Kiwi! Good for your Face and Insides!

A popular fruit also called Chinese gooseberry for taste, color, look and its very refreshing effects since it is an amazing detox ingredient! Did you know that it has almost 160 mg of vitamin C for every 100g? That is twice the amount of your regular orange per 100g! The fruit itself raw and pure without being processed into concentrated oils has a good amount of vitamins A, E and definitely a high amount of C is just one of nature’s many natural beautifying, anti-ageing and detoxifying crops.

Consider always going more for fresh fruits and perhaps yogurt and oats instead of the usual sugary, baked and often times processed treats that are very harmful to the body. Kiwi us also has over 30% Vitamin K per 100g which is vital in aiding bone strength and development therefore affecting your tooth health as well. It also contains good trace amounts of vitamins B1-B6 which is vital for over all cellular function and chemical exchange along with mood stabilization and red blood cell growth and development. Kiwis have about 5mg of Choline for a small serving which is the substance that partners with some B Vitamins to aid in strengthening the cell membrane while keeping it moist and flexible enough. For every 50g of this fruit there is around 3mg of folate which is Vitamin B9, a vital assistant in blood production and oxygen exchange in the blood vessels.
Kiwi has a good trace amount of both omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which are heart-friendly and cancer fighting oils, omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory. Every 100g has 9g of all natural plant sugar which provides real energy from real food, the kind of sugar that does not make you crash.
Not to mention kiwi also has a wide range of minerals, vital metals we need trace amounts of in our bodies in order to survive and function normally. This tropical fruit has a good amount of Calcium, over 15g in every 50g serving. It is also a good source of Phosphorous, Potassium, Magnesium, Selenium, Zinc and Copper.
Having a good resume on it antioxidants and nutrients kiwi definitely is one of those foods that promote healing and an overall feeling of being cleaner and lighter. Its high fiber content combined with other easy-to-digest lean proteins and veggies make a healthy tummy and well balanced diet.
Being 83% water, containing high amounts of Vitamin C and a valid amount of A and E along with the effects of its hydroxyl acids make a fantastic beauty mask and health shake. It prevent acne even!
Delicious on its own or combined with mangoes, tropical berries and oranges or in all of the above in a healthful yogurt parfait topped with chia seeds sounds more interesting and cleansing than your usual cake or ice cream. Go to your local market or grocery today and find what fruits are in season and imagine how many calories you can save instead of going for cake!

Foods That Provide Complete Meal

Aside from physical activity, rest, and a healthy environment, nutrition stands as one of the vital components of total human health. Food is one of man’s physiological needs, but to ascertain that it is healthy, it should contain the vitamins and nutrients that the body needs to keep physiologic cellular processes going.

Believe it or not, pizza could be a complete and balanced meal on its own. According to “Kitchen Sense” author Mitchell Davis (via San Francisco Gate), pizza was just a flat bread with stuff on top. A classic non-cheese only pizza includes a wheat flour dough, olive oil, tomatoes, cheese, basil leaves, and pepperoni. As per the publication, the ingredients already contain several nutritional benefits, as the wheat provide carbohydrates and fiber, the cheese provides protein, the olive oil provides fat, and th tomato sauce offers vitamins like vitamin C, in addition to its antioxidants lycopene and phytochemicals. Davis also said that if the pizza’s crust was flavorful and crunchy, one should not have to cover it up with loads of junk.
Salmon is one of the most nutrient dense foods on the planet, according to Authority Nutrition. As per the publication, salmon and other fatty types of fish are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential to human health due to their ability to preserve normal metabolism. The publication added that a 100-gram piece of salmon contains 2.8 grams of omega-3, in addition to “high quality” protein and various vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B-complex, selenium, potassium, and magnesium. The B vitamins are important for the integrity of the nervous system and the vitality of the cells, selenium has antooxidants called glutathione peroxidases that prevent cell damage, potassium is essential for the regulation of water with sodium and in cardiovascular health, and magnesium helps in digestion, cardiovascular health, and preventing leg cramps during pregnancy. Aside from its fat and protein, salmon also contains few calories, allowing a person to feel full after eating it.
For vegetarians, black beans and quinoa serve are rich sources of carbohydrates and protein. According to Pop Sugar, the legumes and whole grains provide the glucose and amino acids that the body needs and busy vegetarians would find them enjoyable. To prepare the dish, the quinoa and water are placed in a covered pot on high heat. When it begins to boil, heat is reduced to simmer and the quinoa is cooked for 20 minutes or until the water has been absorbed, as manifested by the quinoa’s fluffy appearance. The tempeh is prepared while the quinoa is cooking. Adding the chooped onion, they are cooked for five minutes. Then, the red and cayenne pepper, salsa, lime juice, and salt are added and stirred occasionally for about 15 minutes. Once cooked, the quinoa and tempeh are poured into a glass bowl and are mixed together. Beans, tomatoes, corn, cilantro, and diced avocado can also be added. The dish can be eaten as is, but it can also be used a filling for burritos, as per the publication.
Potatoes are also stomach fillers, though they contain more carbohydrates than other macronutrients. As per Authority Nutrition, one large potato contains minerals like magnesium, potassium, iron, manganese, and copper. Aside from the aforementioned health benefits of magnesium, and potassium, iron helps in the delivery of blood and oxygen to various organs of the body and to the cells, in microscopic level. Manganese helps in the management of weak bones in conditions like osteoporosis while copper helps in wound healing and in the management of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.
Overall, some foods that people eat leave their full and satisfied, preventing them from consuming more and become fat or overweight due to altered nutrition more than body requirements.

Health Benefits of Honey and Sample Recipe

Honey is associated with bees, as they produce this from flowers’ nectar. It is usually made by stingless bees, bumblebees, and hymenopteran insects like honey wasps. Primarily, honey is used in cooking and baking, in addition to being a spread on bread and sweetener in some drinks. Along with these uses, honey also has a number of health benefits.
Energy Booster

Honey can boost energy. According to Benefits of Honey, it is a natural source of carbohydrates, which provide energy and strength to the body. Thus, honey can improve the performance and endurance of athletes, while decreasing their fatigue level. Since honey has glucose, it is absorbed by the body to gain a quick boost and maintain constant levels, as opposed to other forms of sugar
As per the publication, a spoon of honey can be consumed before training for endurance. Also, it can be spread on a hot toast or used a sugar replacement in tea, instead of drinking a can of energy drink. For children’s snacks, honey can be prepared, along with butter and ham sandwich for extra source of energy in the morning. A spoon of honey can also be given at night prior to sleep for optimal rest and recovery.
Balance Restoration
Honey is believed to maintain balance in the body. According to Real Food For Life, honey has been utilized in ayurvedic medicine in India for at least 4000 years and is seen to have a positive effect on all three of the body’s material imbalances. Due to its ability to penetrate the body’s deepest tissues, it is also called “Yogavahi.” Honey’s power is also boosted when it is used in conjunction with other herbal preparations; it also improves the medicinal properties of such herbal preparations, allowing them to reach deeper tissues in the body.
In line with restoring balance in the body, honey is also linked to the improvement of weight loss and eyesight, as well as the management of conditions like nausea, diarrhea, bronchial asthma, urinary tract disorder, premature ejaculation, and impotence.
Wound Management
Aside from having a sweet taste, an interesting note is that honey can also help in the management of wounds. According to the journal Nursing Standard, honey has antimicrobial properties, allowing it to prevent infection to the wound site and promote autolytic debridement. In addition, it promotes moist wound healing while deodorizing wounds. Moreover, it aids stimulate the healing process, such as in dormant wounds, by activating the wound tissues. To add, BBC News also learned in July 2006 that physicians at the Christie Hospital in Didsbury, Manchester planned to utilize honey for faster recovery of their cancer patients following a surgical procedure.
For the time being, efforts are yet to be done with regard the exact role of honey in wound treatment.
Sample Recipe
Honey is often paired up with bread; hence, Pumpkin Honey Bread is a promising recipe. According to Honey, the ingredients include a cup of honey, half cup of butter or margarine, a can of solid pack pumpkin, four eggs, four cups of flour, four teaspoons of baking powder, two teaspoons of ground cinnamon, two teaspoons of ground ginger, a teaspoon of baking soda, a teaspoon of salt, and a teaspoon of ground nutmeg.
To prepare, honey and butter are mixed in a bowl until the resulting mixture become light and fluffy. Then, the pumpkin is added. After that, the eggs are beaten, one at a time, until they become thoroughly mixed. Next, the other ingredients are stirred into the pumpkin mixture. The batter is then divided equally to the loaf pans and is baked for an hour or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. The loaves are allowed to cool for ten minutes. Finally, the pans are inverted to remove the loaves, which are let to further cool on racks.
Overall, honey is as sweet as its benefits to human health. Thus, its inclusion to various meal recipes is considered practical.

Reasons to Eat Parsley and Sample Recipe

Parsley, also known as garden parsley, is a species of Petroselinum from the Apiaceae family. Known to originate from central Mediterranean region, such as Algeria, France, Italy, and Tunisia, it is widely utilized as an herb, a vegetable, and a spice. While it usually serves as a spice to a wide variety of food choices, it also has multiple health benefits.

General Nutrients
Parsley is packed with various vitamins and minerals. According to World’s Healthiest Foods, parsley contains vitamins A, B, C, and K. It is known that vitamin A is good for the eyes while vitamin B boosts the function of the nervous system and the cells. Vitamin C promotes the body’s defenses against infection and illness while Vitamin K contributes to blood clotting mechanisms; thus, it prevents hemorrhage or excessive bleeding. In terms of minerals, parsley contains iron, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium, which are all responsible for wound healing, neuromuscular health, bone and teeth strength, and cellular metabolism.
Antioxidants and Anti-Cancer
Parsley is also rich in antioxidants, making it help fight cancer. According to Health Diaries, parsley oil contains the flavonoid luteolin, which helps the body get rid of free radicals, which often leads to cancer. As per the publication, luteolin also boosts carbohydrate breakdown and treats the body against inflammation. Moreover, it is added that a couple of tablespoons of the vegetable provides over 12 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin A and 16 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C, which are two of the most potent antioxidants.
Parsley oil also contains the organic compound myristicin, which is known to inhibit tumor formation, specifically in the lungs. It is also believed that it activates the enzyme glutathione-S-transferase, which aids the molecule glutathione attach and combat oxidized molecules. In addition, the organic compound also neutralizes carcinogens, such as benzopyrene in cigarette smoke, which can pass through the body.
According to Medical News Today, parsley also contains the natural chemical apigenin, which helps in decreasing tumor size in breast cancer. The finding was learned by University of Missouri researchers and they say that the chemical is a potent cancer treatment in the future.
Dental and Anti-Diabetic
Along with the myristicin and the vitamins, parsley also has the oil eugenol, which is known to have an anesthetic and anti-septic effect to the body, according to Nutrition and You. Thus, it can also be used by dentists as they treat various teeth and gum diseases. In addition to this, eugenol has also proven its ability to decrease blood sugar levels in people diagnosed with diabetes mellitus. But then, more efforts on studies have to be done to boost the validity of such results.
Sample Recipe
Parsley can be added to many meal recipes, such as Super Simple Salmon. According to All Recipes, the ingredients contain a tablespoon of garlic powder, a tablespoon of dried basil, half teaspoon of salt, 6-ounce salmon, two tablespoons butter, and four lemon wedges, among others.
To prepare, the garlic powder, salt, and basil are stirred together in a small bowl and the resulting mixture is rubbed equally onto the salmon fillets. After that, the butter is melted in a skillet over medium heat and the salmon is cooked in the butter for five minutes per side until browned and flaky. Finally, each piece of salmon is served with a lemon wedge.
Overall, parsley is a great garnish for various dishes, as it improves their appearance and taste. In addition to the impact it has on the food, it also promotes the health and wellness of a person and the entire family.

Teas That May Help Lower Cholesterol

Most people reach for oatmeal, green leafy vegetables and other fiber-rich foods in order to keep bad cholesterol levels in check. While they are definitely good at lowering cholesterol, there are also certain teas that you may take in order to ensure that your cholesterol level is within the normal and healthy range.

Before we discuss these teas that are known to help keep high cholesterol levels in check, let us momentarily put the spotlight on bad cholesterol to help you understand why it is not a good idea to have it in excess.
Bad cholesterol is known in the medical world as low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Unlike its counterpart, which is high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol or the good cholesterol, it is frowned upon by many. The truth is LDL cholesterol is not bad per se. What makes it terrible for the health is when too much of it is present.
In fact, LDL cholesterol plays a number of roles important for your body. For instance, it is necessary for the synthesis of certain hormones such as testosterone, estrogen and progesterone. LDL cholesterol is necessary for the conversion of sunlight into vitamin D. What’s more, LDL cholesterol is vital for the integrity of your cell membrane.
There is no denying that LDL cholesterol is important. However, just like with so many other things, too much of it is without question a bad thing. It can clog your arteries, cause your blood pressure to rise, and put you at risk of having heart disease, heart attack and stroke!
In lowering bad cholesterol, it’s important to follow the recommendations of your doctor. See to it that you abide by the diet and lifestyle changes he or she provides, as well at take the medications prescribed, if any. You may also try consuming some of the teas mentioned below to help in keeping bad cholesterol in check. Before taking any of the healthy teas that will be mentioned here, make sure that you tell your doctor about it. Read on!
Green Tea
This healthy beverage is known to thwart a wide variety of health problems, and having high bad cholesterol levels is one of them. Antioxidants in green tea are very good at reducing bad cholesterol, thus lowering your chances of ending up with the complications associated with high bad cholesterol levels.
Oolong Tea
Not a fan of green tea? Opt for oolong tea instead, a beverage that can help in zapping excessive amounts of bad cholesterol in the body, according to certain scientific investigations.
Holy Basil Tea
For so many years now, holy basil tea is being recommended by traditional healers to their patients who are bugged by high levels of bad cholesterol. Even though there are a lot of modern-day studies saying that there’s not enough conclusive evidence on the effectiveness of holy basil tea in dealing with too much LDL cholesterol, so many people still swear by it.
Peppermint Tea
A lot of people are aware that peppermint tea is great for dealing with indigestion. Did you know that a cup of this healthy beverage may also help keep at bay high LDL cholesterol levels? Peppermint tea is said to help reduce excess bad cholesterol by increasing the amount of good cholesterol.
Hibiscus Tea
It’s no secret that hibiscus is a beautiful flower. Here’s one more reason why hibiscus is indeed lovable: tea made from this flower is known to help increase good cholesterol levels, thus reducing the levels of bad cholesterol.
Turmeric Tea
Last but not least, there’s turmeric tea that is proven to help fight off too much bad cholesterol in the body. Making turmeric, a popular spice, very good at keeping bad cholesterol in check is a compound known as curcumin. According to the experts, curcumin possesses amazing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.