Month: July 2014

Want a Healthy Brain? Eat an Apple!

Robyn Benson

Published on July 25, 2014

We all want to be healthy, but at times we’re just not sure how to get there because all of the health “noise” we hear on TV or read about on Facebook. It can all be confusing and overwhelming. One day something is good for you and the next day it’s bad for you. No wonder I have so many people asking me to help them decipher the confusion. The bottom line is; eating healthy is probably the best, fastest and most nutritious way to get there.  Even the simplest fruits can help you maintain a healthier lifestyle. Let’s take a closer look:

Your brain can do so much better with a red, juicy apple

Want a healthy brain? Eat an apple! Studies have shown that the apple isn’t just the healthiest fruit, but the healthiest food as well. You might not be surprised to hear this but the fact is, the apple contains an antioxidant that is called quercetin, which reduces the number of neurons dying in your brain. Oxidation and inflammation lead to neuron death, but with more apples added to your diet, you can prevent this.  As a result, your neurological health improves and the power of your brain increases. It also helps stave off Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia according to studies. Note: Always choose organic fruits and vegetables.

Reduce heart disease with bananas

The most significant dietary change an individual should make is to reduce their intake of sodium and add more potassium to their diet. Rich in B6, Vitamin C, potassium and fiber, bananas can keep your heart functioning properly and effectively.

Studies claim that consuming higher potassium amounts reduces the chances of death due to ischemic heart disease by 49%.

Burn fat with grapes

Grapes contain resveratrol which has a number of health benefits such as protecting your blood vessels from being damaged, reducing bad cholesterol and preventing the formation of blood clots.

Another interesting fact about resveratrol and is that it can reduce the ability of a cell to store fat by as much as 130%. And that’s not all; it will cause disintegration of your fat cells at a rate of 246% higher than average.

Reduce wrinkles with oranges

We all know the benefits of oranges when it comes to Vitamin C but what few know is that when applied topically, oranges have the ability to improve the appearance and overall health of our skin. It can even help reverse skin damage caused by pollution and the sun – and – it helps reduce wrinkles by improving overall skin texture. This all comes about because Vitamin C plays a vital role in our skins ability to produce collagen, which is a firming component of our skin. Vitamin C in oranges also helps our skin absorb vitamin E and iron, producing a glowing complexion!

Prevent Cancer with Pears

More than any other fruit, pears contain the most fiber which helps our bodies pass food much easier through the digestive tract. The beauty of the pear though is that this gritty fiber also helps remove cancer-causing chemicals in the colon. In turn, this helps in reducing the risk of developing colon cancer. Pears also contain flavonoid phloretin which has been found to induce and inhibit growth in colon cancer cells, human melanoma, as well as liver and leukemia cancer cells in lab studies. The consumption of pears has also been associated with lowering the risk of breast cancer.

So sink your teeth into these luscious fruits and reap these amazing health benefits.

Source: www.medicaldaily.com

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Why You Can’t Lose that Belly Fat

Robyn Benson

Published on July 17, 2014

Have you been working out all spring and into the summer months but you’re just not seeing the results you hoped for especially around the mid-section? This is something I hear a lot from women who are getting older; despite their efforts, they still have fat around the belly.

There are a lot of factors at play here, for instance, hormones have a major impact on belly fat. So how do you banish the blubber around your belly? Let’s take a look at a few reasons why your body might be holding onto it despite your hard work.

You are growing older

As we grow older, our bodies undergo a number of changes and this includes the manner in which it gains and loses weight. Whether you are a male or female, your metabolic rates decline and the calories which your body needs also decreases. Females have to go through menopause, which may add more fat to their bellies.  These hormonal changes prevent you from reducing your fat.

Your workout routine is not specific

If you want to decrease your belly fat, you need to do specific exercises. Every type of workout program will not help you. As an example, cardio workouts are a great choice for your heart, but not for your waist.

However, strength training can increase muscle mass, which may allow your body to burn more fat. Try adding 60 minutes of moderate intensity or 30 minutes of high intensity strength training to your workout routine four times a week and you will soon see some of that fat disappear.

You consume processed food in significant quantities

Refined grains and even refined sugar can increase inflammation, which may lead to more belly fat or at least prevent you from losing it. If you are trying to lose fat, you should avoid processed food as much as you can.

Also try to include as many natural foods as you can in your diet. Fruits, veggies and whole grains have anti-oxidizing properties which reduce inflammation and may prevent you from accumulating fat in your belly.

You are not eating the right fats

Your body does not respond the same to different types of fat. Saturated fat is limited to an increase in visceral fat, whereas mono saturated fat can reduce inflammation and help your body lose that stubborn belly fat. Examples of foods which contain these fats are walnuts, avocados, olive oil and sunflower seeds.

Do you have any great tips for losing belly fat? Share them in the comments section!

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Get Rid of Anxiety the Natural Way

Robyn Benson

Published on July 11, 2014

How often do you experience a racing heart, sweaty palms and shaky knees? If this happens often and the feelings come and go, chances are it isn’t anything serious and is more so related to feelings of anxiety or panic attacks. However, when you have these feelings, your anxiety and fear overcome you, and pull you down even further into a full blown panic attack. It can even feel as though you are having a heart attack at times. (NOTE: It is never a good idea to brush off the warning signs of a potential heart attack; seeking immediate medical attention is important) This is an all too real feeling and can be very frightening if you do not understand what is happening or how to stop it.

Most people who experience high anxiety or panic attacks allow their minds to fill with negative thoughts, and worry takes hold.  I know many people who experience these types of panic attacks or high anxiety and although there are many ways you can take control, there are a few natural ways and techniques that you can use.  Let’s take a look at a few:

Exercise

I know that exercise is probably the last thing on your mind when you are in the midst of a full-blown panic attack but once you get motivated, exercise can make a big difference.

The links between anxiety, depression and exercise aren’t entirely clear but working out can definitely help you relax and make you feel better. Exercise may also help keep anxiety and depression from coming back once you’re feeling better.

According to research, exercise helps in:

  • Releasing feel-good brain chemicals that may ease depression (neurotransmitters and endorphins)
  • Reducing immune system chemicals that can worsen depression
  • Increasing body temperature, which may have calming effects

Herbal Teas

Healing herbal teas are a fun place to start. But even in the best case scenario, they’re just a Band Aid for your anxiety. You’ll get some relief, but that relief will be temporary and won’t be that meaningful. You simply cannot expect any tea to provide you with the cure you need.

That’s why those that use tea alone simply cannot hope to see tea as anything other than what it is – a drink that may reduce some of your anxiety. You still need to pair it with coping strategies and tools that will keep your anxiety from coming back.

It’s always a good idea to talk with a doctor before taking any herbal tea or natural supplement because there may be side effects that you need to be careful of.

With that information in mind, there are several herbal teas for anxiety. Make sure that you’re taking one without caffeine. Caffeine itself can cause anxiety attacks in some people. The following are possible herbal/natural solutions for anxiety:

  • Kava
  • Passionflower Tea
  • Valerian Root Tea
  • Chamomile Tea
  • Peppermint Tea
  • Lemon Balm Tea

Remember, none of these teas have much support behind them, but users them swear to their effectiveness and with the exception of peppermint tea (which can aggravate gastroesophageal reflux disorder), none of the teas appear to have any side effects.

Healthy Eating

Healthy eating is one of the best ways to control anxiety and stress. In fact, one of the best things you can add to your diet is more water. Many studies have found that dehydration affects as many as 25% of those with persistent stress or more, and dehydration is known to cause more anxiety.

As for foods, anything with magnesium, vitamin B12 (and other B vitamins), zinc, and antioxidants can be beneficial for helping you deal with stress. There are also herbal supplements like kava and passionflower that may be valuable for anxiety.

Sleep

Easily the most common bad habit that contributes to anxiety is sleep deprivation. Far too many people suffering from anxiety avoid sleep, allowing their stresses to keep them awake. Sleep is one of the most important tools for coping with stress, so when you allow yourself to be kept awake, you make it much more likely for stress to affect you.

In some cases anxiety and stress may be keeping you awake against your will so going to bed earlier can help. You should also create a boring routine before you go to bed. Why? Your mind finds comfort in a boring routine before going to bed, especially one that is free of technology.

Can’t fall asleep or stay asleep? Try keeping a journal next to your bed. This way, when you have negative thoughts that keep you awake or waken you in the middle of the night, you can grab your journal and write them down. It is an odd fact that our minds perceive that it is okay not to obsess over them once they are down on paper and sleep will come much easier.

Most of all, never avoid sleep on purpose. You absolutely need sleep in order to cope with the anxieties and stresses of the day.

Connect with me on Social Media: Facebook – Twitter – Google+ – LinkedIn – YouTube – Pinterest

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