Why eat your veggies when you can drink?

The wellness world is buzzing about the need to eat 5-9 servings of fruit and vegetables daily unfortunately most people  hardly have a serving per day.

Juicing can be a convenient way of taking the required servings daily especially when you need to eat them raw. Did you say raw? Yucky right? but having to experiment with different kind of fruits and vegetables daily can be so much fun. To make the task easier, experts say we can either juice or blend.

The big question is: which is better? Juicing or blending.

To answer this question, it is better to tell the difference between the two.

Blending is the process of thoroughly blending the whole fruits and vegetables into smoothies without discarding any part of it. 

While juicing is the process of extracting the liquid contents with the aid of a juicer or hand press which automatically separate the juice from the pulp.

Some experts favour Juicing over blending while for some it’s the other way round and some say it makes no difference.

Studies however seem to show that smoothies are packed with more phytochemicals and are therefore better.

Why Smoothies

1.    Smoothies Provide Whole Food Nutrition – A smoothie is still a whole food, complete with fiber and all nutrients. Juices, on the other hand, are not whole foods. The fiber has been removed, along with any nutrients that are discarded with the fiber. Since dietary fiber is important for proper digestive function and overall health, it’s better to take your fruits and veggies whole.

2.     Smoothies Oxidize Slower Than Juices – It is often advised to drink juice as soon as possible after making it, while smoothies can last up to 72 hours in your refrigerator. The reason for this is that juices are highly susceptible to oxidation due to the way they are processed.            Studies have shown that juices oxidize at a much faster rate than green smoothies. In a study conducted by the Vegetable and Fruit Improvement Center Texas grapefruits were processed using common household practices such as blending,  juicing and hand squeezing  and then analyzed for their phytochemicals.  Result suggest that fruit processed by blending had significantly higher levels of flavanoids including compound called naringin. Naringin is a flavonoid that has been shown to have cancer-fighting properties as well as strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities that may be beneficial for the treatment of diabetes and other metabolic disorder. This probably accounts for why smoothies do not oxidize as fast, and maintain the majority of their nutrients for longer periods of time.

3.   Fiber Slows Sugar Absorption – While the sugar content of sweet fruits are not a health concern for most people, juices made with sweet fruits or sugar-rich vegetables (carrots, beets) can essentially become a concentrated sweetener. Smoothies, on the other hand, are loaded with fiber which slows sugar absorption to a healthy level.

4.  Blending Takes Less Time – Blending is much faster than juicing. You can you’re your smoothie in 30 seconds depending on your fruit and vegetable combination.. Juicing requires cutting produce into smaller pieces. Feeding all of those pre-cut ingredients into the juicer is a time consuming process.                                                               

5.    Smoothies are filling – smoothies fill you up and may keep you satisfied until your next meal. Juices do not. Part of the reason is that a smoothie contains fiber, as well as all of the other nutrients that would otherwise be lost in the discarded fiber if juicing.The thick texture of smoothies feels like and digests like a proper meal, where juices do not. You can swap your breakfast or lunch for a delicious smoothie. I would advice adding protein powder though, if its intended as a meal replacement.

The above does not however mean that juicing is bad. While smoothies may be better, your juice is still packed with lots of vitamins and antioxidant.

If you find drinking your juice easier, keep juicing your favourite fruits and veggies and remember to experiment with more fruits/veggies every day.

Still finding it difficult to achieve your 5 a day? try more-than-5-a-day.

OMG! these fibroid shrinking foods are in your kitchen, I bet you didn't know.

Fibroids are muscular non-malignant  tumors that grow mostly in the muscular wall of the uterus.  Fibroids can grow as a single tumor, or there can be many of them in the uterus. They can be as small as an apple seed or as big as a grapefruit. Some lesions may spread towards the outside of the uterus or towards the internal abdominal cavity.

What causes fibroid?

No one knows for sure what causes fibroids. However it seems to increase in size when estrogen levels are high.A diet rich in processed foods, the birth control pill and high stress levels raise the body’s estrogen levels triggering the growth and development of fibroids. Fibroids grow rapidly during pregnancy, when hormone levels are high. They shrink when anti-hormone medication is used. They also stop growing or shrink once a woman reaches menopause but never completely disappear.

Compounds found in coffee that act as cardiac stimulants, diuretics, and smooth muscle relaxants, contribute to fibroid growth. Obesity and family history further increase the risk of fibroids.

Symptoms

Most fibroids, particularly when small, do not cause any symptoms but some women with fibroids can have:

• ·         Heavy abdominal bleeding or painful periods
• ·         Feeling of fullness in the pelvic area (lower stomach area)
• ·         Enlargement of the lower abdomen
• ·         Frequent & urgent urination or incontinence
• ·         Bowel difficulties (particularly constipation)
• ·         Pain during sex
• ·         Lower back pain
• ·         Severe menstrual pain and flooding.
•         Complications during pregnancy and labor, including a higher risk of caesarean section, miscarriage         bleeding and premature labor.

Symptoms depend on the location of the lesion and its size. While fibroids are common, they are not normally a cause of infertility accounting for about less than 5 % of infertility in women.

Who is at risk?

Certain factors increase a woman’s risk of developing fibroids.

Age: Fibroids become more common as women age, especially during the mid 30s and  through menopause.After menopause, fibroids usually shrink.

Family history: Having a family member with fibroids increases your risk. If a woman’s mother had fibroids, her risk of having them is about three times higher than average.

Ethnic origin: Black women seem to be more likely to develop fibroids than white women.

Obesity: Women who are overweight are at higher risk for fibroids. For very heavy women, the risk is two to three times greater than average.

Eating habits: Eating a lot of red meat (e.g., beef) and dairy is linked with a higher risk of fibroids while eating plenty of green vegetables and citrus fruits seem to protect women from developing fibroids.

Home remedies for fibroid
There are several ways of shrinking fibroid naturally, including change in diet and physical exercise. nature provides us with quite a number of solution to so many heath issues and sometimes these solutions might just be in your kitchen.

GREEN TEA

Green Tea

According to a 2010 study , regular treatment with green tea extract until eight weeks led to significant decrease in size and weight of uterine fibroids in mice. In another study carried out in Sohar, Egypt published in International Journal for women's health , a total of 39 women of reproductive age were divided into two groups. One group received 800 mg of EGCG which is the active ingredient in green tea, while the other group recieved placebo over a period of four months. At the end of the study period, the placebo group showed a 24.3% increase in volume of their tumors while the EGCG group showed 32.6% reduction in volume (size)and symptoms of their tumors.  The researchers attribute these fantastic results to two things. First, they say EGCG inhibits tumor cell proliferation. In other words, it stops the spread of tumor cells. Second, they say EGCG induces “apoptosis” (programmed cell death) in tumors  This means it causes the tumor cells to die off. This accounts for why green tea is able to fight cancer. It stops the spread and growth of cancer cells.

GARLIC

Garlic is one of the best remedies for uterine fibroids. Garlic in regular diet helps to shrink fibroids gradually. Garlic cloves compounds have ability to inhibit the growth of tumor and that of uterine fibroids. Garlic is a powerful antioxidant so it is good for body’s immune system. It is also good for cleansing the liver. Please make sure to crush before swallowing as crushing activates the active ingredient allicin.

TURMERIC

Turmeric is a spice native to India though available in many African countries as well.

The active ingredient in Turmeric is curcumin which works to stimulate the live into flushing out toxins and excessive estrogen. Excessive estrogen has been labelled the main culprit in fibroid growth. Curcumin ensures balanced hormones which in turn causes fibroid to shrink. The spice is anti inflammatory so it is able to heal the body and prevent re growth of fibroid.

It is however worthy of note that when taking the spice in powder or natural form, it is to be mixed with a little black pepper to aid absorbtion of the active ingredient curcumin. 

GINGER

Ginger has a stimulating effect on the endocrine glands which are important for ensuring hormonal balance. Hormonal balance deprives fibroids of the excessive estrogen they need to thrive and this can help to naturally shrink fibroids. In addition, ginger has anti-inflammatory properties as well as being able to stop “bad” prostagladins which can help reduce menstrual cramps that are associated with fibroid tumors. caution must however be taken in patients with excessive bleeding as ginger also acts as a blood thinner.

Olive Oil and Lemon

One of the natural cures for fibroids is olive oil. It is known for blocking estrogen. You are required to take one tablespoon of olive oil with some lemon juice on an empty stomach in the morning. 

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

There is a lot of talk about Fibroids and Apple Cider Vinegar(ACV) and how ACV can help to shrink fibroids naturally. ACV is one of the most commonly recommended natural remedies for many diseases and conditions. One of the reasons it is a common natural remedy is because it is commonly available in most kitchens, is relatively inexpensive and there are little to no side effects. Despite there being little if any scientific research to support the many health claims of using ACV, this is still a common natural remedy. Many Eastern practitioners believe that sickness and disease including fibroids are caused by an acidic nature in the body and helping the body become more alkaline can help to fight off various diseases and conditions and create a healthier body.

It is very important to note that while the acidic nature of ACV is touted for the healing properties when used topically, when taken internally, ACV actually has an alkaline effect in the body by helping to raise the pH level from an acidic one to a more alkaline one which can help the body become healthier. ACV also reduces excessive bleeding that comes with fibroid.

Take a teaspoon or two daily, mix in water or juice.  It tastes great with apple juice.  Apple cider vinegar is also a great weight reducer. Please avoid ACV supplements as a lot of users mention damage to throat.

When buying your ACV, always look out for one that is raw, unfiltered with the mother.

Diet Recommendations

 Avoid all hormone treated foods specifically all animal products, except fish.

Consume soy and soy products; eat organic fruits and vegetables; avoid hydrogenated and refined oils

Eat walnuts, saffron, dark-greens, and cruciferous vegetables.

For sources of essential fatty acids (EFA), use only unprocessed plant sources.  Use oils rich in alphalinolenic and linoleic fatty acids such as flaxseed, pumpkinseed, and chia-seed oils.  Make sure they are cold-pressed and refined.

Include super antioxidants such as grape seed extract, pink bark extract, red wine extract, and bilberry extract.These super antioxidants have anti-inflammatory and anti-spastic effects.

Include spirulina, evening primrose oil (which also contains omega-6), and oils from borage seed and black currants.  Supplement diet with B vitamins and antioxidants like vitamin C, E, beta-carotene, selenium, and zinc. 

Omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oil and linseed oil benefit uterine fibroids.  Fish oil prevents abnormal blood clotting.

Nattokinase is commonly known as fermented soybeans.  These can be purchased at a health food store.  Eat this once a day and it may alleviate some of the symptoms. Nattokinase is also available in pill.  Follow dosing instructions.  Nattokinase often is enough to break down the fibroid, and dissolve it entirely. 

Also avoid artificial sweetners, alcohol and caffeine. 

Fibre is also instrumental to regulating estrogen, when there is no frequent bowel movement, estrogen may be re-absorbed into the blood stream. 

Note that it may take more than one of these home remedies to shrink your fibroid but you will definitely find the one that suits your body. 

Are you suffering from fibroid,? do you want a fast and effective way to get rid of fibroid? then check this out heal with fruits and veggies

Do you wake up with body ache and stiff muscles everyday? Then read this

Fibromyalgia is a common condition that can be chronic. When a health illness or condition is chronic it simply  means it is long-lasting. Fibromyalgia,  causes pain and swelling in more than a dozen points all over the body, affects as many as millions of people. Because doctors are still unsure of the cause of fibromyalgia, treatment can be frustrating (and often a process of trial and error). Even though fibromyalgia is frequently referred to as an arthritis-related condition, it does not cause joint damage or inflammation, as arthritis does. Neither does fibromyalgia cause damage to muscle and other tissues. However, it is similar to arthritis because it can causes severe pain and tiredness, and can sometimes undermine the patient's ability to go about his daily activities. Fibromyalgia is seen as a rheumatic condition. A rheumatic condition is one that causes joint and soft tissue pain.

Common symptoms of fibromyalgia include:

• Morning stiffness

• Fatigue, body ache (especially in neck, shoulder, back.)

• Headaches

• Irregular sleep patterns

• IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)

• Painful menstrual periods (Dysmenorrhea)

• Hands and feet tingle and can feel numb

• Restless Leg Syndrome

• Sensitivity to cold or heat

• Fibro fog (memory problems, cognitive problems).

Quite a number of people wake up with one or more of these symptoms every morning and find it difficult to understand why. How do you explain waking up tired and feeling all beaten up like you wrestled all night?

Fibromyalgia has no known cure as doctors are unsure of the causes. Usually the prescribed drugs are pain killers and anti depressant. This is why a lot of affected people are experimenting with alternative treatments, including dietary changes. Forty-two percent of fibro patients reported that symptoms worsened after eating certain foods, and though much of the research is in its preliminary phases, there’s some evidence that a change in diet may ease or eliminate the pain. Here are a few things you can do to help yourself or loved one in this condition.

1.  vitamin D
Quite a lot of adults are deficient in vitamin D to begin with, "Vitamin D deficiency can mimic some of the symptoms of fibromyalgia. The evidence has been mounting for years that too-low levels of vitamin D may play a role in fibro pain. Scientists have long known that vitamin D deficiency causes bone and muscle pain, and more than half of us don't get enough of this super vitamin. One 2008 study from the Mayo Clinic found that chronic pain patients with inadequate vitamin D levels required medication dosages that were twice as large as those who got enough D; they also felt worse. It is recommended that taking a supplement, especially during cold weather is important.

2. Avoid food additives

Common food additives such as monosodium Glutamate(MSG) commonly found in seasonings or stock cubes, and aspartame commonly found in flavoured drinks, can act as exitotoxin molecules, a chemical group that has the ability to activate neurons that increase sensitivity to pain. One small study of four patients found that eliminating MSG and aspartame resulted in a reduction of fibromyalia symptoms.

  

 3. Go fish 

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish, like salmon, tuna, sardine and nuts like walnuts, and flaxseed, are known to reduce inflammation and help prevent cardiovascular diseases. However, their soreness-reducing traits may also help pain fibromyalgia patients. A 2007 study found that after just 3 months of supplementing omega-3 fatty acids, symptoms such as morning stiffness and painful, tender joints decreased.  Try adding sardine fish or walnuts to your diet, or, if you don’t like those foods, try the Omega 3 supplements especially the ones containing sardine or tuna oil

 4. Cut out the caffeine

Because difficulty in sleeping is commonly associated with fibromyalgia, it may be tempting to fuel up on coffee to get through the day. This, however, may be a mistake. "Some patients use caffeine to compensate for not sleeping well, which can lead to a circular problem where the ‘solution’ of taking caffeine to stay awake is actually causing the problem of not sleeping at night," says Holton. Caffeine can set you up for a crash and, if sipped later in the day, may disrupt sleep schedules. Antioxidant-packed decaffeinated green tea or coffee is a healthier alternative. see Liven alkaline coffee

5.     Veggies, veggies and more veggies

Some researchers speculate that oxidative stress may be a cause of fibro symptoms. Oxidative stress occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough antioxidants to fight out cell-damaging free radicals in the body. Eat  fruits and veggies  packed with important antioxidants, like vitamins A, C, and E, which fight free radicals to keep your cells healthy and energized. Certain studies also show a raw vegetable diet can improve symptoms, but that’s difficult for most people to follow. 

      For a supplements that give you all the antioxidant you need to fight fibromyalgia see more than 5 a day