Look At Least 5 Years Younger with the Help of These Foods

No one wants to look old, but sadly, this is a part of our aging process. The good news is you can delay the inevitable. Believe it or not, the trick is right in front of you – or more specifically, in your kitchen.



By eating the right foods, you can actually solve most of the beauty concerns you may be having right now. So if you want to look and feel younger inside out, here are the foods you should add to your grocery list:
1. Coffee: It not only wakes you up in the morning, but also keeps you looking youthful. Coffee is rich in antioxidants that fight the toxins in the body. Plus, it stimulates your blood vessels, which helps in making your skin have an even look. According to the National Cancer Institute, drinking four cups of coffee can help fight melanoma or skin cancer.



2. Oatmeal: Another favorite part of morning routine, oatmeal is a breakfast food that can help you look younger. It has vitamin E that helps nourish your skin, fight free radicals that make you look older, and decrease damage from the sun. Oatmeal also has amino acids, which are essential in combatting aging. Make sure you choose non-processed oatmeal. Stay away from no-cook or instant oatmeal.

 

3. Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese as well as other foods that are high in calcium can help you have whiter teeth. When you can smile confidently, this can take 10 years off your face. Mozzarella can strengthen and protect your teeth enamel, while increasing saliva production.



4. Walnuts: Rich in omega-3s, eating walnuts every day can keep your skin moisturized, so you will never have to worry about wrinkles again.



5. Grapefruit: Along with citrus fruits, grapefruit is high in vitamin C, which helps in collagen development. Collagen is essential in preventing sagging skin.




6. Shiitake Mushrooms: If you have a problem with gray hair, here’s something that can help. Shiitake mushrooms have plenty of copper, which is one of the culprits as to why younger individuals get gray hair prematurely. Half a cup of this mushroom already gives you 71% of copper RDA and only has 40 calories.



7. Sweet Potatoes: Tanning can make you look older and is not really good for your skin if you keep on abusing it. The good news is that sweet potatoes can give you the same results without staying under the sun for several minutes. Get that sun-kissed complexion with sweet potatoes that are rich in carotenoids, which can give you that youthful glow you’ve been dreaming of.

 

Your diet can directly affect your appearance. Choose the right foods to help remove at least five years off of your face and keep other people guessing about your real age.

Handy Hacks that Will Keep Fruits and Vegetables Fresh

Many people complain about how costly it is to eat organic fruits and vegetables, which is why they go for cheap processed and junk foods instead. But the health benefits can easily outweigh the price. Aside from that, you can’t compare the taste of meals and snacks that use fresh produce with frozen or canned versions.
The problem with fruits and vegetables is that they can go bad easily. Prevent them from spoiling with these strategies:

For Fruits

1. Bananas: Prevent bananas from getting soft and mushy by using plastic wraps around their tops. The reason for this is because bananas emit gas known as ethylene to be ripe and it is released in the stems. Wrap the stems with plastic wraps to slow down the ripening process, reduce the ethylene emission, and keep them fresh.
2. Apples: Use a plastic bag if you’re going to store your apples in the fridge. This fruit also emits ethylene and using the bag can prevent them from going bad quickly.
3. Avocados: Preferably, store this fruit in room temperature for about a week or until they are ripe. If it is ripe or is soft to the touch, move to the fridge where you can keep it for one more week.
4. Raspberries: If your raspberries often turn moldy, wash them with vinegar before you place them inside the refrigerator. The same thing can be applied to other berries, such as strawberries and blueberries. Using vinegar to wash them can kill the bacteria and keep the fruits fresher for longer.

They are more delicious and healthy when they fresh, so keep them that way / PicHelp

For Vegetables

1. Celery: Celery can become rubbery over a short period of time. Stop this from happening by using aluminum foil to wrap around them and place the greens inside the refrigerator. This method will prevent air from reaching the vegetable and keep the moisture in. Celery, like bananas, also emits ethylene and wrapping with the foil can slow down the ripening process.

2. Lettuce: Surely, you don’t want to eat limp lettuce, so put some paper towels at the bottom of the crisper drawer of your fridge. This will prevent the lettuce leaves from going bad in just a few days. The method saves the vegetables from moisture that can result to a softer texture.

3. Potatoes: Keeping potatoes for a longer time may result to them sprouting. To prevent this from happening, throw some apples with them. Some people say this is not an effective method though. If it does not work, simply put them in a cool, dry place where moisture and sunlight cannot reach them.
Now you do not have to worry about your organic food from spoiling or going bad, thanks to the handy tips above.

 

7 Unbeatable Superfood Combos

The concept known as food synergy suggests that some foods should always go together if you want to really take advantage of proper nutrition from what you consume. Some foods are designed to work together, which include the following:

1. Green Tea + Lemon: When you add lemon juice to your tea, you are actually increasing the benefits of the catechins in your drink up to five times more.

2. Black Beans + Red Bell Pepper: Black beans are rich in iron and red bell peppers are great sources of vitamin C. Iron from plants is not readily absorbed by the body as the iron found in meats. When the iron-rich plant you eat is combined with vitamin C, it becomes six times stronger. Other sources of iron are leafy greens, legumes, and artichokes, while vitamin C-rich foods include tomatoes and citrus fruits.

3. Avocados + Tomatoes: The monounsaturated fat in avocados can boost the lycopene in tomatoes up to four times more effective. Lycopene is known to fight cancers. Additionally, beta-carotene becomes three times more effective when you eat avocados together with tomatoes.

4. Dark Chocolate + Apples: Quercetin, which is found in apples that can control inflammatory reactions of the body, can be improved in quantity when you eat dark chocolates. Eat the two as a part of your snack to fight blood clots, reduce your heart disease risk, and promote better circulation.

5. Bananas + Yogurt: A smoothie that contains yogurt and bananas can help with the absorption of amino acids and glucose, which aids in muscle repair. This is great to snack on after an intensive workout routine.

6. Asparagus + Parmesan: Asparagus has inulin, which is a form of fiber that has the ability to balance the good bacteria levels in the body. Meanwhile, parmesan is rich in calcium. When combined, inulin increases the capacity of the body to absorb calcium, making this a great combo to have a healthy stomach and improved bone health.

7. Cantaloupe + Yogurt: For better immunity, add cantaloupe whenever you eat some yogurt. The fruit has vitamin A that wards off viruses, while yogurt is rich in zinc. However, when you pair the two, you get 100% of the vitamin.

These seven combinations will not only provide you with great-tasting foods that will surely excite your palate, but also give you the maximum benefits that you can get to have better health.

Source: http://www.healthfeed.org

Amazing Health Benefits of Eating Cucumbers

One of the best things about cucumbers is that they are mostly comprised of water. Eating them is not something you should fear even when you’re on a diet because they are very low in calories. A really large cucumber is not even 100 calories, but it is very nutritious.
Whether you eat them fresh or pickled, cucumbers can give you health benefits including the following:

• Helps maintain hydration: if there’s no glass or bottle of water available, but you have some cucumbers at hand, you can just munch on them and they will be enough to keep you hydrated. Cucumbers are about 96% water, so eating them is almost the same as drinking a glass of water.
• Relieves heartburn: If you keep suffering from heartburn after eating, you may want to have some cucumbers in stock. They can help you find relief when acid reflux attacks.
• Relieves pain from sunburn: Sunburns can be painful and uncomfortable. Applying cucumbers gently on your skin can help you feel so much better. 

Do not cut cucumbers in your diet

• Removes harmful toxins: The water content of cucumbers is not only good for hydrating the body as it is also great for flushing out toxins. Think of it as a virtual broom that sweeps waste products out of the body, so you can feel fresher and become healthier.
• Dissolves kidney stones: There are studies that suggest cucumbers can help remove kidney stones by dissolving them. Although this effect is not immediate, continuous consumption of this fruit is known to liquefy those stones.
• Provides healthy vitamins: Cucumbers are not only juicy and low in calories, but are also high in vitamins. They contain vitamins A, B, and C. These three vitamins are known to boost the immune system’s functionality, provide you with energy, and keep your skin looking radiant.
• Gives more minerals: Aside from vitamins, cucumbers are also rich in minerals, including potassium, silicon, and magnesium. All these three minerals are great for your skin. This is why it is common for spas to use cucumbers in their treatments.
• Alleviates eye bags: Dark circles around the eyes and puffy eyes don’t make you look attractive. Chill some slices of cucumber and place them on the eyes before you sleep. This known beauty regime can remove those annoying eye issues.
• Reduces cancer risk: There are several studies that show how cucumbers are great for reducing cancer risk.

Source: www.healthfeed.org/

Pomegranate: Not Just Another Antioxidant

For some, eating pomegranates reminds them of Hades and Persephone, when the god of the underworld handed the fruit to Demeter’s daughter, forcing her to spend the remaining one-third of her life each year with Hades.
But the fruit is actually a symbol of vitality:

The fruit may be the ticket to delaying the progress of dementia.

Dementia remains to be one of the life-threatening progressive diseases with no known cure and less-known causes. However, a team of doctors and researchers of University of Huddersfield hopes to make its progress as slow as possible by turning their attention to a component in pomegranate called punicalagin.

 

Pomegranate is not just another antioxidant / PicHelp

The team is currently working on driving a drug from this compound, which has a very strong anti-inflammatory property. Based on research, the polyphenol can prevent the inflammation of micrologia, a type of brain cells. Their inflammation can lead to irreversible damage, which then causes signs and symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Pomegranate can also decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The same polyphenol can also significantly lower the odds of developing heart diseases such as artherosclerosis. In a study participated by patients with serious blockages on their arteries, those who consumed only an ounce of the natural juice every day for a year experienced a reduction of arterial plaque by 30%. Their blood pressure also went down by more than 10%. Meanwhile, those who didn’t receive any suffered from 9% increase of plaque buildup.

Almost everything in the pomegranate is useful.

Almost every part of the fruit has a medicinal purpose, making it a real super food. For example, the membrane may be consumed to treat ulcers in the mouth (e.g., canker sores). The seeds are excellent in boosting the immune system and curing stomach pains. The peel may be boiled and the extract drunk as a way of protecting the blood vessels and the heart.

The fruit can help take care of the skin.

Although the fruit doesn’t stop the body from aging, it slows down the signs particularly wrinkles. Pomegranates contain a significant amount of punicic acid, a kind of omega fatty acid that improves the elasticity of the skin.

Source: www.organicmedic.com/

 

Indigestion drugs taken by millions linked to hip fractures

Common indigestion drugs taken by millions of people may increase the risk of a hip fracture by a third, a study has found.

Hopping for two minutes can improve bone density Photo: ALAMY

Post-menopausal women who take drugs known as proton pump inhibitors are around 35 per cent per cent more likely to suffer a broken hip, research has suggested.

Millions of people take the drugs for heartburn, acid reflux, or peptic ulcers.

The longer the women took the drugs, the higher the risk of a fracture, as the research shows those taking them for six to eight years were 50 per cent more likely to suffer a broken hip.

The most commonly used were omeprazole, which can be bought over the counter, and lansoprazole.

The study provides 'compelling evidence' of a 'significant association' between proton pump inhibitors and hip fractures, the researchers said.

Careful consideration should be given to prescribing the drugs for long-term use, they said.
The drugs are thought to interfere with the body's absorption of calcium which is vital for strong bones.
American drugs regulators issued a warning about long-term use of proton pump inhibitors and hip fractures last year but said more data was needed to establish the risk.

Now researchers, studying 80,000 American nurses, found that for every 2,000 post-menopausal women taking the drugs for a year, there would be more than four fractures compared with three in 2,000 women not taking them.

The study, published in the British Medical Journal, showed the risk of hip fracture among women who regularly used PPIs for at least two years was 35 per cent higher.
A longer use of PPIs was linked with an increasing risk.

The finding held true even when factors likely to influence the result, such as how much exercise women did or their calcium intake, were taken into account.

The risk of hip fracture did, however, return to a normal level two years after patients stopped taking PPIs.

Lead author Hamed Khalili clinical and research fellow, from Massachusetts General Hospital, in America wrote: "Our results, considered in the context of a systematic review of prior studies, provide compelling evidence of a significant association between PPI use and fracture.

"Furthermore, in view of the steadily growing prevalence of regular PPI use, our estimates of an absolute increase in risk of five hip fractures per 10 000 person years associated with PPI use suggest the potential for a high burden of fractures attributable to PPIs across the population.

"These findings further support the recent decision of the Food and Drug Administration to revise labelling of PPIs to incorporate concerns about a possible increase in risk of fractures with these drugs.

"Our data suggest the importance of carefully evaluating the need for long term, continuous use of PPIs, particularly among individuals with a history of smoking."

Indigestion is a common problem and NHS estimates are that up to 41 per cent of the population will experience it at some point.

Last year there were almost 40m prescriptions dispensed in England for proton pump inhibitors.
Although mild side-effects are already known – including headache, nausea, abdominal pain and skin rashes – the new study found "compelling evidence" that women could be put at risk of fractures after the menopause.

Tobie de Villiers, President of the International Menopause Society, said: “Although the relative risk of hip fracture is significantly raised in users of PPI, when compared to non-users, the absolute risk increase is small.

"This is still important in view of the widespread use of PPIs and the significant burden of disease of hip fractures on affected individuals and the health care system.

"It is worrying that even the use of common anti-fracture drugs do not affect this association.
"The conclusion of this study will need to be considered in clinical practice as it is biologically plausible and supported by other studies.”

Dr John C Stevenson, Consultant Physician and Reader, at the Royal Brompton Hospital, said: "It has been suspected for a number of years that a certain type of indigestion pills, proton pump inhibitors, increase the risk of hip fracture.

"This large study confirms that suspicion. However, the absolute risk is small, with the drugs causing an additional five hip fractures per 10,000 women per year.

"Women should not be put off using proton pump inhibitors if they are needed, but these results provide yet another reason not to smoke."

Drink This Before You Go To Sleep and You Will Reduce Belly Fat in No Time

In this article you will find an amazing recipe which can be very beneficial for those who constantly struggle with belly fat and have never found the right way to reduce it.
This drink has the ability to eliminate body fat, especially that in the belly area.
Really simple drink and easy to prepare and will eliminate those stubborn fatty layers from your body and obtain great results within a very short period of time. All you need to do is to consume a glass of it on  daily basis, before bedtime.



Belly fat is a stubborn tissue and cannot be fought easily or quickly, but there is no room for despair. This drink will finally bring you the wanted results, since it will successfully eliminate excess belly fat and you will be able to accomplish your desired aim. You must know that human metabolism slower when we are asleep. Consequently, this drink will use this to help your body burn calories and will boost your metabolism during sleeping. Absolutely awesome!
The ingredients of this belly fat burning drink have beneficial properties which aid your body to get rid of fat and excess weight. Here is what you need:

Lemon
 
This fruit is excellent in the process of eliminating toxins which have been accumulated in your body. Due to that, metabolism is accelerated since fat is being melted and thus the entire system will be cleaned from all impurities.

Ginger
 
Ginger compounds work in synergy to prevent overeating and blast belly fat fast. It is able to melt excess belly fat, to prevent constipation and to accelerate your metabolism.

Cucumbers
 
One of the most effective foods in the fight against excess weight. These veggies have high water and fiber content, and are extremely low in calories, namely only 45 calories in one full cucumber, and above all, they possess high refreshing taste.

 Aloe Vera Juice
 
Natural antioxidants in Aloe Vera juice help in elimination of free radicals from the body and reduce inflammatory processes. Moreover, it stimulates the metabolic rate which in turn boosts your energy. This process stabilizes and reduces the body mass index (BMI).

Parsley and Cilantro
 
Being very low in calories, rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, parsley and cilantro are also extremely beneficial to losing weight. These two help to prevent water retention without causing any feeling of bloating or tummy discomfort.
Recipe of the amazing belly fat drink:
Ingredients:

• 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger
• 1 tablespoon of Aloe Vera juice
• 1 cucumber
• A bunch of parsley or cilantro
• ½ glass of water

Preparation of this drink is very simple and quick, you just need to place all the ingredients in a juicer and mix them.
This excellent and extremely energizing drink is consumed before bedtime. Its regular consumption will reduce belly fat in no time!

Source:
healthierwayoflife.com
Fit Food House

A Cure Against Ulcer, Gastritis and Colon Inflammation

This recipe is very simple and proven effective.

If you have stomach gastritis or colon inflammation, problems due to stomach acids and poor digestion, you should definitely try the following folk remedy.

The recipe is very simple and the remedy is proven effective. Apart from its ability to soothe issues with the digestive tract, it is rich in vitamin C, which makes it great for your immunity, and among other things it will also boost your metabolism.

Every morning, squeeze 100-150 ml of cabbage juice!

Drink this juice on an empty stomach in the next 2 hours and don’t consume anything else.
The therapy lasts 40 days and when it’s finished, the results and effects are great. You can proceed with the therapy if needed.

If you don’t have a juicer, you can shred the cabbage finely or ground it, salt it a bit and leave it to stay a while. Afterward, strain the shredded cabbage through double gauze to obtain the juice.
Besides the above-mentioned benefits, cabbage juice may also have a positive effect on your blood picture, reduce your cholesterol level, lower your blood pressure, cleanse your skin and rid you of excess weight.

Cabbage is a vegetable with high biological and low calorie value (24kcal in 100g), and on the average it contains 92,52% water; 1,21%proteins; 0,18% fats and 2,3% dietary fibers.

The most prevalent are vitamin C (42mg in 100g) and beta-carotene (pro-vitamin A), and then follow the minerals: potassium, iron, magnesium, sulfur, and copper. The small amount of sodium and the favorable relationship of calcium and phosphorus guarantee maximal utilization of calcium by the body.

Source: healthandhomeremedies.com

How To Naturally Cure Skin Tags, Moles, Warts, Blackheads, And Age Spots

Blemishes and warts are a pretty common skin problem. They develop for any number of reasons and can be unsightly. Fortunately, you can easily get rid of them naturally. Here’s how it’s done.

Warts
Generally, warts are caused by the Human Papilloma Virus or HPV. There are 100 different types of warts that impact people, and they’re relatively easy to get rid of. All you really need to do is dab the warts with apple cider vinegar and cover with a bandage. Replace the bandage twice a day. I’ve also heard of duct tape working well. Just paste a bit of the tape over the wart and leave on. After 6 days, you can soak it in water for a while and then rub off with a pumice stone.

Skin tags
Skin tags develop because of friction from our clothing usually. Again, apple cider vinegar will do the trick to get rid of them. Just swab some ACV on the skin tag with a cotton ball a few times a day and it’ll eventually fall off. Tea tree oil works too. It should take about 10 days.

Moles
Moles aren’t generally harmful. Of course, it’s important to know the signs of skin cancer. Mostly moles are just unsightly. You can get rid of moles by crushing garlic and applying to the mole, then covering with a bandage for at least four hours a day. Apple cider vinegar can work too but it’s a bit less effective.

Blackheads
Really the key to getting rid of blackheads is to keep your pores clean. You can open up your pores with steam before washing. Apply a natural astringent like apple cider vinegar and then a moisturizer like coconut oil.

Age spots
I’m a big fan of taking on aging with grace, but sometimes age spots can make you feel self conscious. They’re caused by too much exposure to the sun. Fortunately, lemon juice acts like a bleaching agent for the skin, so applying to the skin a few times a day will lighten up dark spots. Be sure to wear plenty of sunscreen!

Source: healthandhomeremedies.com
Image credit: thescienceofeating.com

Wonderful Potion of Celery – Melt Kidney Stones, Removes Cholesterol and Helps Digestion

Juice of celery stalks is full of nutrients and is one of the healthiest fluids you may enter into the body. Therefore, balances the pH of the body, which is due to industrially processed foods often acidified. See what all cures.

Celery leaves are rich in vitamin A, while the stem is an excellent source of vitamins (B1, B2, B6 and C), they are full of potassium, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, sodium and essential amino acids. There are also plant hormones and valuable essential oils that give to celery specific smell. This oil positively acts on the nervous system and calms.

It is interesting that the celery is rich in sodium, which is different from salt that we normally use in the kitchen. Specifically, the kitchen salt consist insoluble inorganic compounds that lead to the development of varicose veins, artery damage and other diseases. On the other hand, the sodium from celery is soluble in water, and then the body can better use and maintain the moisturizing cells.

Numerous benefits of celery juice
For celery is known that contain at least eight kinds of anti-cancer compounds. Research at the University of New Jersey Ruflutgers found that celery contains a number of ingredients that prevent the spread of cancer, such as acetylenic and folic acid. Coumarin is another phytochemical that prevents the detrimental effects of free radicals and thus serves to prevent the development of cancer of the colon and stomach.

Lowers cholesterol
Laboratory studies have shown that butyl phthalide, a chemical compound of celery, can help to reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol. According to the researchers from the University of Chicago, celery reduces cholesterol levels by as much as seven times and if you eat only two stems per day. Celery also helps in the excretion of bile acids which removes cholesterol from the body.

Help with digestion
Special nutrients from fiber of celery help to the bowel movements. This celery seems natural laxative that helps to get rid of the prison. It helps to relax the nerves and exhausted pharmaceutical laxatives.

Diuretic
Potassium and sodium in celery juice are powerful regulators that stimulate the production of urine and also help to release the excess fluid of body.

Lowers blood pressure
Celery helps to reduce high blood pressure. Studies show that drinking celery juice daily for seven days can significantly help to reduce blood pressure. Compounds called phthalide help to relax the muscles around the blood vessels, expanding them and allow to easier blood flow. Phthalide reduce the level of stress hormones, which, among other things, cause constriction of blood vessels. Amazingly, celery doesn’t lower the low pressure.

Insomnia
Minerals and essential oils in celery juice have a calming effect on the nervous system, which is useful for those who suffered from insomnia. High levels of magnesium will help you to relax and fall into the restful sleep.

Weight Loss
Drinking celery juice during the day helps to curb the desire for sweets. Fill your stomach, but not caloric intake.

Elimination and prevention of occurrence of stones
Celery juice is amazing eliminator of toxins from the body and thus helps to break up and expel urinary stones and gallstones.

Healthy sex drive
Celery juice will be of benefit to those who suffer from poor sex drive, but at the same time don’t cause cravings, as is the case with some pharmaceuticals. Celery balances system. Celery can be freely mixed with other fruit and vegetable juices such as carrot juice, apple or cucumber.

Source: healthandhomeremedies.com

Amazing Herb Kills 98% Of Cancer Cells In Just 16 Hours

 Taking in consideration it is one of the deadliest diseases. Scientists constantly try to find a cure and finally put an end to cancer. This herb is one of those cures and it can kill up to 98% of cancer cells in just 16 hours.

Namely, according to the researches published in “Life Science”, artemisinin, a “Sweet wormwood” or “Artemisia Annua” derivative, was used in Chinese medicine and it can kill 98% of lung cancer cells in less than 16 hours.

The herb used by itself reduces lung cancer cells up to 28%, but in combination with iron, “Artemisia Annua” successfully and completely “erases” cancer, and in the experiment this herb had no impact on healthy lung cells.

Artemisinin in past was used as a powerful antimalarial remedy, but now it is proven that this cure is also effective in the fight against cancer.

When scientists added iron while conducting the study, which later attached to lung tissue, especially to cancer infected cells, artemisinine selectively attacked “bad” cells, and left “good” cells untouched.

“In general, our results show that artemisinin stops ‘E2F1′ transcription factor and intervenes in destruction of lung cancer cells, meaning it presents a transcription way according to which artemisinin controls reproductive cancer cell growth”, was stated in the conclusion of the researches conducted in the cancer laboratory at the University of California.

Iron deposits in cancer cells with special receptors which help in cell division. Normal cells also have these receptors, but cancer cells can be targeted by the combination of iron and artemisinin.
There are numerous experiments conducted so far and they all prove that in combination with iron, artemisinin can effectively destroy cancer, and this extract was used in China for thousands of years, as a cure for malaria.

Malaria parasite can not survive in the presence of artemisinine, because it is rich in iron, and bio-engineers Henry Lai and Narendra Singh from the University of Washington were the first scientists to discover this.

Their research proved that cancer cells undergo an apoptosis, or self-destruction, and until this moment it was difficult to get the extract for more acceptable prices, but people show more and more interest in this herb, so the prices could get lower.

French medicine producer, “Sanofi”, announced that they expect production of 50 to 60 tons artemisinin every year, hoping that it will satisfy the needs of the world market.
Source: healthandhomeremedies.com

What Your Nails Are Saying About Your Health

Most people don’t think about their nails having a direct correlation to their your health, but our fingernails can alert us of the presence of disease and state of health.

Take a closer look at your nails, examine each one very carefully.

Analyze the curves, wrinkles, dips and ridges. See if they are incomplete or cracked, how thick and thin they are. Notice the skin under the nail and around the nail, and its color.

Remind yourself to assess your fingernail health frequently. Changes in our nails should be taken seriously, because this can be a warning for many diseases. Take a look at the list of 8 potential health warnings, and compare it with the current state of your nails.

Discolored nails
If you have healthy fingernails, they will have pink color with a touch of pinkish white moons at the base. Otherwise, if they are streaked with other colors, you may have hidden health issues.

– Green nails can be linked with bacterial infection
– Red streaks in the nail bed can be linked with heart valve infection
– Matt nails can be a sign of a vitamin weakness
– Bluish nails can indicate low oxygen levels in your blood
– White nails can be a sign of liver disease, like hepatitis
– Dark stripes at the top can be linked with aging and congestive heart failure

Give your nails a good scrub and take a good look at them to assess appearance and thickness.

Thick Nails
You may want your nails to be strong, but thick nails are not natural. If they look like paws or claws you should know this:

– Thick nails can be related with lung disease
– Thick nails with bumpy texture can be related with fungal infection
– Thick and divided nails can signal thyroid disease and psoriasis
– Thickness can be sign of a circulation problems

Thickening nails can implicate other health symptoms, such as allergic reactions to some medications.

Split Nails
These nails seem to flake away in layers. Don’t blame numerous washes or nail polishing. You should know that:

Split nails can be related with vitamin C, folic acid and protein deficiency
Combined with pitted nails, split nails can be related with psoriasis, which according to WebMD begins in nails in 10% of the cases
Split nails can signal chronic malnutrition

Concave (Spoon) Nails
This type of nail can be a warning for many internal problems. When in this state, nails are soft and curved up, forming a dip large enough to hold water. You should know that:

Can be caused by lack of iron
Can be linked with hemochromatosis (liver disarray caused from too much iron)
Can be sign of heart disease
Can be sign for hypothyroidism

When the issues are gone, the nails will return in their normal shape.

Pitted Nails
Small gouges and dips can be caused by banging up your hands. They can also alert you to look closely at your health state. They can be related to psoriasis, connective tissue disorder, alopecia areata which is autoimmune disorder that results with hair loss and lack of zinc. Look at your nails carefully; divide the natural holes from the real, lasting pits. The natural ones will be disappear quickly, but the pits can be linked with some disease.

Ridges
If your nails are smooth with latent lines, they are healthy. But if you have noticeable ridge lines, this can be a sign of problems. Heavy ridged lines can be related with: lack of iron, inflammatory arthritis and lupus (for red lines at the base of the nails).

Dry and Brittle Nails
You may not necessarily require lotion or cuticle oil for this problem. You should know that dry and brittle nails are related with hormone levels and bacterial health.

– Dry and brittle fingernails are caused by thyroid disease
– Fungus makes nails dry and breakable. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 12% of Americans are affected.

You may not notice and differences until after a full nail growth cycle since thyroid and fungal problems require time to treat.

Clubbed Nails
You will know if you have clubbed nails if your skin around them that is swollen, oval or bloated. It is related to:

– Lung disease, particularly if you have breathing issues
– Inflammatory bowel disease
– AIDS
– Liver disease

Your fingernails are not be the only warning signs for these diseases, however you should never ignore them, so examine them frequently.

Source: healthandhomeremedies.com

Eliminates Toxins And Is Great For Hair And Skin

Due to its composition, cucumber reduces the risk of several types of cancer. This watery vegetable is also very good for the skin and hair and it hydrates the body and eliminates toxins.
Use season of cucumbers and surprise your body with this beneficial food. Well, let us see what benefits you can gain by consuming cucumbers.

1. Cucumber hydrates the body and eliminates toxins
95% of cucumber is water. This vegetable contains the most vitamins needed by our body on a daily basis. If you are sure that cucumbers are not sprayed with pesticides, do not peel them because cucumber’s peel is rich with vitamin C – 10% of the recommended daily dose.

2. Improves digestion process and helps when it comes to weight loss
Daily consumption of cucumber can be considered an important step for achieving a better line of your body. It is recommended to all who wish to reduce excess body weight because it contains high amounts of water and dietary fibers that release the body of toxins.

3. Rich source of vitamin B
Cucumber is a rich source of vitamin B. This is why you should not miss a day without consuming fresh cucumber. Take advantage of the season of this vegetable and treat your body with vitamin B.

4. Prevents bad breath
If you have problems with bad breath, cucumber can help you solve it. Hold a piece of cucumber in the mouth for 30 seconds. It will help in destroying bacteria that cause bad breath.

5. Acts as a remedy and preventive against numerous diseases
Due to its composition, cucumber reduces the risk of several types of cancer, including breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovary cancer and uterus cancer. Treats diabetes, regulates cholesterol and keeps blood pressure under control. Namely, cucumber juice contains a hormone that is needed for the pancreas to produce insulin, which makes this vegetable great for diabetics. Potassium that is contained in cucumber helps regulate blood pressure.

6. Great for the skin and hair
It helps against sunburns and skin irritation. Peel a cucumber and place it onto inflamed areas. This way you will be able to soften inflammation thanks to cucumber’s anti-inflammatory properties. Due to the high content of silicon and sulfur, it helps in stimulating faster hair growth. If you want to purify skin on the face, chop the cucumber into circles and spread them all over your face.

7. Reduces cellulite
In the fight against cellulite it is recommended to intake plenty of water throughout the day. As we already mentioned, cucumber is very rich in water, so consumption of this vegetable will encourage the excretion of water from the body and getting rid of toxins. It also helps overcoming kidney stones.

Source: healthandhomeremedies.com

This Tea Instantly Eases The Painful Symptoms Of Menstruation

Menstruation has a variety of symptoms that sometimes vary in intensity. Some women routinely have difficult periods, others are a little easier to cope with. Sometimes it varies from month to month. I think it’s pretty much universal that menstruation is no fun either way.
Fortunately, there’s an excellent tea that helps relieve the symptoms of menstruation so you can get on with your life. Here’s how it’s done:
You will need:

• 6 dried rosebuds
• Water

Pretty easy, right? All you do is boil a mugs worth of water and pour over the rose buds. Allow to steep for a few minutes, then strain the rosebuds out of the tea. Add a teaspoon of honey, stir well, and drink.

With any luck, your harsh menstruation symptoms will subside, or at least be more manageable.

Image credit: Tom Godber
Content Source: Simpleorganiclife.org

Fight All Forms Of Pain With This Incredible Homemade Drink!

We all experience aches and pains from time to time, like after an injury or a hard workout. But what do you do when you start feeling pain? Do you reach for the painkillers? Next time you’re feeling achey, try this nearly magical pain relief tea. It’s easy to make and has no negative side effects.

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
• 2 Teaspoons of black tea
• 2 glasses of water
• 2 teaspoons of ground cadamom
• 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder
• 1/2 thumb-sized piece of ginger
• 1/2 cup of almond milk
• 1 teaspoon of honey

Instructions:

1. Mixed the powdered ingredients together
2. Add to water and bring to a boil
3. Boil for 10 minutes
4. Add the black tea and boil for 2 more minutes
5. Strain the mixture and add almond milk to the tea
6. Sweeten with honey

Drink throughout the day. Make it as often as you want. Enjoy!

Source: Simpleorganiclife.org

Cheap And Ecofriendly – We All Have An Effective Mosquito Repellent At Home

I lived in Colorado for years and years and never got bitten by a mosquito once. It was dry, high, and we didn’t have to deal with them. Since moving to the Pacific Northwest, that has changed big time. I’m getting eaten alive out here! Fortunately I stumbled upon the world’s best, and eco-friendly, mosquito repellent:

Coffee grounds.

That’s right, old dried up coffee grounds work as an effective repellent for mosquitoes, according to the EPA. Mosquitoes and other insects hate the way used coffee grounds smell. So what do you do to keep them away?

1. Collect your old coffee grounds and put them on a plate covered with foil. Place in a dry, dark spot until completely dry.
2. Once dry, place the plate of grounds on a flat surface, like a picnic table, out in the open. Make sure your kids and pets can’t get to it.
3. Now burn the grounds with a match until they start to smoke.
4. The smoke will repel mosquitoes! 

Pretty simple, effective tip, isn’t it? You can also use grounds to keep bugs away. Simply sprinkle coffee grounds around the outside of your house to keep bugs from coming inside.

Source: Simpleorganiclife.org

What Happens When You Drink Apple Cider Vinegar And Honey On An Empty Stomach Every Morning

Image credit: hip2save

When it comes to my health, I take as many precautions as I can and do right in whatever way I can. I eat healthy food, I make sure to stay active, but sometimes there are little things I like to try to maintain good health, and after a month of drinking apple cider vinegar and honey each morning, I can report that it’s totally worth it.
Together, apple cider vinegar and honey are a powerful health booster. According to some, it can be used to relieve joint pain, inflammation, and chronic sore throat, but those aren’t things that I can attest to personally. What I can say is that there are numerous benefits that I experienced from drinking honey and apple cider vinegar first thing every morning.

• My intense heart burn was seriously relieved.
• My frequent stomach ailments, constipation, and diarrhea were relived.
• I lost weight.
• I had more energy through the day.
• I no longer had bad breath in the morning (kind of an unexpected result)

If you’d like to try what I did out for yourself, here’s how I did it.

1. First thing upon waking in the morning, mix one cup of hot water, a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar (or a tablespoon if you can handle the flavor) and one teaspoon of raw organic unfiltered honey.
2. Mix well and allow to steep.
3. After a few minutes, drink. Don’t slam it. Sip it like you would a tea.
4. After drinking, drink 24 ounces of water slowly over the course of a half hour.
5. After you’ve drank the water, have breakfast and carry on like normal. 

Know that if you do this, the vinegar can react with diuretics, laxatives, and diabetes and heart medicines, so consult your doctor if you suffer any major ailments.

Source: simpleorganiclife.org

A Cup Of This Every Morning Will Stop Fat Accumulation In Your Blood And Prevent Weight Gain

These days, it’s no secret that poor health is a big problem. The United States Military considers obesity an issue of national security, is the leading cause of preventable death in the US, and it’s estimated to cost more than $147 billion to treat each year. So it makes sense that more and more people are eating right and exercising. It’s the only way to lose weight for certain, but here are a lot of little things we can do to help stem the tide of weight gain and turn the scale around.
This special drink helps you bring your cholesterol and weight levels down. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 5 organic lemons
• 5-6 sprigs of parsley
• 3 liters of water
• 1 tablespoon of baking soda

Instructions:

1. chop the lemons and parsley and boil over low heat in the water for 2 hours.
2. Turn the heat off and let it stand for an hour.
3. Remove all the ingredients and chop thoroughly.
4. Cook again on low heat for another 3 hours.

Source: Simpleorganiclife.org

After that, you should have about one and a half liters of syrup. Drink it each morning in a small shot glass. There should be enough for at least 15 days. Discard after 20.
 

Here Are The Best Natural Techniques For Cleansing Your Lungs Of Tar And Nicotine

It seems like nowadays knows how horrible cigarettes are, yet millions of people continue to smoke on a daily basis. Even if you’re not capable of quitting, it is important to still cleanse your lungs of the tar and nicotine build up.
There’s no cure-all that will completely clean out your lungs, but here is a awesome list of foods that are great at cleaning out your lungs!

Corn

Corn contains beta-cryptoxanthin, which is an powerful antioxidant and precursor to vitamin A. However, most corn in America is genetically modified, so we encourage you to only consume fresh, organic corn.

Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts are considered one of the biggest natural sources of selenium in comparison to other foods. Selenium is also a very powerful antioxidant.

Onion

Onions are a great natural antibiotic. They can help ward off several diseases and aliments.

Ginger

Ginger has been used as a natural medicine for thousands of years. It can be extremely helpful for your lungs if consumed as a tea, because it opens up your air ways. You can also eat ginger root with a meal, if you enjoy the taste.

Oranges

Organes are a great source of cryptoxanthin, which has been documented to help reduce the risk of lung cancer.

Nettle

Nettle is packed full of iron, which plays an important role in fighting infections.

Pine Needle Tea

Pine needle tea is traditionally used as a mouth and throat rinse since it is a antiseptic properties.

Have you ever tried cleansing your lungs before? Did it work? Let us know in the comments

Source: higherperspectives.com

This One Plant Kills Cancer And Stops Diabetes And More!

This plant can stop diabetes, kill cancer and lot more, name of this plant is Bitter gourd, or already known as Goya. Also there are other names used for referring to this vegetable are Bitter melon or Balsam Pear and Karela. This miracle veggie garners multiple and countless benefits that are perfect for your health. Many people turn their noses up on this plant because of its intense bitter taste, but when you add this veggie in your diet you can prevent various diseases from attacking you.

Dr. Frank Shallenberger is a specialist in Anti-Aging Treatments, he has stated that his pancreatic cancer patients have added Goya to their daily food intake and they have been fighting the cancer. Yes, he succeed to cure cancer! This bitter vegetable helps in inhibiting cancerous cells.
By the statements of Dr. Frank,  to prepare this vegetable is by diluting its juice 5% in water.If you don’t do that the bitter gourd will destroy your cancer cells to 90% or 98%. The University of Colorado has tested out this vegetable and it has brought in positive results like always. Also it can cure pancreatic tumors with 64%. But this is only 1 benefit of this healthy veggie, there are lot of it:

1. Hangovers

Lot of us first thing on mind is painkillers to get rid of headaches after a night of drinking but bitter gourd can do the job more effectively and is healthier. Bitter gourd helps in increasing the digestion of alcohol in your system. This will make you will feel better in a very short period of time.

2. Eyesight Improvement

This plant, Bitter melon, contains minerals and special vitamins that can help in improving your eyesight.

3. Cleansing of the Liver

The juice bitter gourd contains assists in cleansing and detoxifying your liver. Also it can increase blood circulation.

 4. Energy

Are you a daily exerciser? Then you probably need to include bitter gourd in your food diet. It will boost your energy noticeably and help you get sounder sleep. Maybe even boost your stamina for future workouts.

5.Resistance

Just like it was aforementioned! You can protect yourself against various diseases and infection by in-taking the bitter juice (in any way). Not to mention fungal infections that includes Psoriasis.

6.Constipation

This vegetable also helps in easing peristalsis of food that cause you pain and constipation.

In case you are wondering how you can do all this, it is easy. Here are a few ways of how you can intake bitter gourd:

• Indian people love to cook bitter gourd in stir fries or stuff the inside with curry leaves, spicy mixes, garlic green chilies, onions and tomatoes. That is of course they hollow out the inside.
• Goya chanpuru is another famous dish made with bitter gourd, pork, Tofu, eggs and onion.
• In the Philippines people cook bitter gourd with shrimp paste and eggplant or okra.
• East Asian people like to dry out the vegetable then ground it to fine powder. Then they use it in making iced milk tea.
• At last you can intake gourd from pickles. If you do not mind the bitter taste you should start with eating it right away. There are so many benefits this vegie garners; you can hardly imagine them all.

Most vegetables and fruits are best eaten when they are ripe but not bitter gourds. They are best eaten when they are bright green. In that way they are not that bitter. But as they grow older and yellower, they are a lot bitterer. You should also avoid buying bitter gourds that have turned orange or have soft spots somewhere on them.

It is recommended that you wash your gourds and brush them with a vegie brush before planning to do anything with them.

Source: healthierwayoflife.com