Top Ten Hydrating Foods

If you ever feel dehydrated or worn out, here is a list of foods that can give you a bit of a boost...

1. Tomatoes - Contain 94% of water
2. Melon Water - Contains  92% of water
3. Pineapple - Contains 95% of water
4. Blue berries - Contain 95% of water
5. Pear - Contains 89% of water
6. Watermelon - Contains 96% of water
7. Cucumber - Contains 96% of water
8. Celery - Contains 95% of water
9. Lettuce - Contains 95% of water
10. Grape Fruit - Contains 90% of water

Health benefits of Cucumber

Cucumbers are number four most cultivated vegetable in the world and known to be one of the best foods for your overall health, often referred to as a super food. Pick a handful of firm, dark green cucumbers and drop them into your shopping cart. Congratulations! You have just bought yourself stuff full of good health.

1. Cucumber re hydrates body

If you are too busy to drink enough water, eat the cool cucumber, which is 90 percent water. It will cheerfully compensate your water lost.

2. Cucumber fights heat inside and out

Eating cucumber will get your body relief from heartburn. Apply cucumber on your skin and you will get relief from sunburn.

3. Cucumber eliminates toxins

All that water in cucumber acts as a virtual broom, sweeping waste products out of your body. With regular eating, cucumber is known to dissolve kidney stones.

4. Cucumber replenishes daily vitamins

Cucumbers have most of the vitamins the body needs in a single day. A B and C, which boost your immune system keep you radiant and give you energy. Make it more powerful by juicing cucumber with spinach and carrot. Don’t forget to leave the skin on because it contains a good amount of vitamin C, about 12 percent of the daily recommended allowance.

Source: fitnea

Should you drink Vitamin Water? The Pros and Cons

Over the past few years, vitamin water has become a wildly popular beverage all across the US. After all, the overall appeal of getting your daily dose of vitamins just by drinking some deliciously flavored water makes getting to good nutrition easy for most people, explaining the popularity of this particular drink. But is it more hype than hydration? Despite the fact that vitamin water is marketed as a healthier alternative to sodas and juices, not everything about this vitamin infused beverage is all good news.

Image: grandparents

Pros of Vitamin Water

1. Vitamin Water Contains Essential Vitamins 
The average bottle of vitamin water contains 50 to 100 percent of your daily-recommended dosage of several different vitamins, making it a beneficial beverage in several aspects.

2. Vitamin Water is Better than Sodas and Juices
It’s easy to see that vitamin water is more beneficial to your health and weight than sugar laden, carbonated beverages. Most vitamin waters on the market contain roughly half the calories and carbohydrates of soda, and sodas can’t offer the health benefits of vitamin inclusion.

3. Vitamin water is also better than juice, simply because there is usually far less sugar in vitamin water than in most fruit juices you will find today, making vitamin water one of the better choices in beverage options.

Cons of Vitamin Water

1.High Calorie Content

Even though vitamin water has fewer calories than soda and juices, it’s still one of the most loaded calorie options in the drinkable market. The average 20 ounce bottle of vitamin water contains almost as many calories  as a single 12 ounce can of pop; certainly something that would make calorie conscious consumers raise an eyebrow.

2.Vitamin Water isn't Cheap

No matter how you slice it, vitamin water is a very expensive habit. Buying just a single bottle of vitamin water a day adds up to almost $400 a year. If you compare that to regular water, vitamin water pales in comparison to plain old water cost wise.

3.The Vitamins in Vitamin Water are Virtually Unnecessary

The vitamins contained in most vitamin waters are vitamins that the average person can get by simply maintaining a healthy diet , and most people get them already. Even though the concept of vitamin water is appealing, it’s equally unnecessary. If you want to ensure that you are getting enough vitamins each day, consider taking a multivitamin instead of skating by on high calorie options like vitamin water.

The bottom line is that even though vitamin water is a healthier alternative to soda and juices, plain, old-fashioned water is still best.

Source: livinghealthy360.

What is Lean Meat?

We always hear that choosing lean meats plays a very important role in our health. But what is lean meat.
Below I share with you what exactly lean meat is and how to choose the right meat for a health diet.

What is lean meat.

Lean meat is meat that has less the a total of 10 grams fat. Protein is the a very important element of our daily diet and for the overall growth of muscle, bones, skin, etc... Even though we also find this protein in nuts, peas and beans, it is no doubt that meat is the complete source of protein.

Here is a least of leaner cuts of meat:

Leaner cuts of beef:

• Arm Roasts
• Bottom Round Steaks 
• Chuck Shoulder Roasts 
• Eye Of Round
• Leg Cuts

Leaner cuts of pork:

• Bone-In Rib Chop 
• Bone-In Sirloin Roast
• Bone-In Sirloin Roast

Leaner cuts of lamb:

• Arm 
• Leg Of Lamb
• Loin

Leaner Poultry:

• Chicken
• Skinless Breast Meat
• Lean or Extra Lean Ground Chicken

Find the whole list at Nourish Health Kids.

Health Benefits of Cinnamon Sprinkles

Cinnamon.. Who doesn't like a sprinkle of it on that milk tart or cinnamon toast ( I'll share the recipe tomorrow) not forgetting to sprinkle it on a pancakes topped with banana and honey... It tastes so good!!

As good as its health benefits. Lets find out what wonders a sprinkle of cinnamon can do for your body...

1. Helps digest food

 Cinnamon reduces the uncomfortable feelings associated with IBS ( Irritable Bowel Syndrome ) especially the bloating it also aids with  heartburn or indigestion.

2. Aids weight loss

Cinnamon increases blood circulation, increased blood flow  boosts your metabolism therefore helping you loss weight. This blood thinning property of Cinnamon also helps it in acting as an anti clotting agent especially for those suffering from heart disease.

3. Reduces PMS

According to the University of Maryland web site women who ate 5.6 mg of manganese in their diets each day had fewer mood swings and cramps compared to those who ate only 1 mg of manganese. These results suggest that a manganese rich diet may help reduce symptoms of PMS.

4. Reduces pain linked to arthritis.

5. Food preservative

Cinnamon is a natural food preservative,when added to food, it inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage.

6. Reduce heart disease

Cinnamon is an excellent source of calcium and fiber. The two components help to bind and remove bile salts from the body--salts that have a damaging effect on the colon. When the bile is removed from the body, it has to break down cholesterol to generate new bile, having a positive impact on atherosclerosis and heart disease prevention.

7. Aids yeast infection

Cinnamon helps to stop medication-resistant yeast infections.

8. Blood Sugar Regulator

9. Cures stomach bug and flu

Cinnamaldehyde contain in cinnamon helps cure stomach bug and reduce symptoms of flu.

10. Packed with good nutrients and a great anti - oxidant

Cinnamon is packed with nutrients such as fiber, calcium, iron, and manganese. Reach in anti - oxidants which reduce the forming of " Free Radicals " that cause cancer.

Fighting Constipation

Yes I said - Constipation - the one topic that everybody shies away from. If you are suffering from this problem here are the causes and the solutions that will help you get rid of this uncomfortable situation.

What causes constipation:

Constipation is caused by the slow passing of stool and the lenght it spends in our colon. Our colon absorbs too much liquid from our stool making it hard, this makes it difficult for our rectum muscles to push it out of our bodies.

The common causes of constipation are:

• Lack of water intake
• Low fibre diet
• Lack of exercise
• Depression
• Stress
• Eatting a lot of dairy 
• Over use of laxatives
• Some medications such as pain medication and iron supplement

How to treat constipation

• Eat ffods which a filled with fibre like fruits, vegetables and bran muffins.
• Drink water and soups
• Engage yourself in daily exercises

Eggs for Life ( Health benefits of Eggs)

Image : landolake.com

When i was in senior primary my mother use to stuff me with eggs. Soon I came to hate anything that had eggs in it. But recently I have become quite a fan of these precious eggs after stumbling across these interesting benefits that they add to your health.

1. Good for your eyes

I'm a heavy reader and I spend most of my time infront of a computer. So it was lovely to learn that just one egg a day can prevent macular degeneration - a medical condition which usually affects older adults and results in a loss of vision.

2. Aids in weight loss

A breakfast which contains eggs will keep you fuller for longer.

3. Reduces risk of getting cancer.

The egg yoke is packed with a nutrient called choline. High intake of choline reduces the risk of breast cancer; choline also protects our livers from accumulating fat, helps regulate the nervous system, the brain and cardiovascular system.

4. Promotes healthy hair and nails

Eggs are high in sulphur and contain a wide array of vitamins and minerals which help keep your nails and hair healthy.

5. Protects your heart

Eatting two eggs a day increases your HDL the good cholesterol which protects your heart.

5 effective ways to Boost your Metabolism

 

 

Friendsthroughfood.com

Our metabolism is the rate at which our body burns off food. a speedy metabolism helps us burn fat faster. Here are a few ways in which you can increase your metabolism and burn calories faster.

1. Always eat breakfast

I always stress to people the importance of eatting breakfast because its the one meal that keeps us from starvation eatting and kick starts our metabolism.

2. Caffiene (Coffee or Black Tea)

Caffiene  helps your body release more fat burning hormonesand helps you burn more fat when working out.

3. Morning workouts

Working out in the morning gives you a long lasting calory burning effect which will help you burn more calories through out the day.

4. Eat more protien

Your body burns huge amounts of calories while digesting protiens.

5. Spice things up

Spicy foods don't only increase your heart rate but it also speeds up your metabolism.

Cup a Tea ( Black tea health benefits)

I use to look at my Gran and wonder how in the world she managed to drink 5 cups of Black tea a day. Personal I don't like the taste of tea but being the curious self that I am, I went on a research spree to find out what are the health benefits of my beloved Grans tea.

Black tea is one of the mostly consumed teas in the world, maybe because it is a good alternative to coffee as it is high in caffiene.

1. Cancer Prevention

Black tea is loaded with polyphenols. This is an antioxident which helps protect your cells from DNA damage. Research has shown that women who drink black tea have a lower risk of getting ovarian cancer than those who don't.


2. Immune system Booster

Tannins and alkylamine antigens are substances found in black tea. Tannins helps fight viral infections such as flues and the alkylamine antigens helps boost your immune system's response to viruses.

3. Increased Energy levels

Black tea is loaded with caffiene. The invigorating effect of caffiene found in the black tea is said to be more than found in coffee.

4. Help clear blemishes and uneven skin

Place a tea bag in warm water and let it steep for a bit. Then rub the teabag on to your face. Do this for about two minutes. The caffiene contained in the black tea will tighten your skin and lighten dark areas.

Black Tea list and prices. Order Now

The Olive ( health benefits)

Olives have become my one and only love. I enjoy the sour, salty taste they give off. My out most favorite are the black olives... Green or black they add that lovely twist to our salads and pasta's. Now that we appreciate the pleasure of eating them, lets take a look at how they benefit our bodies...

1. Healthy eyes

Black olives contain loads of vitamin A which is good for our eyes. It assist the eye to tell between dark and light therefore helps improve night vision. Just one cup of black olives is 10% of the daily vitamin A intake recommendation which is 700 to 900 micrograms (mcg) per day for people aged 14 years and above.

2. Prevents cancer

A  phytonutrient called Hydroxytyrosol this nutrient prevents the DNA of a cell from damage and mutating into a cancerous cell.

3. Boosts fertility

4. Rich in iron

Iron helps your body produce adenosine triphosphate which is the main source of our bodies energy.

5. Digestive health

Consumption of vitamin E and monounsaturated fats in olives is associated with low rates of colon cancer. The fiber in the olives promotes a healthy digestive tract by helping to move the food though the system.

6. Healthy hair and skin

Vitamin E protects skin form ultraviolet radiation, therefore guarding against skin cancer and aging. 

3 steps to getting a perfect smile

Its the last day of our National Oral health Month in South Africa. It is a time to pay extra attention to our oral or dental routine. Did you know that two off the world's most common health problems affect the mouth, gum disease and cavities.

It is in your best interest to practice good oral hygiene to keep your gorgeous smile and to keep your gums healthy. Gum disease has been linked to many other diseases like adverse pregnancy outcomes, coronary heart disease and diabetes; women with gum disease will find it harder to conceive, therefore oral health is off great importance in our lives.

Today I'll share my 3 little secrets on how to get bright, white teeth using basic home remedies.

1. Eat crunchy food.

Foods like carrot, apples, broccoli, cucumber, and celery. Apples have a chemical called malic acid, which is actually used in same teeth whitening product, this acid helps clean away stains. Crunchy food helps increase saliva production, this also helps in lessening stains on our teeth.

2. Eat dairy products.

• Cheese
• Milk
• Yogurt

The above mentioned products contain the minerals phosphorus and calcium which promote the remineralization of enamel ( the outer layer off the teeth) in our teeth.

3. Baking soda paste

Take a teaspoon of baking soda and combine it with water to form a paste. Brush your teeth as you normally and rinse your mouth proper using warm water with a pinch of salt. you can do this once a week. Do not over use the baking soda method as it can eat away you teeth  literally..

Happy smiling... :)  

Deliciously healthy ( Apple health benefits)

For many years it has been claimed that an apple is the greatest, most healthiest fruit one could ever eat today we look at the reasons why  its the best and why we need it to keep our bodies healthy.

Low in cholesterol

A medium sized apple has about 5 grams of fiber and most of this fiber is good fiber called pectin. Pectin has low levels of bad cholesterol therefore it blocks the absorption of cholesterol  by lowering insulin secretion and helps the body use it rather than store it.

Curbs Cancer

Apples are loaded with flavonol and triterpenoids these are compounds which have potent anti-growth activities against cancer cells.

May keep you slim

The  ursolic acid  found in the peel of an apple aids the body to burn calories and increases muscle. The  quercetin ( which is an antioxidant) can help boost your immune system. The fiber keeps you fuller for longer.

Good for your brain

Apples help the body produce acetylcholine which helps with memory.

Brightness, Lightness and tightness your skin

Red apples are loaded with collagen and elasticity properties which will help your skin remain youthful forever.

Restores your hair :)

A compound called procyanidin B-2  found in the apple helps your hair stay stronger.

Healthy teeth

Chewing an apple stimulates the production of saliva therefore decreasing the level of bactria and reduces teeth decay.

Brown sugar vs white sugar ( you choose) Health benefits

White or brown sugar

Many times we form a battle of whether brown sugar is healthier than white sugar.... We today we see the facts between these two and the rest is left on you to choose.

Brown and white sugar are made from the same sugar crane which contain molasses. The difference is that brown sugar is that brown sugar has molasses and white sugar is stripped from theses molasses.

Health benefits of  Molasses in brown sugar:

Source of Calcium

We loss calcium on a daily bases through our urine, sweat, skin, hair and nail. This calcium has to be replaced daily to prevent our bodies from abstracting the calcium it needs from our bones.An adult aged 19-50 needs about 1000 milligram of calcium a day, a teaspoon of brown sugar has 0.08 mg.

Calcium keeps you slim
Keeps PMS away
Calcium keeps your heart healthy

Calcium rich foods:

Milk
Yogurt
Soybeans
Cheese

Source of Magnesium

Magnesium is required by the body to properly digest food. An adult at the age of 19 upwards needs 320 milligrams of magnesium a day. In every 100 gram ( 13 teaspoons) has 9 mg of magnesium.

Powerful detoxifier 
Healthy blood sugar levels  

Other sources of magnesium

Nuts and seeds (sesame seeds and almonds)
Lentils
Whole grains ( brown rice)


Source of Potassium

Potassium is need for our kidneys to filter blood and for our muscles to move. An adult need about 1600 milligrams of potassium.

Lowers the risk of getting cancer
Low risk for obesity and heart disease.

Other great sources of potassium are:

Orange juice
Avocado
Tomatoes
Spinach
Dried fruit ( apricot and dates)
Peas and beans
Fresh fruit like strawberries and bananas

Source of Iron

Iron is needed for the proper growth and development of our bodies.

Oxygen carrier
Muscle health

Other iron rich food:

Chicken liver
Ham
Fish

Adult males from the age of 19 - 50 need 8 mg and females of the same ages need 18 mg of iron per day.

NB: too much sugar is bad for you brown or white!!...

Be as cool as a cucumber ( Health benefits)

Need a quick and healthy pick me? Look no further, no need for those fizzy unhealthy soda's and an overdose on caffeine, just eat a cucumber. There is still a debate on whether this cool dark green log of super food  is a fruit or vegetable; well surprise, surprise according to the botanists (those who study plants) a cucumbers is technically a fruit with tremendous health benefits.

Below is a short list of benefits we get from this fruit:

1. Flushes out toxins

The water in  a cucumber acts as a broom which sweeps all the unwanted toxins out of our system. Cucumbers are also known to liquefy kidney stones if consumed regularly.

2. Aids in weight loss

Thanks to its low calorie and high water content cucumber is the ideal food for whoever is looking to lose weight. The water that the cucumber contains aids in getting rid of toxins in the digestive system aiding in digestion and is a great remedy for constipation.

3. Maintains normal electrical activity of the heart.

Cumbers are rich in Potassium which plays a huge  role in the development of muscle tissue and helps maintain normal electrical activity of your heart.

4. Keeps your joints in good health

Cucumbers are an excellent source of silica, which is known to help promote joint health by strengthening the connective tissues.

5. Controls blood pressure and helps cure diabetes

Cucumbers contain a loads of potassium, magnesium and fiber; these work effectively in regulating blood pressure.

Juicy health benefits of tomatoes

Tomato  goodness

Fruit or Vegetable? Its for you to decide. Either way tomatoes are a great source of nutrition. You may eat them raw or cooked, which ever way they remain true to their delicious taste. Below is a list of health benefits of tomatoes.

1.Prevent DNA Damage

Tomatoes are high in important antioxidants such as vitamin C and Vitamin A. These vitamins work to fend of DNA damage from free radicals. Consequently, tomatoes may help to ward off age related diseases such as diabetes.

  2. Protect Against Thrombosis (blood clots in the blood vessels)

Another study showed that drinking 8 ounces of tomato juice daily reduced platelet aggregation significantly, among study subjects. Those drinking a placebo showed no benefit. It’s important to drink low-sodium tomato juice if you are trying to protect against thrombosis.

4. Decreases risk of prostate cancer

Tomato contains amazing amounts of lycopene which is said to have anti oxidant properties. Studies have shown that tomato can reduce prostate cancer especially in synergy with broccoli. A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute suggested that ‘the intake of tomatoes and tomato products is associated with a decreased risk of prostate cancer. This benefit may be related to the antioxidant properties of lycopene, but other potential mechanisms and other beneficial tomato-based components instead of or combined with lycopene cannot be excluded’.

5. Tomatoes work against impotency and help increase the sperm count.

6. Tomatoes are powerful blood purifiers and clear up urinary tract infections.

7. Tomatoes are widely used in the manufacturing of skin care and beauty products as they are good for improving skin porosity.


Types of tomatoes

Ball’s Beefsteak

Very large flattened, solid, meaty juicy bright red fruits, weigh up to 2 lbs., excellent slicer with rich sub-acid flavor.

Beefmaster

Large red meaty beefsteak type tomatoes, good-flavored, can weigh up to 2 lbs. Good tolerance to cracking & peeling.

Better Boy

Most popular hybrid. Spectacular midseason deep red tomatoes are plump & juicy& average about 1 lb. fruits.

Better Bush

 Long harvest season. 4-inch fruits have a juicy consistency and great garden-fresh flavor!

Secrets of Lemon

Many are times where we use lemon in our tea's, curries and for weight loss but can one say they truly know the health benefits of eating lemon. Today it will be my pleasure to interest you in the many secrets that this
( Lemon) small yellow fruit hold:

 1. Balances pH

Lemons will help alkalize your body. Many may think that lemons are an acidic food, the acid in lemons does not create acidity once it is metabolized by your body.

2. Improves circulation

Lemons contain Vitamin P a bioflavenoids that help Vitamin C perform its function. It is known to strengthen the blood vessels.

 3. Aids bad breath

Lemon juice is a great oral cleanser. Brushing your teeth with a warm mixture of lemon and salt water will leave your mouth with a fresh smell.

4. Good for you liver

“The lemon is a wonderful stimulant to the liver and is a dissolvent of uric acid and other poisons, liquefies the bile,” says Jethro Kloss in his book Back to Eden. Lemons have powerful antibacterial properties; experiments have found the juice of lemons destroy the bacteria of malaria, cholera, diphtheria, typhoid and other deadly diseases.

5.  It destroys intestinal worms.

6.  Lemons can halts or slows down the growth of cancer.

Lemons contain 22 anti-cancer compounds, including naturally occurring limonene; oil which slows or halts the growth of cancer tumors and flavonol glycosides which stop cell division in cancer cells.

7. Decreases cholesterol levels

These are also helpful in decreasing the cholesterol levels in the body which results in maintaining good health of our hearts. This is due to the presence of polyphenol flavonoids in lemon peels.

8. Promotes Weight loss

Lemon peels contain a component known as Pectin, which is responsible for the promotion of weight loss in the body. You can grate the lemon peels and drop a few in your cup of tea.

9. Improves bone health

Lemons contain a high amount of calcium and vitamin C, these  help in maintaining and improving the health of our bones. Lemons also helps in preventing bone related diseases likes osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Small with big health benefits (Lentils)

Summer is very near in South Africa and we all want that gorgeous body to show of at the beach :). Low in calories and high in nutrition, lentils are the perfect legume to eat in the summer in salads, spreads and crackers. Stated bellow are the benefits of including lentils in your diet....

 1. Weight Loss

Lentils include all these beneficial nutrients like fiber, protein, minerals and vitamins, they are still low in calories and contain virtually no fat. One cup of cooked lentils only contains about 230 calories, but still leaves you feeling full.

2. Reduces risk of heart attack

Lentils help to reduce blood cholesterol since it contains high levels of soluble fiber. Lowering your cholesterol levels reduces your risk of heart disease and stroke by keeping your arteries clean.

3. Rich in Iron

 The body uses iron to produce red blood cells and adenosine triphosphate, or ATP.  A man needs 87% of iron per day and a woman needs  only needs 2/3 of that amount. Just one cup of lentils can provide you with your daily dose of iron.

4. Cancer Prevention

Studies conducted by the Department of Nutrition at Harvard School of Public Health, Boston revealed that both lentils and peas are able to reduce the risk of breast cancer. One of the reasons is that both these foods are rich in flavones, a class of antioxidants.

5. Stabilized Blood Sugar

Adding to the many benefits of fiber, soluble fiber traps carbohydrates, this slows down digestion and stabilizing blood sugar levels. This can be very helpful for people with diabetes or insulin resistance

Tomorrow I will share my favorite, easy to make lentil soup..

Lets have a Date.....

It's a wonderfully delicious fruit to eat, dates are one of the most popular fruits packed with an impressive list of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are required for normal growth, development and overall well-being. Below are a few benefits of adding dates to you diet.

1. Prevents abdominal cancer:

 It is high in natural antioxidants which helps in preventing development of some colonic cancers. It does not have any side effect on the body and is completely natural.

2. Improves digestive system:

 Dates contain different kinds of amino acids as well as soluble and insoluble fibers which help regulate the digestive system.

3. Helps treat aminia:

Dates have high iron content and are very useful in treating anemia. They also have fluorine that slows down the process of tooth decay.

4. Good for your vision:

They are moderate sources of vitamin-A, which is known to have antioxidant properties and essential for vision. Additionally, it is also required maintaining healthy mucus membranes and skin. Consumption of natural fruits rich in vitamin A is known to help to protect from lung and oral cavity cancers.

5. Aids oxygen flow in the body:

Dates are an excellent source of iron. Iron, being a component of hemoglobin inside the red blood cells, determines the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

6. Loaded with needed minerals:

They are also rich in minerals like calcium, manganese, copper, and magnesium. Calcium is an important mineral that is an essential constituent of bone and teeth, and required by the body for muscle contraction, blood clotting, and nerve impulse conduction. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase. Copper is required for the production of red blood cells. Magnesium is essential for bone growth.

7. Boosting Brain Health:

 Some studies, such as one found in JAMA Internal Medicine, found that sufficient vitamin B6 levels are associated with improved brain performance and better test scores.

A Banana a day keeps the Doctor away...

Its not just a banana after all. This yellow skinned fruit is not just deliciously sweet but it has so many unbelievable benefits for our body. Here a reasons why you should include a banana in your daily diet to kep the doctor away....

1. Aids digestion

Rich in pectin, bananas aid digestion and gently chelate toxins and heavy metals from the body. They act as a prebiotic, stimulating the growth of friendly bacteria in the bowel. They also produce digestive enzymes to assist in absorbing nutrients. Helps with relieving constipation and heart burn.

2. Prevents kidney cancer

3. Makes you smarter

Bananas make you smarter and help with learning by making you more alert. Eat a banana before an exam to benefit from the high levels of potassium.

4. Reduces Stroke 

Eating a banana between meals helps stabilize blood sugar. The potassium it contains is also helpful for reducing strokes.

5. Depression and stress

Bananas help overcome depression due high levels of tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin mood brain neurotransmitter.   When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. Potassium is a vital mineral, which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body’s water balance.

6. Anemia

 High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood therefore helping in cases of anemia.

7. Smoking and hangovers

 Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6,B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Hungover? The banana calms the stomach and builds up depleted blood sugar levels.

8. For beauty

Banana contains Vitamin B6, C and a high percentage of water, which nourishes and hydrates the skin. These nutrients also help to maintain the elasticity of your skin.

PS: Banana's do not make you fat. The fiber content of bananas helps to control hunger much better for those who are trying to lose fat.

Benefits of Coffee for your Health

Many people preach about how bad coffee is.. Well today I have good news to with all the coffee lovers (like myself) out there. Coffee is good for our health and our skin... Below I list a few benefits of including coffee in our diet...

1. It helps make your reproductive systems.

If you're looking for a drink to lower your risk of prostate cancer, and ladies lower your risk of endometrial cancer, then keep that coffee habit going. Journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention found that women who drank more than four cups of coffee a day had a 25 percent lower risk of endometrial cancer and men who drink  at least six or more cups a day reduced their risk of prostate cancer by 20 percent.

2. Coffee Can Help You Burn Fat 

Coffee contains caffeine, caffeine partly due to its stimulant effect on the central nervous system, both raises metabolism and increases the oxidation of fatty acids.

3.  Lower Your Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Coffee helps to block a substance in the body called human islet amyloid polypeptide that may play a role in the development of diabetes. 

4.  Coffee May Lower Your Risk of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s ( makes you smarter)

Not only can coffee make you smarter in the short term, it may also protect your brain in old age.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common neurodegenerative disorder in the world and a leading cause of dementia. In prospective studies, coffee drinkers have up to a 60% lower risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

5. It's great for your skin.

Drinking coffee may help you to ward off the most diagnosed form of skin cancer. In the journal Cancer Research that looked specifically at the caffeine in coffee demonstrated that coffee drinkers had a lower risk of developing basal cell carcinoma. 

Stay tuned for a Coffee Body Scrub that will help reduce the appearance of cellulite, make your skin firm and brighten the skin.