Wellness Detective Comments: I use chia seeds in my green smoothies daily. I first learned about chia seeds about 4 years ago when I went to a weekend to learn about Living Foods from Erika Wolff from Power of Raw. Chia seeds are a good source of protein. I usually purchase the Now Brand. Read about some benefits of Chia Seeds:
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Daniel_Brad_S._Cooper
The numerous chia seed benefits are attributed to the seed’s high nutritional content, thus, its well-deserved reputation as one of the most potent superfoods. The nutrients contained in chia seeds include micronutrients like calcium, magnesium and phosphorus; macronutrients like proteins and fats; and antioxidants particularly anthocyanins; as well as dietary fiber of both the soluble and insoluble types.
From such a list of nutrients, we can easily infer the following benefits of chia food products. It should be noted that these benefits are often interrelated.
Support Heart Health
Perhaps the most important of the many Chia benefits is related to a healthy heart. Because the Chia seed contains the highest known content of essential fatty acids (EFA) particularly omega-3 and omega-6 in any plant source, these tiny seeds pack a punch in lessening the risks for heart attacks and cardiovascular diseases. Keep in mind that EFA cannot be synthesized by the body, not to mention that EFA deficiency is relatively common in the North American diet. Adding Chia seeds to food and beverages combats EFA deficiency in a fast, easy and effective manner.
Stabilize Glucose Levels
One of the most important benefits of Chia are to athletes and non-athletes especially those with diabetes are in the stabilization of blood sugar levels. This is because Chia seeds contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, both of which work in tandem to slow down the conversion rate of complex carbohydrates into sugars. In turn, your risks for Type 2 Diabetes are lowered – or if you already have diabetes, your blood sugar level can be managed in a more effective manner – while your supply of energy remains constant and stable throughout the day.
Fight Inflammation
For people suffering from diseases characterized by inflammation like arthritis, the most important of all Chia health benefits is its anti-inflammatory property. We can attribute it to the high omega-3 EFA content in chia superfoods; omega-3 EFA aids in the lubrication of joints and relieves pain as well.
Aid in Good Digestion
Again, the dietary fiber in chia food products come into play in regards to the benefit of good digestion. You may be unable to eat whole grains and fiber-rich foods all the time so chia foods are the best alternatives. You will enjoy the benefits of regular bowel movements as well as more effective absorption of nutrients into your body, all because of your fiber-rich diet now.
Aid in Weight Loss
Yet another of chia seed benefits that most individuals love is in regards to the seeds’ ability to boost metabolism, add nutrients sans the calories, and promote lean muscle mass. Chia seeds contain plenty of minerals like calcium, magnesium and boron that help in lessening food cravings, thus, making for faster weight loss.
And of course, let’s not forget the most important of the numerous Chia superfood benefits – its anti-aging property, thanks to antioxidants. You will feel more energized to perform the necessary tasks for staying healthy including exercise.
Daniel Brad Cooper is a writer, a video creator and a social media marketer, who enjoys blogging about topics related to raw foods and nutrition. To learn more about the Chia Seed Health Benefits and also how to prepare them to get the best nutritional value, you can checkout more videos and articles on ChiaSeeds.co.uk.
Wellness Detective Comments: I first heard about going gluten free when I was taking a personal development course a few years ago and one woman was gluten intolerant. A gluten free life eliminates unhealthy oils and carbohydrates from one’s diet. Just imagine a life with gluten free meals and gluten free desserts. When I attended the Survivor Conference of Young Adult Cancer Canada in November 2012 we had gluten free desserts over 3 days and it was awesome!
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Melinda_Knight
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6425378
You may wonder if going gluten free will really pay off – after all, according to conventional wisdom, embracing the lifestyle can necessitate some difficult sacrifices. If you’re gluten-intolerant, or you suffer from allergies to wheat, barley, rye, and other gluten-rich grains, you may be surprised to find out just how beneficial this type of diet plan can be. For celiac sufferers (who can’t process glutens at all),these diets can literally be a lifesaver. No matter why you want to go gluten free, you can be certain that removing harmful glutens from your life will leave you feeling fresher, healthier, and more alive. But how does it all work?
First off, removing glutens can take a lot of pressure off of your body. For example, wheat can be quite difficult to digest; in fact, wheat is one of the most allergenic foods around. Your body will expend so much effort trying to digest wheat and other gluten-rich grains – oftentimes, the result can be painful gas, stomach cramps, skin rashes, and diarrhea. Your mental state may really improve after you give up glutens – the stress of processing these harmful substances can contribute to headaches, mental fogs, and mood swings.
If you’re feeling unwell, look at your diet – if it’s rich in products such as wheat breads, crackers, cakes and cookies, you may be harming your well-being every time you take a bite. By embracing this diet, you’ll open yourself up to a more satisfying way of life. Many men and women become quite religious about following their diets – because they quickly realize how giving up glutens boosts their overall quality of life. Being freed from psychological ups and downs and physical symptoms and side effects can be very liberating.
Since glutens can contribute to uncomfortable bloating and water weight, eliminating them with a gluten free diet may result in a pronounced weight loss. Many people who’ve gone gluten free have noticed a leaner midsection and thinner thighs! Swelling from indigestion and allergies can affect the abdomen, legs, hands, ankles and face – by removing irritants and allergens from your diet, you can erase these unattractive symptoms. Getting rid of reactive foods can be the keystone of looking and feeling great – that’s why so many celebrities, such as Phantom Of The Opera film star/singer Emmy Rossum and comedian Jenny McCarthy, choose to live gluten free lives. These slim, vibrant women really embody all of the benefits of skipping wheat, rye, barley, and other gluten grains.
If you suffer from celiac disease, you may be plagued with a skin disease known as Dermatitis Herpetiformis – this disorder causes painful and unsightly blisters on the skin. By giving up glutens once and for all, you can begin to reverse the progression of this skin affliction. A glowing, clear complexion may result from the ingestion of gluten free foods. Many celiac sufferers are also cursed with terrible migraine headaches that are quite debilitating – giving up trigger foods can be the only way to stop the pain and keep it from coming back.
To get all of the benefits you want from going gluten free, you must pay attention to balancing your meals, getting exercise, staying hydrated, and eating in moderation. Just because you’ve found a fabulous gluten-free ice cream doesn’t mean you should eat a whole container of it at one sitting. The most successful followers of gluten free diets embrace an overall attitude of wellness – they learn how to care for their minds and bodies. This holistic approach to going gluten free may include gentle exercise, spirituality, supplements, and lots of green, leafy vegetables. Staying away from processed foods and a junk diet is beneficial for any type of eater – it can be a wonderful strategy for the gluten free dieter.
Finding healthy recipes that focus on gluten free ingredients is the best way to get started with this sort of meal plan – think of it as a lifestyle change that is necessary and permanent. If you slip up, forgive yourself and move on. By loving yourself and doing what is best for your body, you can begin to heal the damage glutens have done to your mind, body and soul. You can move on to a life that is free of the side effects and unpleasantness that are part and parcel of ingesting harmful glutens. Focusing on salads, fresh vegetables, fruit, lean meats and fish will be excellent ways to begin your journey – you can also find a wealth of useful tips and tricks on this website. Educate yourself and use the benefits of a gluten free diet to achieve your goals and dreams – a healthier mind and body will make all things possible…
Melinda Knight-
Wife & mother of a family allergic to gluten, and former Catering Director at three of the largest hotels on the Las Vegas strip, where she planned menus and parties for thousands including the occasional 3,000 person wedding. She now plans meals for her gluten free family and shares her recipes and ideas for living a gluten free life at her blog.
As I completed a Bachelor in Environmental Studies many years ago, when I received an invitation to attend The Green Living Show, I was curious and excited to find out more about this show. Started in 2007, this year was the 7th edition of the Green Living Show held at the Direct Energy Centre from April 12th to 14th, 2013. There was something for everyone attending to experience— whether you were looking for a green car, hungry for organic food, discovering green builiding, interested in taking a yoga class, browsing for products & services as a parent or to play in the kids zone!
“The Green Living Show is where people who are interested in healthy products & services and a sustainable lifestyle and those who provide them connect”, said Show Director, Rober Orlovski. Some special attractions of the show included:
An Organic Expo
- Health & Wellness Pavillion
- Eco Parent Village
- Yoga and Fitness Pavillion
Upon entering the show, the first initiative that caught my attention, was H&M CONSCIOUS booth collecting clothes for a more sustainable fashion future. Bring your unwanted clothes to H&M stores and for each bag of clothes you hand in, you will receive a voucher with a discount for your next purchase which is a great reward! For more info please visit http://hm.com/longlivefashion.
I have started including organic food into my diet recently and was keen to explore the Organic Expo at the beginning of my visit to the Green Living Show. As I usually shop for my organic food in the supermarkets, it was really an eye opener to learn that organic produce can be delivered right to my front door. “The benefits of organic foods are no pesticides, higher nutrient content, feel good support for the farmers and treating the earth properly said Amy Wilson, Organic Food Advocate & Promotions for Front Door Organics Inc. Home delivery of organic produce, saves time for the consumer and makes the buying process easier.
As Show Director, Rober Orlovski said, “the Green Living Show is a place for education, innovation, and what’s new and exciting”. Walking past the fashion and beauty exhibitor booths, I became educated about organic cosmetics that are:
- made with certified organics
- paraben, and gluten free
- distributed in eco-friendly glass bottles
- free of synthetic fragances
- safe and non-toxic
Green cosmetics is all about a lifestyle choice and one that I choose to take on. Being conscious about what we put on our bodies, is equally important to what we consume in our bodies on a daily basis.
The Green Living Show gives access to greener options that allows individuals to transform their health, wellness & fitness, home & garden, transportation, tourism and environment. Green living ensures the sustainability of the planet, so what step will you take in your life today to incorporate more of a green lifestyle?
For more info on The Green Living Show go to: http://www.greenlivingshow.ca
Wellness Detective Comments: I first saw and heard about the benefits of using a re-bounder when I spent a weekend with Erika Wolff of Power of Raw for a retreat to learn more about the living foods lifestyle. She showed us her re-bounder that she uses to exercise with in her own. It was essentially a trampoline, but a mini-sized version. That weekend, we received a booklet that outlines the principles of health, and it mentions the use of a re-bounder to improve one’s overall lymphatic system.
Here are some basic suggestions for getting started with your fitness routine by using a re-bounder:
- Do a 5-7 minute stretching session of your arms, legs and body.
- Inspect the re-bounder to ensure everything is in working order.
- Make sure that you are barefoot before you start using the re-bounder.
- Stand on the re-bounder with your feet shoulder width apart, knees bent and begin to bounce lightly with your toes and heels still touching the trampoline.
- As per your skill level, begin bouncing with low knees and high knees, alternating between the two and with your toes and heels now leaving the trampoline.
Ensure that your routine is about 10 minutes to start with and increase your time, as you are able to work out. Working out on a re-bounder is a great warm up before weight training.
Check out this awesome video outlining some of the benefits of using a re-bounder!
P.S. It’s also my GOAL TO OWN A RE-BOUNDER! So, if any companies are open to sponsoring one for my overall fitness, I would be happy to receive that gift and I can become your re-bounder brand ambassador! Let’s make it a WIN-WIN FOR ALL!
Wellness Detective Comments: Green juice is an excellent source of nutrition for breakfast. I have recently started my day with green juice in the morning to move my health into full gear. Using raw organic seasonal produce to make green juice, adds vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acid to our body when consumed. This leads to healthy skin, hair, nails and teeth.
Easy to drink juice is quicky digested and absorbed with minimal effort by our bodies. It is also great to boost your immunity and a simple way to get tons of vegetables into your daily intake.
How to Make Green Juice
Being with a trip to the supermarket and purchase some green items to get you started on your green juicing journey. I would recommend the following to add to your green juice:
- cucumber
- celery
- kale
- ginger
Remember always use fresh seasonal produce and choose organic and dark. The darker the leafy greens, the richer are the nutrients.
Watch this short video by Kris Carr, one of my favorite wellness warriors around!
Wellness Detective Comments: I have always had ginger as part of my food when my mother prepared different dishes. It is only until recently that I had a new outlook on ginger and realized it would have a strong impact on my body. I have since started using ginger in my green juices, along with drinking grated ginger in boiling water at night. Ginger is great for inflammation reduction and that is one of my key wellness goals.
There are many healing properties of ginger and this video summarizes it very well. Watch and learn:
Wellness Detective Comments: Drinking a green smoothie for breakfast is part of my daily routine for health and wellness. I thought it would be fitting to share what I put into my green smoothies:
Lynn Manwar’s Green Smoothie!
1 cup of almond milk
1 scoop of raw vegan protein powder
3 leafs of kale
1/4 cup of blueberries
3 strawberries
1/2 teaspoon of chia seeds
1/2 teaspoon of chlorella powder
Blend in a Vitamix/Blentec or any blender that you may have. Fill in a glass and have your daily intake of green goodness!
Wellness Detective Comments: Drinking herbal tea is one of my favorite hot drinks. Some herbal teas that I enjoy drinking include mint and chamomile tea. It is a healthier choice and good for the body. Herbal tea is a great alternative to coffee, hot chocolate or tea with caffeine. I would highly recommend transitioning to drinking herbal tea. Please share with us the types of herbal teas that you drink and read the article below about the benefits of herbal tea.
Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-21754/The-true-benefits-herbal-tea.html
Herbal teas are all the rage for the many medicinal qualities they are supposed to possess. It’s claimed they can help with everything from easing a cold and indigestion to fighting infection and nausea.
But when choosing a herbal tea remedy, make sure you pick the right one. While fruit flavoured teas – such as rosehip, apple and orange – tend to be delicious, they are developed for their flavouring more than anything else.
Herbal teas on the other hand, such as thyme, peppermint and ginger have greater therapeutic virtues.
Susan Curtis, a homeopath for Neals Yard Remedies, says that fruit teas tend to be blended from synthetic ingredients, but herbal teas often contain real herbs. ‘This means they make effective remedies if drunk at least three to four times a day,’ she says.
Susan suggests reading the ingredients first. ‘If the label mentions real herbs then the quality will be good,’ she says. ‘Avoid any teas with artificial flavourings. The best quality herbal teas tend to be organic.’
We’ve rounded up ten herbal teas picked for their medicinal benefits and explain what each could do for you.
Elderflower:
The white blossom from the Elder tree is a traditional cure for colds. It is an effective decongestant because it helps clean the nasal passages of catarrh. It is also a good diaphoretic – meaning it encourages the body to sweat. Naturopaths believe that viruses are unable to breed in a raised body temperature.
Lemon Verbena: Lemon Verbena – like citrus liqueurs such as Poire William and Calvados – are traditionally used in France as a digestive aid. This is because the citrus content helps to break down fats in the digestive tract.
Ginger:
Ginger is an excellent remedy in the early stages of an infection because, as a warming spice, it can promote a fever and hasten healing. Ginger’s warming effects are also said to relieve rheumatic aches and pains by widening the blood vessels and stimulating circulation.
Nettle: A British herb that is good to take when feeling run down. This is because of its rich mineral content. Nettle is a good source of iron, calcium and silica. Iron produces red blood cells, essential for energy. Calcium and silica are important for building bones, hair and teeth.
Chamomile:
The small golden buds of chamomile give many people relief from mild insomnia. Chamomile is the principal ingredient in many ‘sleepytime’ tea blends. This is because chamomile contains tryptophan, an amino acid known for its tranquilizing effects. When taken as an infusion, these properties act as a relaxant in our bodies and help to promote sleep.
Green Tea: Japanese green tea leaves strengthen tissue cells found all over the body, and so protects the body from ageing. This is because green tea is high in antioxidants – compounds produced in the body that protect the cells from damage such as pollutants.
Thyme:
This Mediterranean herb is an effective treatment for colds. This is because thyme contains volatile oils – constituents in the plant that protect it against virus and infection. When taken as an infusion, these properties act as a good decongestant for the chest in our bodies.
Fennel: A Mediterranean herb that has anti-spasmodic properties. This means it works on relaxing the intestinal muscles and is particularly good for constipation, colic and flatulence. Fennel is also a good detox because it is a diuretic – meaning it creates the urge to urinate. This helps to clean the kidneys and so rid the body of impurities, which then promotes a clearer skin.
Peppermint:
A traditional remedy used for nausea and vomiting. By stimulating bile production in the gall bladder, peppermint breaks down fat in the digestion system, thus relieving nausea.
St John’s Wort: St John’s Wort is an extract of a small yellow flower commonly found in Britain and Europe. It is a mild anti-depressant and shown to be an effective treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Recent medical research shows that St John’s Wort helps with depression by raising chemical levels in the brain.
Wellness Detective Comments: I learned about organic food in the 90s, but back then, I felt it wasn’t a necessary requirement for my lifestyle. Now many years later, I do see the importance of consuming organically grown food. It is a healthier choice and allows us to support local farmers. For those who choose a raw food lifestyle, organic grown produce is essential. Before, I would buy some organic vegetables, but now I am convinced that I must make a full transition to all organic food.
We think organic produce is expensive, but so is the journey recovering from major illnesses and imbalances in our bodies. Think of buying organic as a preventative measure and the trip to the market as your healing pharmacy. Fruits and vegetables are the best medicine on the planet for our bodies. I shop at the Big Carrot in the Danforth area in east end Toronto and Sobey’s in Etobicoke and both locations, have organic produce available for purchase.
One great way to get started on the benefits of organic food is to order an organic box from a local farmer.
Read this excellent article summarizing the benefits of organic food:
Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Martin_Gandhi
The organic food movement has really taken off over the last decade. At one time, you could only find organic foods in health food stores but now there is quite a large selection in just about any supermarket or grocery store. While prices have come down some over the years, items that are certified organic are usually still more expensive than non-organic choices.
What exactly is “organic?”
Organic fruits, vegetables, grains, meat, dairy products, and even non-food items are grown according to stringent regulations set out by the USDA. They must be produced without any chemical pesticides, fungicides or herbicides. They must be grown using organic farming techniques and without using any hormones or antibiotics.
What are the benefits of organic foods?
Taste – Organic fruits and vegetables tend to by juicier, sweeter and more flavourful. Grown in rich, fertile soil, organic produce is very rich in flavour and nutrients, and since it is usually grown closer to home, tends to be fresher than imported non-organic produce. While organic produce tends to spoil faster due to the lack of preservatives, it is still a much better choice. You may also see a difference in the way the fruits and vegetables look – they may be slightly smaller or not perfectly shaped. This is how produce grown naturally is supposed to look! Organic meat comes from animals that are free to graze and benefit from fresh air, fresh water and healthy organic food sources, making the meat much more flavourful.
Health Benefits – chemical pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and fertilizers are known carcinogens. These sprays and additives are applied liberally to non-organic food and they do leave a residue on the fruit as well as often penetrating the skin as well. Washing produce does not remove all of the harmful chemicals. Organic produce is grown without the use of these harmful chemicals. There is also the benefit of not having the toxic run-off from the farms polluting our waters. Workers on organic farms are not exposed to these deadly chemicals either, unlike their non-organic farm worker counterparts. Organic meat animals lead much healthier lives than the commercially farmed animals. Rather than living in a cage barely big enough to fit in, wallowing in their own waste, organic animals are allowed to graze freely in fields with fresh water and clean surroundings. This means that they don’t have to be pumped with antibiotics just to survive their lifestyles. Organic meat and dairy animals are also not given any hormones or other chemicals.
Regulation – In order to be certified organic, farms need to meet very strict regulations in their farming methods. If you see a “certified organic” seal on your food, you can be sure that that item has been carefully produced and its source has undergone careful inspection and certification by the USDA.
Resistance of Disease and Allergies – As mentioned above, the chemicals used in commercial farming are known to cause cancer, so by eating more organic food, you will be reducing your risk of these cancers. The over-use of antibiotics in meat and dairy is causing antibiotic-resistant strains of viruses and diseases as well. The prevalence of food allergies is growing at an alarming rate. Part of the reason for this is the unhealthy farming methods used in traditional farming. Raising your children on organic produce, meat and dairy products can significantly reduce the risk of them developing food allergies.
Environmental Benefits – Today’s agriculture industry is ravaging our earth. Soil erosion form over-farming is becoming a huge problem and commercial farms are one of the biggest contributors to water pollution with the toxic runoff from the farms. Organic farming builds up the soil by crop rotation and the use of compost and manure. Since no chemicals are used, water pollution is not an issue either.
Supporting Local Farmers – Studies report that half of the food produced in the US comes from only 1% of the farms. Local farmers are struggling to maintain their market share in the industry. With the increase in smaller organic farms, we are starting to have healthier choices when it comes to our food sources. Since there are no preservatives used in organic food production, that means stores need to source the food from much closer. By buying organic food from your grocery store, farmers markets and vegetable stands, you are supporting the local economy while getting healthier choices for your family’s meals.
While buying organic may cost you a bit more on your grocery bill, the benefits really outweigh the cost. You’ll be healthier, feel better about the foods you’re feeding your family, and be doing your part to preserve our environment. Your food will taste better, and your local farmers will thank you too.
Wellness Detective Comments: On the path to wellness, medical intuition is a practice that can be accessed by some patients to assist in their recovery back to full health. I was extremely fortunate to have connected with a medical intuitive on December 24th, 2011 via skype, just 4 days after I received news that I had a tumour in my right breast and was told it was cancer. Her name was Bracha Malka Miller and I met her in Jerusalem, Israel, on January 1st, 2012 whereby she assessed and worked on my body.
One of the key messages I received from this medical intuitive was that cancer is just an imbalance in the body and not a disease. I was extremely fortunate to have met Bracha in her visits to Toronto from New York from Jauary to July 2012. Her expertise gave me hope, positivity and encouragement to move forward with conventional western therapies through calling on spirit. I envisioned Angels Raphael and Michael, surrounding me when I would sleep at night and bringing the light back to my body. I was comforted and at ease throughout my whole treatment.
Please keep in mind, that we ultimately are the ones to heal our own body and restore ourselves back to full health. Medical intuition practitioners are guides to help us to get our final destinations.
If you are going through any health challenges, I highly recommend you consult a medical intuitive. For more information about Medical Intuitive, go here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_intuitive
Ezine Article Expert
