain function.

Reduces inflammation markers

A study conducted in India found that the antioxidants in coconut oil were able to reduce inflammation in study participants when taken regularly. Researchers have also found coconut oil to be of great value to people with arthritis.

Antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties

It is the lauric acid present in coconut oil that has been credited with helping treat parasites, like candida. It is necessary to use coconut oil on a daily basis and usually several times a day.

Improves endurance

The liver processes coconut oil, so it provides a quick boost of energy and endurance. This makes it extremely valuable for athletes, especially those needing a lot of energy for longer workouts.

Helps slow down aging process

The antioxidants in coconut oil can slow the aging process, as stress on the liver is decreased and detoxification is increased.

Prevents osteoporosis

The antioxidants in coconut oil fight free radicals and reduce oxidative stress, both of which count as the main culprits for osteoporosis. Additionally, coconut oil increases calcium absorption. Researchers have found that bone loss due to osteoporosis decreases in patients who take coconut oil regularly.

Coconut in coffee

Replacing processed coffee creamers with organic coconut oil is a smart move. Although it may sound strange, the result is actually quite delicious and highly nutritious. The combination of caffeine and saturated fat gives the body a lasting energy boost.

Prepare a tropical twisted coffee drink by brewing a high-quality organic cup of coffee and place it in a blender. Add in one tablespoon of organic coconut oil, blend and enjoy.

The resulting coffee drink is frothy and rich, with a wonderfully smooth taste that is very satisfying. If you like your coffee sweetened, add one teaspoon of coconut crystals.

Add coconut oil to your coffee for a great way to supercharge. Give your body a burst of energy to make it through the day, not to mention all of the other amazing health benefits of coconut!

Supercharging your morning can be as simple as adding coconut oil to your coffee—and believe it or not, a unique form of chocolate can regulate blood sugar levels as well as your appetite.

Did you know there’s one form of chocolate that can nearly DOUBLE your GLP-1 levels in a matter of hours?

See if you can guess which one it is:

A) 85% dark chocolate
B) Ceremonial cacao powder
C) Milk chocolate
D) Sugar-free chocolate bar

While Hollywood celebrities pay $1,200/month for injections…

Over 157,423 people are already using this “chocolate trick” to melt fat fast.

I don’t know about you…

But I’d much rather eat chocolate to lose weight than poke myself with needles.

Click your choice above to see if you’re right…

Or click HERE to skip to the answer.

Original article is found here.

The post Coconut Oil In Your Morning Coffee? Absolutely appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

The lifestyle that has helped Bernando achieve a healthy, long life

LaPallo says he has not been sick one day in his life and accredits this to eating all organic fruits and vegetables, walking every morning, and avoiding red meat, fried foods and fast food at all costs. He says his father instructed him at an early age to stay away from red meat and he has always believed this to be best for good health.

So what are the five foods he eats to stay healthy and age well?

Garlic, chocolate, cinnamon, olive oil, and honey. That’s right, LaPallo eats these foods daily in addition to organic fruits and vegetables and accredits these five special foods to his success.

Garlic is a powerful immunity enhancer, cancer fighter and liver detoxifier. Chocolate has been known to help many people live a long life. It has incredible anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and immune-boosting properties. Cinnamon is a fantastic spice for anti-aging, immunity, blood sugar and heart health. Olive oil is another powerful anti-inflammatory food, as well as a great source of Vitamin E, healthy monounsaturated fats for your heart, and contains high levels of cancer-fighting properties. And finally, honey is a powerful miracle food that has been used for hundreds of years for its anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and heart health benefits.

Bernando also loves whole grains, broth and healthy dishes like soups and salads. You can get his recipes on his blog for barley soup, fresh fruit salad and more.

Bernando’s father was a doctor who also lived to 98 years old. Bernando not only took his father’s advice on how to eat well, but also how to live well. Bernando likes to read, do crossword puzzles and other life-enhancing activities daily. He says he has learned and seen so much throughout his life, and always wanted to live healthily so he could age well.

In LaPallo’s words, “As the old saying goes, you are what you eat. And that’s very true.”

Bernando LaPallo lived to 114 years young, his life and vitality maintained through a regiment that he followed for his entire life. He exercised and ate foods that he knew would protect his body and lengthen his life.

Salmon vs Tuna vs Tilapia vs… (The #1 Worst Fish for Your Heart)

Eating wild-caught fish is good for your heart… right? WRONG.

According to Dr. Sam Walters – one of America’s #1 heart specialists – there’s ONE fish you should avoid like the plague.

This so-called “healthy fish” is contaminated with toxic chemicals… that are literally DEADLY for your heart. Yet 97% of Americans eat it at least once a week.

Try to guess which one it is:

1. Tilapia
2. Tuna
3. Atlantic Salmon
4. Sardines

So click on your guess…

Or tap below to get the correct answer from Dr. Sam Walters himself:

>> Never eat THIS fish (it’s DEADLY for your heart).

Original Article by Heather McClees can be found here

Editor’s Note: Bernando LaPallo passed away on December 19, 2015.

The post 114-Year-Old Man Attributed Good Health To These 5 Foods appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

By: Cat Ebeling, RN, MSN-PHN, co-author of the best-sellers:  The Fat Burning Kitchen, The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging & The Diabetes Fix

I’d like to call your attention to a miracle medicine that is probably sitting in the back of your medicine cabinet, long forgotten, gathering dust.

This safe and well-tested medication has been around for literally thousands of years. This simple medication can be considered as one of the greatest contributions to the health of mankind. I am talking about aspirin.

Aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid, is still one of the most widely used drugs worldwide. Aspirin began as a derivative of willow bark, and was used as both a painkiller and fever reducer by the Egyptians, Sumerians, and other ancient civilizations.

Aspirin has since been used as an anti-inflammatory painkiller, headache reducer, and blood thinning medication. Aspirin also works well on muscle aches, arthritis, toothaches and menstrual cramps.

There is now growing evidence of aspirin’s wide-ranging benefits including fighting cancer, reversing dementia, improving mood, increasing blood flow, and improving metabolic health—to name just a few.

Aspirin is truly a lifesaving, proven, wonder drug with very few side effects.

Let’s dive into some of the amazing, but little-known benefits of this well-known medication.

Heart and Circulatory Support

Aspirin has a longstanding reputation for preventing heart disease. It does this by helping to prevent the blood platelets from clumping to form clots. Clots contribute to the incidence of heart attacks and strokes by blocking blood flow.

Aspirin can also stop a heart attack or stroke as it’s happening by helping to thin the blood and break up a blood clot.

Aspirin is also known as an anti-inflammatory, so its ability to lower inflammation can also be heart protective.

Brain and Nerves

Aspirin’s effects on the brain and nervous system are strikingly potent. Aspirin can be considered a powerful nootropic. Aspirin is especially effective at lowering inflammation in the brain. Inflammation in the brain can cause depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and other mental disorders.

Aspirin not only helps enhance moods and emotional stability, but it reduces stress, generates a feeling of calm, aids in better sleep, and banishes depression—while regulating serotonin and other vital brain chemicals.

And you may find this information truly amazing–Aspirin helps regrow neurons in the hippocampus. The hippocampus is the area of the brain responsible for mood, emotion, and judgement. This neurogenesis shows great promise at preventing and even reversing some forms of dementia, encouraging stroke recovery, and enhancing memory and cognition.

Neurogenesis is one of the key factors in longevity and slowing the aging process in the brain.

Aspirin stimulates the release of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, or BDNF. BDNF plays an important role in many physiological and pathological functions of the brain and nervous system. BDNF plays a crucial role in brain circuits and their ability to communicate. Proper functioning of the central nervous system depends on BDNF.

Aspirin’s anti-inflammatory actions also protect the brain, reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, MS, and other neurodegenerative diseases.

Because aspirin has the ability to break up blood clots, aspirin prevents further injury from strokes, aids in stroke recovery, and alleviates post-stroke depression.

Aspirin has long been known as a help for headaches, but it has also shown to be very effective especially in relieving migraines, especially in combination with caffeine. Aspirin can also help with nerve pain anywhere in the body, caused by simple aches and pains, diabetic neuropathy, chemotherapy or other health conditions.

Along with aspirin, these foods are shown to help heal the brain, and reduce the risk if mental diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, MS

Cancer Fighting

One of the more amazing unsung health benefits of aspirin is its ability to consistently reduce the incidence and mortality of various types of cancers. This is likely due in part to its gentle anti-inflammatory properties.

Long-term, low-dose aspirin has been linked to a reduced risk of colorectal cancer by inhibiting certain inflammatory compounds, according to the National Cancer Institute. Aspirin also reduces overall mortality of liver, pancreatic, prostate, lung, colorectal, breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancers, according to the Journal of Public Health.

Aspirin, when utilized as an adjuvant treatment, along with other more conventional treatments, reduces metastatic spread and increases survival rates of many cancer patients.

Paired with aspirin, these cancer fighting foods will detoxify your body, strengthen your immune system, repair cells DNA, and kill cancer cells to stop the spreading.

Immune Strengthening

Because aspirin has anti-inflammatory, and immune-balancing benefits, it strengthens immune function. This helps prevent overactive immune responses that cause chronic inflammation, and autoimmune diseases.

Inflammation is also a factor when the body is fighting off viruses, which is part of the immune response. However, an overly reactive immune system can cause more serious illness. Aspirin may help modulate the immune reaction so that it boosts its ability to fight viruses and other pathogens.

Studies suggest aspirin can affect the function of immune cells like macrophages, T cells, and dendritic cells, which are essential for recognizing and fighting infections.

Aspirin is also effective against the growth of some bacteria, like H.pylori which causes ulcers in the stomach, and candida albicans, which can infect the gut, causing a variety of symptoms.

Metabolic Health

Poor metabolic health has been discovered as one of the primary causes of inflammation, especially connected to chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer and dementia. Having healthy glucose regulation, along with insulin sensitivity is a goal for almost all people.

Aspirin helps to enhance the body’s ability to stabilize blood sugar by enhancing insulin sensitivity. One study with aspirin reported a 25% decrease in fasting glucose, along with a reduction in total cholesterol and C-reactive protein—all risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, and prediabetes.

This same study showed an amazing 50% reduction in triglyceride levels following a high-dose aspirin treatment. Triglyceride levels, a key indicator for heart disease, and other chronic diseases, are a reflection of blood glucose levels.

When too many carbohydrates and sugar are ingested, the body quickly turns that into glucose. The excess glucose is converted to triglycerides by the liver. Aspirin helps to slow that process, keeping blood sugar and triglycerides low.

Longevity

Aspirin should be everyone’s favorite anti-aging medication. As we age, our immune systems become dysregulated, which makes us more likely to have chronic inflammation. Decreasing hormone levels also contribute to increasing inflammation. This often helps to pave the way for diseases like Alzheimer’s, cancer, and heart disease.

Chronic low-grade inflammation or ‘inflammaging,’ is very common with older people. By lowering overall inflammation, the risk of all-cause mortality is significantly decreased. Studies show that anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin slow aging.

Aspirin is also responsible for inducing autophagy, the process that removes damaged cells and their components, improving cellular function and metabolic health. This cellular housecleaning helps stimulate energy production, while preventing structural and functional breakdown of mitochondria in the cells.

Everyone has a reason to live a long and healthy life. Making these small changes can help you not only live as long as possible, but living the longest, healthiest life possible—free of chronic diseases.

Reproductive Health

For women, low-dose aspirin is used to improve blood flow to the uterus which is helpful especially for women undergoing fertility treatments. Aspirin also shows promise in reducing the risk of preeclampsia and loss of pregnancy. And aspirin has been used for a long time to reduce the discomfort of PMS.

For men, aspirin is an aromatase inhibitor, which helps to lower estrogen levels by preventing the unwanted conversion of testosterone to estrogen. Because aspirin helps to thin the blood and encourage better circulation, it is also thought to improve blood flow to the penis to put an end to erectile dysfunction.

Other Health Benefits of Aspirin

• Aspirin helps to prevent oxidative damage and inflammation in blood vessels from polyunsaturated, vegetable seed oils.
• Aspirin helps reduce symptoms of psoriasis, and aids in healing skin wounds, and gum disease.
• Aspirin helps to manage asthma symptoms and prevent Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).
• Aspirin can help prevent microvascular inflammation in the kidneys which protects the kidneys from damage in people with diabetes.
• Aspirin reduces the inflammation associated with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).
• Aspirin can slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation.

Aspirin is an amazing medication with widespread applications across most body systems. Aspirin may be one of the best longevity medications that reduces inflammation, prevents heart disease, lowers cancer risk, and protects the brain’s cognitive function.

Aspirin has few side effects, however, aspirin does pose a slight risk for bleeding in the gut, although some studies show only 8 out of 1000 had this reaction, while the placebo was 5 out of 1000.

Anyone interested in using aspirin long term should consult with their healthcare provider to determine if aspirin is right for them, based on their individual health.

Aspirin and healthy lifestyle changes can help reduce your chances of a heart attack, but If you want to avoid a devastating heart attack, also don’t miss this simple test…

Heart Attack Test: Touch Your Feet Like THIS (for 7 seconds)

Can you really predict a heart attack? 

According to America’s #1 heart nutrition expert, Dr. Sam Walters… this 7-second “feet test” can reveal if your heart is dying.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Just sit on a chair.

2. Touch your right foot.

If THIS happens… then your heart is desperately starving for oxygen (but most people only realize when it’s too late).

References

https://www.mdpi.com/2218-273X/13/5/789
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30391545/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10376986/
https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/research/aspirin-cancer-risk?utm_source=chatgpt.com
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4838306/
http://content-assets.jci.org/manuscripts/14000/14955/JCI0214955.pdf
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10341252/
https://synapse.patsnap.com/article/the-benefits-of-pure-aspirin-powder?
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41392-022-01251-0#:~:text=Furthermore%2C%20thorough%20research%20on%20the%20pathogenesis%20of,in%20turn%20promote%20healthy%20aging%20and%20longevity
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4116353/
https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/14/11/e084105
https://www.mdpi.com/2673-9879/3/1/11
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3751197/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1043661824002676
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7327519/

The post Aspirin – The Forgotten Miracle Longevity Medicine appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

Today’s blog is republished from my friends at PaleoHacks, a leading publisher of alternative health tips that I personally read every day…

An honest look at the actual difference between wild and farmed salmon, the benefits of this popular dish and how to cook it to perfection with a one-pan salmon dinner recipe.

Salmon can be one of the best things you can eat for your health, but not all salmon are created equal. There are big differences in quality between farmed salmon you typically find at the grocery store and the wild-caught stuff.

Wild-caught, sustainably-raised salmon is packed full of nutrients and healthy fats. A lot of people eat it multiple times a week to reap the most benefits. Yet others tell you to watch for things like exposure to contaminants and environmental harm.

What gives?

Sorting through this information can be confusing. It’s easy to get comfortable with the standard rotation of beef, chicken, and pork and stop worrying about seafood completely. But finding the right salmon (one that’s as nutritious as possible and ethically-sourced) is worth the trouble. Keep reading to see why.

The Natural Health Benefits of Salmon

Here are some of the most important reasons why you should make wild-caught salmon – the kind you can order direct from suppliers like Alaska Gold Seafood a major part of your Paleo diet:

Extremely High Omega-3 Fatty Acid Content

Salmon is loaded with the long chain omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA. We need a balanced ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids for optimal health. Yet the typical modern diet leaves us with multiple times more omega-6s than we need. (1) With the balance so out of whack, you end up with an increase in all inflammatory diseases, everything ranging from diabetes and obesity, to metabolic syndrome or autoimmune disorders. (2)

Wild-caught salmon can help. It has many times more omega-3s than farmed salmon. That makes it the best choice to fight inflammation, improve brain function, protect your heart, and reap all the other awesome benefits that come from balancing your omega-3:omega-6 ratio.

Just a single serving of wild-caught salmon has over 500 mg of DHA and EPA! (3)

Loaded with Hard-to-Find Vitamins and Minerals

Salmon is also high in vitamins and minerals which are: 1) critical for your health, and 2) hard to find in other foods.

Vitamins B12 and D are key players here. Vitamin B12 is essential for proper red blood cell formation, synthesizing DNA, and a lot more. (4) Vitamin D supports healthy bones and teeth, your immune system, brain function, and mental health. (5) These vitamins are tough to find in other foods, but salmon is absolutely loaded with them. Just a single 100-gram serving contains more than the recommended daily value of both vitamins. (6)

Salmon is also high in the mineral iodine, which is essential for thyroid and immune system function. (7) Common table salt is enriched with iodine to overcome iodine deficiencies, which are extremely common.

But Paleos typically eat fewer salty foods, and many of them switch to sea salt (which isn’t iodized). So it’s critical to make sure you’re getting enough iodine in your diet.

Finally, salmon is also packed with selenium. This antioxidant mineral has been linked to decreased joint inflammation, as well as protecting brain against oxidative damage. (8) Selenium also counteracts any adverse effects of mercury exposure, so you don’t have to worry about that when you’re eating salmon. (9)

High in Protein, with a Balanced Profile of Essential Amino Acids

Salmon is also high in protein. Just one 100-gram serving (around 3.5 ounces) contains 23 grams, which is slightly less than a steak or chicken breast of comparable size but certainly nothing to sniff about!

Research also shows that the amino acids in salmon are more “bioavailable” (easier for your body to absorb and use) than amino acids from beef, pork, or chicken. (10) Salmon has an extremely balanced quantity of essential amino acids. It’s especially high in taurine, a powerful antioxidant. (11)

Wild-Caught Salmon vs. Farmed Salmon: Why It Matters

Unfortunately, the vast majority of salmon sold in the United States today is “farmed salmon” – the seafood equivalent of a factory farm. In terms of nutrition, ethics, and sustainability, wild-caught salmon is light-years ahead of the farmed stuff.

Here are some of the most important differences and why they matter for your health.

WILD
– High in vitamin B12 and vitamin D
– Loaded with healthy omega-3 fatty acids
– Wild-caught salmon can be sourced sustainably and ethically
– High in mineral iodine
– Packed with selenium
– Naturally fights inflammation

FARMED
– Only has about 1/4 the vitamin D of wild-caught salmon
– Exposed to more toxins and contaminants
– Salmon farming creates unhealthy, unnatural living conditions
– Fed corn and grains, which aren’t part of their typical diets
– Fed synthetic pigments to turn flesh pink
– The first genetically modified animal approved for human consumption

Wild-Caught Salmon Contains Vastly More Nutrients

Wild-caught salmon has multiple times more omega-3 fatty acids than farmed salmon. One study found that wild salmon had 12.4 times as many omega-3s than omega-6s, while the farmed salmon only had 2.9 times as many. (12)

Wild-caught salmon also has a lot more vitamins and minerals. One study found that farmed salmon only had about one-quarter the vitamin D of wild-caught salmon. (13) This is critical because salmon is one of the few foods that offers sizable amounts of vitamin D. Eating it wild-caught makes the most of it.

Farmed Salmon Is Exposed to More Toxins and

Contaminants

Farmed salmon has much higher rates of contamination and exposure to toxic chemicals. One study found that farmed salmon had higher levels of 14 different contaminants, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, and DDT (an insecticide). (14)

It’s exposure to toxins like these that causes people to hesitate before eating seafood and drives health professionals to recommend limiting intake of it, when in reality, you could be eating it much more often as long as the quality is high.

Wild-Caught Salmon Can be Sourced Sustainably and Ethically

Just like factory farming for chickens and cows, salmon farming creates unhealthy, unnatural living conditions for salmon before they are harvested.

You end up with thousands (or even hundreds of thousands) of large, carnivorous fish trapped in small, crowded nets. Living in such close quarters in salmon feedlots makes farmed salmon more vulnerable to bacteria and viruses, which can spread through the population quickly.

There’s also the diet to think about. Farmed fish are fed corn and grains, which aren’t part of their typical diets. This changes the very makeup of the fish, forcing farmers to use synthetic pigments to turn the flesh pink just so things “look right” (otherwise their salmon would be pale gray!)

Farmed Salmon Could be Genetically Modified

Farmed salmon also has the dubious title of being the first genetically modified animal approved for human consumption. Late last year, the FDA approved a specific type of Atlantic salmon genetically modified to grow twice as fast as natural salmon, considering it “as safe to eat” as non-GMO salmon. (15)

This raises all kinds of concerns about ethics, food safety, and the effects on local ecosystems. Because we don’t fully understand the potential for long-term health effects, many people will choose to stay away from this stuff.

Where Can You Find High-Quality Salmon?

Salmon is easy to find. You can find it in practically every grocery store under the sun… even in landlocked areas (though it can be more expensive in those).

You can also find salmon online through websites like Alaska Gold Seafood, which is a great way to source wild-caught, sustainably-fished salmon without having to worry about quality.

The truly important issue to consider: where did the salmon come from before it got to the store?

The vast majority of salmon we eat comes from:

1. Atlantic ocean. There are only a few wild salmon runs in the Atlantic left. Because these runs are too small to fish commercially, all Atlantic salmon found in grocery stores, restaurants, and elsewhere is farmed.
2. Pacific ocean. More salmon is wild-caught in the Pacific, though there are serious concerns about sustainability. (16)
3. Alaska. All Alaskan salmon is wild-caught because Alaska law prohibits salmon farms. Alaskan laws also ensure salmon is fished in a sustainable way. There’s actually enough wild-caught salmon produced in Alaska each year to feed the entire population of the United States!

Salmon caught in Alaska offers the best balance of nutrition and sustainability, thanks to strategic conservation efforts and strict sustainability laws. But Alaskan salmon can be hard to find at the grocery store, especially if you live far from the state.

It’s much easier to buy salmon online from a reputable source and have it sent straight to your door.

Look for Alaskan salmon rated as “green” or “best choice” by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program, an organization that helps consumers choose seafood fished in a sustainable way that respects sea life and habitats. (17) Ideally, salmon should also be certified as a sustainable seafood by the Marine Stewardship Council. (18)

A few suppliers use hooks and lines to deliver the highest-quality wild-caught salmon in a sustainable way. Using the right combination of lines, lures, and boat speed, fishermen are able to minimize stress on the fish and “bycatch” (other marine life caught unintentionally).

Less than five percent of Alaskan seafood comes from hook and line fishermen, as most operations use other methods to maximize their catch. But what hook and line fishermen lack in quantity, they make up for in quality and care in handling.

Finally, look for salmon that comes direct from the producer. Buying direct ensures maximum freshness, and it helps you save money that would have gone to a middleman. It’s even more cost-effective if you have a large freezer and order in bulk!

Here is link to the original article.

Eating fish, especially salmon can help reduce heart attacks, but our friends at PhysioTru want to share something on how you can predict a heart attack before it happens.

Can you really predict a heart attack?

According to America’s #1 heart nutrition expert, Dr. Sam Walters… this 7-second “feet test” can reveal if your heart is dying.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Just sit on a chair.
2. Touch your right foot.

If THIS happens… then your heart is desperately starving for oxygen (but most people only realize when it’s too late).

>> 7-second “feet test” can predict a heart attack (this could SAVE your life).

The post How to Eat Safe, Healthy Salmon + One-Pan Salmon Dinner for Two Recipe appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

Today’s blog is republished from my friends at RealDaily, a leading publisher of alternative health tips that I personally read every day…

We just can’t stop talking about raw honey. This incredible natural remedy has so many uses, we feel like we can’t live without it!

Here are 15 of the best uses for natural, unpasteurized honey.

1. Soothes allergies

One of the best ways to soothe allergies is with locally sourced, unpasteurized honey. It is said that the compounds in the honey improve one’s tolerance to the pollens found in the local area. Try mixing the honey into cooled nettle tea for an excellent remedy.

2. Fights infection

Feel a sore throat coming on? Have a teaspoonful of honey; its natural antibacterial properties will help fight the bad bugs.

3. Clears acne

Honey fights infection, balances moisture, and heals wounds effectively, so it’s basically the ideal acne fighter! Simply dab a small amount of raw honey onto affected areas to help prevent and heal acne.

4. Natural energy drink

We recommend avoiding commercial energy drinks which are laden with sugar and artificial ingredients. Drink water with raw honey instead.

5. Assists with memory loss

Studies have indicated that consuming raw honey can help prevent hormone-related cognitive decline in older people.

6. Suppresses a cough

If you have a dry, tickly cough, there is no better cure than a spoonful of raw honey. This amazing remedy also reduces inflammation and fights infection, so a respiratory infection or even chronic asthma will certainly benefit from regular honey consumption.

7. Supports better sleep

Raw honey promotes blood sugar stability to keep you sound asleep all night long. It also increases the production of the brain chemicals serotonin and melatonin to assist with well-being and overall healing.

8. Natural shampoo

Did you know that you can wash your hair with raw honey? Try mixing a tablespoon with a little warm water to create a gentle shampoo that is moisturizing and smells great. Don’t worry, it rinses clean and won’t leave hair sticky.

9. Antibiotic for wounds

Honey has been used on wounds since ancient times. It fights infection naturally and can be used as an antiseptic. Hospitals even use honey on bandages to prevent infection.

10. Natural face wash

There is no need to buy expensive skin-care products, which are full of chemicals and perfumes. Raw honey cleanses the skin while also providing moisture. In addition, it contains antioxidants that fight the signs of aging. What’s not to love!

Honey is the best natural face wash. To use, wet your face with warm water, then smooth on about half a teaspoon of honey. If you want an exfoliating scrub, mix a little baking soda, salt or sugar into the honey before applying in circular motions. Leave on for a minute or two, then rinse with warm water.

11. Healthy baking ingredient

Try sweetening recipes with honey instead of refined sugar or other “healthy” sweeteners. Honey is a functional food — it’s our top choice for a naturally healthy sweet flavor. Use in coffee, tea, grain-free baked goods and smoothies.

12. Reduces inflammation

Raw honey is known to reduce levels of an inflammatory marker called homocysteine. This is considered to be an important indicator of protection against chronic inflammatory illness such as heart disease.

13. Treats dandruff

Since honey is known to be antibacterial and antifungal, it is effective against flaky skin conditions such as dandruff and eczema.

14. Preserves food

Honey’s natural antibacterial properties make it the perfect food additive to prevent spoilage.

15. Improves digestion

Raw honey is rich in prebiotics, which provide fuel for healthy bacteria in the lower digestive system. It is also known to fight nausea and indigestion because it does not ferment in the stomach.

Try making a digestion-boosting drink by mixing a teaspoon each of lemon juice, raw apple cider vinegar and raw honey into a tall glass of water and drink two or three times daily. Add a little freshly squeezed ginger root juice if nausea is an issue.

Risks of raw honey

Sometimes, eating raw honey can cause a form of food poisoning called botulism, which results in muscle weakness and breathing problems. This is due to bacterial spores that can contaminate unpasteurized honey.

However, this is only a concern with infants younger than 12 months old, or people with a compromised immune system. Children and adults can safely consume raw honey because they have a more robust digestive system, which is not disturbed by the presence of spores.

Here is link to the original article.

Remember to always purchase and use raw, unfiltered honey for the best results. You can find raw honey in your favorite health food store. If you’d like local honey, check your community farmers’ market for the best results.

Speaking of all of the powerful health benefits of honey… My good friends at TheAlternativeDaily wanted to offer you a FREE copy of their new book, The Honey Phenomenon, which details dozens of ways to use honey to heal and revitalize your skin, hair, teeth, and even help improve your heart health, brain health, fight aging, and help with coughs or allergies too! It really is a miraculous substance.

Don’t miss your FREE copy of The Honey Phenomenon before they run out of copies.

The post 15 Health Benefits of Raw Honey appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

By: Cat Ebeling, RN, MSN-PHN, co-author of the best-sellers:  The Fat Burning Kitchen, The Top 101 Foods that Fight Aging & The Diabetes Fix

I remember flying to Thailand a few years ago. The flight is over 20 hours long. There you are, squished in with about 300 other passengers, so being able to move about and stretch your legs was a bit tricky. When I got off the plane, I was shocked to look down and see that I had ‘cankles’—you know, when your ankles are so swollen, you can hardly tell them from the rest of your leg? YIKES! Even my feet were swollen!

This is called edema—which is a collection of excess fluid in your tissues. Long flights and sitting too long are one of the causes of edema. There are many other reasons that people swell up and retain fluid–some minor, and some very serious or life-threatening.

What is Edema?

Edema means swelling, and it happens when the tiny blood vessels, or capillaries, begin to leak fluid into the nearby tissues. That extra fluid starts to build up and your body swells.

Edema often shows up in the arms, legs and feet, but it can also show up in the abdomen, and excess fluid can even collect in the lungs, which is a very serious type of edema, called “pulmonary edema”.

What Causes Edema?

While some of the causes of edema can be relatively minor, some edema is the result of serious—or even life threatening— health conditions.

Inflammation—Inflammation due to an allergic reaction, trauma, infections, rashes or even some illnesses, can cause inflammation, and as a result, edema.

Medications—Certain medications can change the body’s electrolyte and fluid balance, or cause the kidneys to be less efficient at removing excess fluid. Medications that can cause edema include corticosteroids, NSAIDS such as ibuprofen, insulin, or blood pressure medications.

Vitamin or nutrient deficiencies—Malnutrition due to a protein deficiency can cause the body to retain fluid, especially in the abdomen. Kwashiorkor is a type of malnutrition that causes a swollen, distended abdomen. Kwashiorkor most commonly affects children in developing countries where protein is scarce. Certain B vitamin deficiencies can also cause fluid retention and edema.

Electrolyte imbalances—Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals in our body fluids that help conduct electrical impulses necessary for muscles, especially the heart. Electrolytes also maintain the balance between sodium, potassium and water. When any of these essential minerals are out of balance, edema can result.

Other causes of edema include: long periods of inactivity, low thyroid, pregnancy, being on the pill, too much salt/sodium in diet, and excess sugar and carbohydrate consumption.

Treatment for more minor cases of edema include increased activity, getting thyroid and other hormones checked for imbalances, and making necessary changes in diet and nutrition.

Serious Health-Related Causes of Edema

Congestive Heart Failure—This is a common, but serious cause of edema, often in the feet and ankles. In fact, it is a hallmark symptom of heart failure. Heart failure occurs when the heart is not strong enough to efficiently pump blood throughout the body, and when the blood pools, it increases blood pressure. When this happens, fluid begins to leak out of the capillaries into extremities. More severe heart failure can cause fluid to build up in the lungs, which is called pulmonary edema. This becomes a medical emergency.

Kidney Disease—The kidneys are one of the primary fluid-regulating organs of our body. They also regulate sodium and potassium, two primary electrolytes that govern water retention. When the kidneys cannot filter enough water and sodium out, this causes a buildup of fluid in the body, which in turn causes edema.

Diabetes—Higher than normal blood glucose from high carb, high sugar consumption and poorly controlled diabetes causes fluid retention. In addition, elevated glucose damages arteries causing inflammation and stiffening—which results in atherosclerosis. When blood flow is impaired, fluid can accumulate in the lower extremities. Diabetes can also cause kidney disease and heart failure, both of which cause further edema.

Venous Insufficiency—Veins contain valves to help push blood back towards the heart to help it circulate. Over time, the valves wear out and blood can tend to pool in the legs. This pooling of blood causes varicose veins and edema. The slow-moving blood can also cause blood clots to form—which can be very dangerous, especially if they break loose and travel to the heart or lungs.

Lymphedema—Lymphedema is a type of edema related to the lymph system. The lymph system basically runs parallel to the circulatory system and helps to fight infections and filter toxins out of the blood. When there is damage to any area of the lymph system or lymph nodes, fluid will not drain properly, often resulting in swelling and edema.

Cancer, cancer treatments, surgery, trauma, and injury can cause blockages or poor lymph drainage in certain areas of the body, usually the extremities. An example of this is a woman who has had breast cancer surgery with removal of lymph nodes may have extreme swelling in the arm near the surgery, due to lymphedema.

Lymphedema can be a serious health condition because of the likelihood of the thin, delicate skin becoming injured and infection setting in. Trapped fluid also provides a fertile area for bacteria or fungus to grow. This can lead to cellulitis, which is an infection under the skin. Untreated, this kind of skin infection can spread to the bloodstream and cause sepsis, which is a life-threatening systemic infection.

Severe swelling from lymphedema can also cause the skin to crack or break and fluid can leak out. Long term, lymphedema can cause thickened and hardened skin that won’t go away. There is also a risk of a type of cancer that grows on untreated lymphedema.

Treatment for edema aims at finding the root cause of the swelling. Health care professionals should look at lab work, examine urinary and kidney function, monitor blood sugar levels, make changes in medication or diet if necessary–and in some cases, prescribe diuretic medication.

The post YIKES! Why Do I Suddenly Have ‘Cankles’? appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

Today’s blog is republished from my friends at TheAlternativeDaily, a leading publisher of daily alternative health tips that I personally read every day… The original article can be found here:

There are certain combinations that for some reason just click. Natural ingredients that work well on their own, but when combined create something only just short of miraculous. One such combination, in my opinion at least, is used coffee grounds and turmeric.

The health benefits of coffee and turmeric

The benefits of both these ingredients are well established. Particularly in India and other parts of Asia, turmeric has a long and fruitful history of both therapeutic and superficial use. In literature, turmeric has demonstrated time and again it’s ability to lower inflammation in the body, fight cancer, ease joint pain and swelling associated with arthritis, moderate the symptoms of diabetes, regulate cholesterol, and so much more.

In the beauty world, the efficacy of turmeric is validated more by anecdotal evidence than scientific findings, but the results are no less miraculous. It can be used to speed the healing of wounds and allow your skin to heal faster, it slows signs of aging on skin and hair, it improves skin elasticity, fights acne, balances dry or oily skin, and lightens stretch marks. The studies that have been conducted in this area verify most of these claims. Turmeric reduces UV-induced skin damage and prevents skin carcinogenesis, so why shouldn’t it also improve elasticity or fight the signs of aging?

Turmeric might be at the forefront of the health food industry, but coffee isn’t too far behind. Beyond conventional fears of the high caffeine content in coffee, whole or fresh-ground coffee beans are absolutely loaded with antioxidants and health-supporting compounds. And, in many cases, the caffeine contained within actually helps our bodies utilize these compounds more effectively. Drinking or supplementing with high-quality coffee beans can alleviate pain, increase fiber intake, lower risk of type 2 diabetes, fight depression and anxiety, and protect against neurological disorders.

And the coffee benefits don’t stop there. Coffee is now a familiar face in many holistic beauty treatments. It can reduce puffy eyes, minimize cellulite, exfoliate and freshen the skin, increase circulation to the skin and hair follicles and plenty more.

As you can see, the healing and beauty-promoting benefits of both turmeric and coffee are almost legendary. But combine the two, and you’ve got yourself something quite extraordinary. Here’s how to make an awesome coffee ground and turmeric scrub to promote healthy, supple skin.

Easy coffee and turmeric scrub recipe

This is one of those recipes that you can adjust to suit your needs. Got super dry skin? Why not add in a little milk or aloe vera for an ultra-moisturizing effect. Suffer from infections or icky skin overgrowths like athlete’s foot? You might want to add in a little raw honey for an antibacterial component. Feel free to experiment with what works for you, because everybody’s skin is different!

Before we begin, a slight word of caution: if you’ve ever cooked with turmeric before, you’ll know that it’s amazingly hard to wash out of clothing and even skin — there’s a reason why many cultures continue to use turmeric to dye their fabrics a rich orange color! With this in mind, those of you with particularly fair skin should take care. Smearing a whole lot of this amazing ground coffee and turmeric scrub onto your face may leave your skin looking a little on the orange side for a few hours afterward (don’t worry, it’s not permanent!), so you might want to hold off on using it until after work. And if you apply the scrub just before bed, consider putting an old towel down on your pillow so you don’t stain your pillowslip and unsightly color!

With those cautions out of the way, it’s time to get down to business.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup turmeric powder
• 1/2 cup coffee grounds (fresher is better!)
• 2 cups water
• 2 Tbsp coconut oil (optional)
• 1 Tbsp honey (optional)

Instructions

1. First, you need to have some coffee grounds on hand. Next time you go to the supermarket, buy some whole coffee beans and the next morning, grind up the beans and make yourself a delicious fresh cuppa. Pour the coffee grounds that are left behind into a jar and place in the fridge, to be used in your scrub within the next couple of days.
2. Next, pour two cups of water into a saucepan and add in half a cup of ground turmeric. Simmer the mixture over medium heat, stirring regularly, until a thick paste begins to form. This may take a while, so be patient!
3. After your turmeric paste has formed, transfer the paste into a wide-mouthed jar or bowl and add in your coffee grounds. Stir thoroughly to ensure it is evenly mixed through, and at this point you can add in your coconut oil or honey. The coconut oil adds more of a moisturizing element to the scrub, while the honey adds an antibacterial element. Keep in mind that both these additions can cause the scrub to turn semi-solid below room temperature, so you’ll need to keep it in a warm spot of the house or put it in the sun for a while before you use it.

How to use the coffee and turmeric scrub

Now that your coffee and turmeric scrub is ready, it’s time to use it! Scoop a dollop out with your hand and apply it to your face, like you would a face mask. You can also apply it to any other area of your body you like! Leave the coffee and turmeric scrub on for 10 to 15 minutes, then remove it with a hot facecloth or in the shower. If your skin looks a little stained afterward, simply apply some coconut oil and gently rub the area with a cotton pad to remove it.

Because the coffee grounds are a strong exfoliant, it’s best not to use this coffee and turmeric scrub more than once a week. Even at this low application rate, you’ll likely see excellent results almost immediately.

Scrub away and enjoy!

The post Try This Coffee Ground And Turmeric Scrub For Better Skin appeared first on thenutritionwatchdog.com.

Today’s blog is republished from my friends at TheAlternativeDaily, a leading publisher of daily alternative health tips that I personally read every day… The original article can be found here:

I bet if you looked in the mirror you wouldn’t say to yourself, “I look a little fungusy today.” More than likely, you don’t really know what it looks like to be fungusy.

Truth be told, you can’t really look like fungus (or a mushroom for that matter), but there is a good chance that fungus, to some degree or another, is compromising your health.

Don’t get too wigged out when I use the word fungus. We are all covered in fungal communities; they take up residence on us and within us, forming tight-knit colonies according to their kind. Many of these fungi are harmless, and a good number are quite necessary for health. However, when the bad guys move into the neighborhood, things get funky.

Fungi vs. bacteria

Before I go on, let’s first take a quick look at the difference between fungi and bacteria. Both are minute organisms that are found in almost every ecosystem on earth, and both can associate with other groups of living things. As mentioned above, they can either be harmless and necessary in biological processes, or they can be highly dangerous.

The main difference between fungi and bacteria is their cellular structure. Bacteria are prokaryotic organisms, meaning they do not possess a nucleus, while fungi are eukaryotic organisms, meaning they have a very well-defined nucleus. While both organisms have cell walls, what makes up these cell walls is different. Fungi, for the most part, have long hollow tubes that form networks (hyphae).

Each of these tubes is bordered by a strong wall made from chitin — the same substance that forms the exoskeletons of insects. Hyphae grow from their tips and reach out in a branching manner to form a network called mycelium. As the mycelium grows, it produces fruiting bodies and other structures that are rich with reproductive spores.

Bacteria multiply by binary fission when parent bacterium divide to make the same sized daughter cells. Fungi reproduce both sexually and asexually by a process of branching fragmentation and budding (as in the case of yeast).

Fungi are scavengers, feeding off dead stuff — kind of like the buzzards you see cleaning up roadkill along the highway. Bacteria, on the other hand, are a little more sophisticated in the fact that they can actually manufacture their own food.

Types of fungal infections

There are several fungal infections that result from different types of fungi entering the body.

For instance, Aspergillus fungi can be inhaled through the mouth or nose and can cause fever, cough and wheezing. In very severe instances, this fungal infection can spread to other organs including the brain, skin and bones.

Cryptococcus neoformans is found in the soil or in bird droppings. This fungus also enters the body through the mouth or nostrils and can cause a lung infection resulting in a cough or chest pain.

Histoplasma capsulatum is a fungus that is commonly found in eastern and central United States in soil that contains bird and bat feces. When spores are disturbed, they can be inhaled and can cause flu-like symptoms, body aches, fever and cough.

Candida albicans

Yeast, also known as Candida albicans, is a type of fungus that is present in all humans. The fungus is found on both the skin and mucus membranes. In small amounts, it is harmless to the body.

However, when the growth of yeast increases dramatically, the results can be absolutely devastating. Did you know that yeast overgrowth is considered to be one of the most prevalent, yet unrecognized conditions to man?

When you have a healthy body, the yeast is kept under control by the healthy bacteria within your body. However, medical antibiotics — and those found in much of the meat we eat — will upset the balance of your friendly bacteria. Since antibiotics are nonselective, they work to weaken the good bacteria that keep yeast in check.

The yeast then begins to flourish, and before you know it, it’s completely out of control. Antibiotics are not the only contributor to the upset of your healthy bacteria; cortisone, some birth control pills and certain drugs have an effect on it, as well.

Once the yeast has overgrown in your body, it thrives on sugar, carbohydrates, moldy foods, fermented foods and vinegar. If you’ve ever noticed that your cravings for any of these are very strong, chances are, you have a yeast overgrowth in your body.

When the level of yeast is elevated in your body, toxins are released into your bloodstream in high amounts. These waste products have a profound effect on your well-being and are linked to many health problems.

Signs of yeast gone wild

The effects of yeast overgrowth will worsen over time, and will seriously compromise physical, mental and emotional well-being. According to researchers, hidden, deviant fungus may be the reason for any number of seemingly unrelated health complaints.

Just another reason why it is so important to not look at symptoms in isolation. Very often, you will find that two seemingly unrelated things, like muscle twitches and frequent bladder infections, are the result of yeast gone wild.

Here are 32 signs that yeast may have moved in and is slowly taking over your body. If you suffer frequently from more than three of these, it may be time to learn more about yeast.

• Fungal infections on skin or nails
• Athlete’s foot
• Toenail fungus
• Fatigue
• Fibromyalgia
• Constipation
• Bloating
• Diarrhea
• Bad breath
• Dry mouth
• Joint pain
• Numbness
• Hair loss
• Headaches
• PMS
• Heartburn
• Burning eyes
• Lack of impulse control
• Hyperactivity
• Poor concentration
• Brain fog
• ADD, ADHD
• Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, ulcerative colitis or multiple sclerosis
• Mood swings
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Strong cravings for sugar or refined carbohydrates
• Eczema or psoriasis
• Hives
• Seasonal allergies or itchy ears
• Urinary tract infections
• Vaginal or rectal itching

The spit test

Yeast overgrowth is one of the most difficult health issues to detect because of the small amount that is present in everyone. The best way to determine if you have yeast overgrowth is by taking a look at your lifestyle and diet.

Do you crave sweets and carbohydrates, experience constant illness, have a mental illness that doesn’t respond to medication, or generally feel “unwell?” Chances are you’re experiencing yeast overgrowth and need to make some changes to your diet.

You can also try the spit test. Yeah, we know, it sounds a little gross, but a spit test offers a really good analysis of what is going on inside your body and may show signs of a yeast overgrowth. The best time to take this test is as soon as you wake up in the morning, before you even get out of bed.

How to do the spit test

• Gather as much spit as possible in your mouth.
• Spit into a clear glass with room temperature filtered water.
• Watch carefully.

1. The saliva will float at first. Watch to see if there are thin projections extending downward into the water after 15 minutes or so. They may look like hairs or strings. If this happens you may have a candida overgrowth problem.
2. If your saliva is very cloudy and sinks to the bottom within a few minutes, or parts of the saliva slowly sink, yeast overgrowth is a possibility. The particles are yeast colonies which band together.
3. If your spit is still floating after about an hour, it is likely that your yeast is under control.

The downward spiral

Candida can be linked to serious health problems. Once this fungus begins to thrive in the body, general health will spiral downward. The cravings for sugar and other foods that nourish the yeast will get stronger, and on and on it will go.

Eventually, the immune system becomes so weak that the symptoms are no longer tolerable. Often physicians will prescribe antibiotics to treat the symptoms, thus killing off the last of any friendly bacteria. When yeast is in this advanced state, depression and suicidal thoughts are very common.

How to kick the bad fungus to the curb

According to the National Candida Center, if you have symptoms and your spit test is positive for yeast, it is a pretty good indication that you have a candida overgrowth problem. The first step in addressing the problem is to adjust your diet.

Eliminate all processed foods and sugar, and begin eating only wholesome, organic foods if possible. The following foods also help the body heal from the assault of candida overgrowth and encourage the proliferation of healthy bacteria:

1. Coconut oil

This tropical treasure has strong antifungal properties, which will kill the bad bacteria and support immune system functioning. Replace your other cooking oils with coconut oil and add liberally to foods or your coffee. Aim for two tablespoons daily to start.

2. Garlic

Garlic also has strong antifungal properties and will destroy unfriendly bacteria while encouraging the growth of good bacteria. It detoxifies and encourages healthy liver and colon functioning. Use garlic liberally to jazz up your food or chew freely on two to three cloves per day. Note: Raw garlic is far superior in its efficacy.

3. Seaweed

It may not be too appealing to look at, but seaweed is a highly nutrient-dense food that can fight against yeast overgrowth. Many times, people with yeast overgrowth suffer from hyperthyroidism, and seaweed is rich in iodine, which helps balance the thyroid gland. In addition, seaweed is a detoxifier and helps to flush toxins out of the body while cleaning the digestive system. Eat fresh seaweed or take high-quality kelp supplements for best results.

4. Pumpkin seeds

These tiny seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which have antiviral and antifungal properties. They help to reduce the inflammation caused by yeast and fight depression as well. Add pumpkin seeds to your cereal, salads or even eat them as a tasty snack.

5. Ginger

Ginger is a powerful detoxifier that increases circulation and flushes toxins out of the liver while supporting the immune system. It helps reduce intestinal gas and soothes inflammation from yeast overgrowth. Make ginger tea by grating a 1-inch piece of ginger root and adding it to two cups of boiling water and a fresh slice of lemon.

Once you get your diet under control and introduce foods that fight the bad bacteria, you can consider taking a high-quality probiotic or eating a little bit of fermented food daily to keep your healthy bacteria count in good order.

Exercising daily and learning how to manage stress in your life will also help to keep fungus from taking over your body.

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