6 Health Benefits of Palm Wine

Each time I have opportunity to visit the rural areas in the village, never miss any opportunity of tasting and enjoying freshly brewed palm wine.   This generation seem to be missing out a lot is usually my though each time this natural drink gets to my taste bud.

Palm is a locally brewed natural  and nutritious drink that comes either from the palm tree or the bamboo tree.  The one from the palm tree is usually more sour in taste while the one from the bamboo tree is usually sweeter.  It is a favourite drink of Nigerian Men especially from the Eastern Path where it is used frequently in rural areas and served as an important beverage in most occasions such as weddings, funerals  and birthday parties.

Palm wine  is the sap of palm wine tree.  The wine is obtained as the fermentation product  of one-day tapping.  It is one of the most popular drinks across Africa.  Depending on the mode and source some palm wines are highly alcoholic.  Most of the wine tapped from bamboo trees are less alcoholic.  one aspect of food gradually disappearing from our tables is fermented foods like the palm wine.  Fermented foods have numerous health benefits most importantly, they help keep our gut healthy

Palm wine is a rich natural drink with numerous health benefits.  So if you have been drinking palm wine without knowing that you  are feeding your body with a healthy ready - to - absorb nutrient,  Read below and see why occasional  palm wine is a healthy way:

Contents of Palm Wine:

Yeast
protein
Sugar
Aminoacids
Bacteria
Carbohydrates
Potassium
Zinc
Vitamin C
Iron
Magnesium
Vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B6

Six Health Benefits of Palm Wine

1.  Fights Cancer

It contains B2, also known as riboflavin, which is an antioxidant which helps in fighting free radicals,  which discourages the growth of cancerous cells.

2.  Improves Sight

Palm wine helps in maintaining good sight.  It is a source of antioxidants and vitamin C which is also found in most fruits and vegetables.  The presence of B1 also helps in improving our vision.

3.  Source of Probiotics

Palm wine is fermented making it a source of friendly bacteria which help maintain a healthy gut health and strong immune system

4.  Supports Cardiovascular Health

Research shows that drinking moderate amount of palm wine has been associated with reduction on the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases such as heart failure and similar heart related issues.  One of the research  conducted by Lingberg and Ezra in 2008  found that the presence of potassium in palm wine made it possible to improve heart health and bring down hypertension 

5. Promotes Lactation

When women are faced with the problem of lactation in rural areas, palm wine is being used by natural healers in some parts of Africa to assist them.  This should not be in doubt seeing the nutrients such as iron, zinc and other important B group vitamins present in palm wine.

6.  Helps in Maintaining Healthy Skin, Hair and Nails

The presence of iron and other B complex found in palm wine are needed fro a healthy skin and nails.  Iron is very essential for the development, growth and functioning of some cells in our body.  It is also great for wound healing during to the presence of Vitamin C

Excess can lead to these undesirable side effects"


Neurological symptoms

Can lead to blood cloth problem - uncontrolled bleeding

Could cause liver damage

Weakening of heart muscles

Heart attacks

We  believe moderation is key to enjoying any healthy food nature has given.   So let us go slowly on palm wine so as to avoid the undesirable side effects.


SOURCE:www.naija.ng
                 www..uniquefacts.net

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This Simple Breakfast Truly works for Fat Burning

If you belong to the group of persons avoiding coffee and you are over 45yrs, then it is time to have a rethink.  Coffee is actually one of the healthiest drinks if taken in moderation.  Besides being a natural and rich source of antioxidants, caffeine in coffee helps your body burn fat.  As for me, I am yet to find a fat burning and yet delicious drink like coffee,

Anti oxidants are linked to a number of potential health benefits, including  protection  against diseases and cancer.  Researchers after analyzing  the antioxidant  content of more than 100 different foods  including vegetables, fruits, nuts, spices , oils and common beverages, coffee came out on top  for other antioxidants per serving size and frequency of consumption.  Did you know that your black coffee if a natural source of important nutrients such as  Riboflavin, pant
Pantohenic acid B5, Manganese,  and potassium, magnesium and niacin B3?

Moreover, a study published in the European journal fo Neurology suggests that coffee may even decrease your risk of getting Alzheimer's disease as much as by 65%.

Thanks to mother nature.  Black coffee with caffeine has numerous health benefits, but latest in my discovery with coffee breakfast is the addition of two ingredients to enhance its anti oxidant and fat burning capability and that is exactly what I want to share in this short write up.

A Study published in the American Journal Clinical nutrition set out to investigate the effects of coffee on the metabolic rate.  Researchers found out that caffeinated coffee stimulates the metabolism in both obese and normal weight individuals.

Here Are My Two Latest Addition to Make My Coffee Better

It is better to try a thing  before talking about it.  Adding  half teaspoon of Cinnamon powder and organic honey into my coffee is what has changed and renewed both my taste for coffee and its fat burning benefits.

All you need is:

A cup of freshly boiled water
half teaspoon of cinnamon
a tablespoonful of honey
add you boiled water and your fat burning drink is ready

We all know the benefits of cinnamon, it is great in heating you up from inside and chasing away cold and similar symptoms, it is a source of calcium and iron and has anti inflammatory properties, helps fight yeast and boost immune system.

Honey on the other hand is a natural nutrient  dense food/medicine possessing antibacterial, anti inflammatory and antiviral properties.  It nourishes you from inside and works with coffee to clear clogged arteries,

It is better to try this drink even if you do not like the taste of coffee, you will love this, before now, I could not drink my coffee without milk but with cinnamon and honey, I have no more need for milk. 

Coffee's benefits are best harnessed when it is taken black or with these two natural additions.

This is fat burning made easy.  Better to start your day with this drink or after any fatty meal.  It truly works for me.

It is better to take in moderation.  Too much may come with its own ugly side effects.

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16 Health Benefits of Sea Salt

If you ask me the meaning of sea salt, I will tell you that it means flavour, it means life, natural sea salt means health.  If you ever cooked your meals with sea salt, then you will have no option but to  forget other artificial taste enhancers and remain with your sea salt.  Salt is so important to health that without salt, all organs of the body cannot function optimally.  Of particular interest is sea salt.

Sea salt is unprocessed and loaded with many micro nutrients needed for optimal health.

The nutritional wealth of sea salt includes vital minerals like sodium (of course), potassium, magnesium, calcium, bromide, zinc,phosphorus and several beneficial elements, without which your body cannot function well and your overall immune system will remain suppressed

You may think that sea salt and table salt contain the same minerals because they are both salts. But you are wrong, sea salt is one of those rare ingredients that houses  all 84 essential minerals that are found in the human body.  But the exact composition and breakdown  of these minerals can very depending on the original source of seawater that it was taken.  As for refined table salt, after the refining, dressings, additives and flavouring only about 2 of all these nutrients remains, though it looks more attractive when compared to sea salt.

1. Treats Asthma

Sea salt has long been known to reduce inflammation and help treat asthma. it is believed that sprinkling a pinch of sea salt on your tongue after drinking a glass of water is just as effective as using an inhaler. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.

2.  Aids Digestion And Weight Loss

When it comes to weight loss, there are a couple of different reasons people think sea salt works. For one, it is said that it regulates the secretion of digestive juices, which prevents build-up in the digestive tract and, thus,  may help keep off the weight. 

3. Reduces Osteoarthritis Risk

Osteoarthritis in the knees can be painful and make moving around extremely difficult. Fortunately, a study has found that hypnotherapy with Dead Sea salt can bring about a significant improvement in its symptoms. Moreover, the therapeut

4.  Helps You Sleep

Sea salt helps excrete excess acidity especially from the brain cells, some people testify of 

improved sleep and reduced exposure to infections myself inclusive when sea salt was 

introduced to their kitchen.  Some equally believe that sea salt can help treat symptoms of 

depression as it helps regulate two hormones in the body - Serotonin and melatonin.  

These hormones help you relax and have a more restful sleep.

5. Treats Rhisnosinusitis

Rhinosinusitis (commonly known as sinusitis) is a condition in which the nasal passages become inflamed and fill up with mucus. A study conducted in Chicago (USA) found that not only was nasal irrigation using Dead Sea salt solution more effective in relieving sinusitis symptoms than a regular saline solution, but it also improved the quality of life.

6. Enhances Skin Health

Whether you are consuming sea salt or even adding some to your bath, the positive effect of bathing with sea salt if beginning to be appreciated, it helps in keeping the skin moisturized and revitalized.  Dead sea salt baths helps in improving the skin barrier function and eliminating the roughness and inflammation on the skin's surface.  It also helps in the detoxification of the body by flushing out toxins from the pores, while also aiding blood circulation.

7.  Oral health

Sea salt contains flouride which is  beneficial for promoting dental health.  Flouride helps in protecting the teeth from acidic damage and prevents the development of caries and cavities.

If you have issues with your teeth and gums, try rinsing your mouth at the close of  the day or after each meal with sea salt solution, this helps alleviate mouth sores, bleeding gums, ulcers, and the pain of sore throats.  It also reduces all forms of inflammations in the mouth.

8.  Relieves Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sea Salt have shown some effectiveness in providing therapeutic relief to patients suffering from arthritis.  Studies are showing that baths containing these salts possess anti-inflammatory qualities and have demonstrated significant  improvements in such ailments as compared to normal sodium chloride baths.

9.  Maintains Electrolyte Balance

Sea salt helps  in maintaining a healthy electrolyte balance in the body, which is necessary for maintaining optimum blood composition  and circulation, muscular strength and overall functioning of the body.  Minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium contribute to the electrolyte equilibrium of the body.

10.  Relaxes Aching Feet

Soaking your tired feet in a warm sea salt solution helps relax the muscles and relieve the soreness and pain in your tired feet.

11.  Helps with Blood Sugar Control

Sea salt also helps in maintaining balanced levels of blood sugar.  It contributes in reducing the body's dependency on insulin medication for the regulation of sugar levels.

12.  Normalizes heartbeat

Sea Salt aids in maintaining healthy levels of blood pressure and helps normalize irregular heartbeats.  It has shown promises in preventing the occurrence of  various  cardiac disorders. 

13. Relieves Muscle Cramps

Sea salt is beneficial in relieving muscle cramps and enhancing muscular strength. Essential minerals like magnesium and potassium have therapeutic and rejuvenating  qualities, thus making sea salt a natural remedy to cure aches and pains.

14.  Reduces Acidity

Sea Salt helps in alkalizing the cells of the body especially the brain cells by facilitating the excretion of excess acids through urination.  This helps in maintaining the optimal acid-alkali ratio of the body.  If the pH value of the blood moves towards the acidic side, it can disturb the natural healthy balance of the body and may result in chronic medical condition.

15.  Healing and Purifying Properties

Baths enriched with sea salt are believed to have purifying qualities as they absorb such negative energies and helps relieve the body of toxins.

16.  Treats Acne

Sea Salts contain sulfur which helps in cleansing  and treating skin conditions like dermatitis and acne scars.

Despite the numerous health benefits of sea salt, it is still advised that we take in moderation as too much salt whether sea salt or table salt will not benefit the body but instead result in other health conditions like high blood pressure, weakness of the heart muscles and general weakness.  It is better to add your your sea salt while still cooking your food.

Source:  www.organicfacts.net

               www.stylecraze.com

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8 Reasons Why You Need Salt Daily

Let us talk a little about the health benefits of salt.  So many negative talks about salt, especially its link to high blood pressure and other health conditions have made us almost forget its good sides.  Before we focus attention on sea salt and its numerous benefits.  Let us look briefly at the benefits of salt, to disabuse the minds of those ignorant persons who are almost considering going on a no-salt diet due to their health consciousness.  Do we really need salt daily.  The answer is a resounding Yes.  

Here are a 8 Reasons why you need salt daily:

1. Supports Thyroid:

Salt combats excess cortisol, cortisol is anti-thyroid.  salt supports thyroid function by reducing circulating stress hormones like cortisol

 2. Your body needs salt to maintain the proper stomach pH.

 Stomach acid is hydrochloric acid and salt is sodium chloride. Proper stomach acid levels are absolutely foundational for good digestion.

3. Salt lowers adrenaline spikes. Adrenaline is a necessary and important stress hormone, but it is just that… a stress hormone. When adrenaline patterns are out of rhythm, it takes a toll on the body 

 4. Salt improves sleep quality.

It boasts anti-stress and anti-excitatory qualities due to its suppression of stress hormones and it increasing of the metabolic rate. This may explain why many people report that a low sodium diet interferes with sleep and an adequate amount of dietary salt improves sleep quality.

Interestingly, if you often wake up with your heart pounding between 2 and 4 AM, it is probably because of an adrenaline spike. The most important change is to reduce both physical and mental stress, as well as eating a healthy diet. But one immediate fix to help you go back to sleep is just a pinch of salt and sugar (or salt and honey, if you prefer) sprinkled on the tongue to calm the adrenaline peak (re

5.  Salt Helps Speed Up Your Metabolism:

 When the extracellular fluid is hypo-osmotic in relation to the cell, it impairs the breakdown of proteins and glucose and thereby lowers the cell’s metabolism.  The presence of salt especially sea salt helps  boost metabolism.

6.  Salt Increases heat Production in the Body thereby helping ward off disease

Increased sodium intake also correlates with increased thermogenesis–heat production by the body

7.  Adequate salt supports balanced hormones.

  A Hormone and nutrition researcher explains the correlation between the salt-regulating hormone aldosterone and mineral loss:

8. Besides,Salt makes food taste good. Salt adds a satiety factor to food and makes meals enjoyable. Adequate salt content of food makes it easier to enjoy quality instead of quantity, thereby encouraging mindful eating and weight manage.

It is necessary to ensure that you do not overdue it.  Salt does not have means to storage in the body except in the current of our body.  So excess salt is unhealthy and will definitely come with health problems.

Source:www.empoweredsustenance.com

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Natural Foods to Help With Ovarian Cyst

Many women have ovarian cyst at one time or the other, most ovarian cyst present little or no discomfort  and are harmless. Again, most cases of  ovarian cyst are benign, or non cancerous , Other cyst however can be cancerous, which is why a diagnosis is required urgently when a cyst is suspected. Though many  of them often disappear without treatment within a few months.  However, some do present with serious symptoms and discomfort and in severe cases may rupture requiring hospital emergency.

What Are Ovarian Cyst

They are fluid filled sacs or pockets in an ovary or on its surface.  Women have two ovaries. Each about the size and shape of an Almond on each side of the uterus.  Eggs which develop and mature in the ovaries are released in monthly cycles  during the child bearing years.

There are two types of ovarian cyst

a.  Function and
b.  Abnormal cyst

According to Dr Marilyn Glenville, " No matter  the kind of cyst, you will need to get your hormones back into balance for support  and to stop them from happening again and again.  Herbs and adequate nutrition  can help you achieve this.  You will need to work on the health of your liver to enhance the destruction of abnormal cell and ensure that any excess hormones are excreted"

Symptoms of Ovarian Cyst

Most symptoms comes and go on their own.  The most common symptoms are:

- Pelvic pain  --- a dul or sharp ache in the lower abdomen on the side
- Fullness or heaviness in your abdomen
- Bloating

Those at risk of  ovarian cysts are women with hormonal problems
- Pregnancy, menopause and postmenopause

INCLUDE THESE FOODS

1.  Dark leafy Greens
2.  Flaxseeds
3.  Almonds
4.  Brussels Sprouts
5.  Chia Seeds
6.  Cashews
7.  Raw Cocoa
8.  Sunflower and pumpkin seeds
9.  Cauliflower
10. Cabbage
11. Spinach
12.  Mustard greens
13.  Sea Salt
14.  Lemons
15.  Ginger
16.  Tumeric Root
17.  Oats
18. Fermented foods like millet
19. Eggs
20. Avocados and other healthy fats such as found in some fatty fish, sardines. herring and other source of omega 3 fats


DO NOT FORGET THESE POINTS WHEN MAKING FOOD CHOICES 

Release Excess Estrogen:  It is important to ensure that you go natural and whenever possible organic.  Ensure that the foods you have chosen are capable of clearing excess hormones and they include:  Brussel sprouts, cabbage, mustard greens, kale, cauliflower, and broccoli.

Magnesium Rich Foods are Important:  You will find them in Leafy greens, turnip, beet greens, fruits like bananas, prunes, avocados, cashews, almonds, raw cocoa, sunflower and pumpkin seeds

Omega 3 Rich foods:  These are healthy fats that can help control hormone distruptions and address insulin resistance, which is often linked to polycystic ovarian syndrome.  Foods you will find them include:  Flaxseeds, sardines, mackerel, fish like wild Akaskan, herring etc.

Detox Your Liver:  There are so many commercials out there claiming to detox your liver but, most of them are far from cleaning or helping the liver do its work.  Include natural foods to cleanses, detox and support your liver health.  Some in this category are cayenne pepper, oatmeal, eggs, brazel nuts and other nuts.

Fibre Up:  A diet high in fibre has been shown to decrease the reabsorption of estrogen in the body, lowering the incidence of estrogen related issues including cyst and breast cancer,  Fruits and veggies are the best sources of fibre for this purpose.

Support Your Gut with Fermented Foods

Include probiotics, these are provide you with a group of gut bacteria or genes that produces an essential enzyme that helps metabolize your  excess  estrogen.   Giving your gut what it needs to process estrogen and maintain hormonal balance is vital

FOODS TO AVOID

Caffeinated drinks.  These can disrupt your body's hormones greatly, You can drink your coffee, green in moderation and coffees are best taken black.

Alcoholic Beverages

Continuous intake of alcohol will increase estrogen levels and support cyst formation

Wheat Products

Wheat contains a substance known as phytic acid which is responsible  for binding  minerals like magnesium and zinc,which are vital for hormone balance and preventing cramps. 

Refined Sugar

It is better to avoid all forms of which sugars especially simple sugars found in cakes, breads, cookies and other processed foods.  They are immune suppressors and will support the growth of cyst.

CHOOSE THESE DRINKS

Lemon and honey tea
Ginger and tumeric tea
Bitter cocoa
Chamomile tea
Hibiscus flower tea

Finally, It is important to have regular exercise and ensure you get a good sleep as they are work together to support your immune system and discourage the development of cyst  You can keep the development and growth of ovarian cyst by eating right and living a healthy lifestyle.


www.Cookandcure.com
www.mercola.com

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11 Healthy Foods to Avoid At Night

A good Night Sleep does good just like medicine.  If you must be at your best each day, if you want to maintain good health and strong immune system, then you must be informed about foods that interfere with quality sleep at night and stay away from them.  Ignorance is a disease itself, so if you are ignorant, you may continue to suffer and trouble your doctor regularly due to lack of knowledge of what to eat and what to avoid.

When considering foods to suit you at night, you must bare certain points in mind, and if possible provide answers to them, they include:

-  Is the food acidic?
- Is it high in calorie
- Is it inflammatory
- Is it easily digestible
- Is it high in sugar
- Does it fight or feed disease
- Is it high in fat
- Does it produce Gas

It is important to have ready answers to these questions before you decide on what to include in your dinner or before bedtime.  It is a known fact that a healthy diet must have adequate amount of proteins, carbohydrates, oils/fats,  vitamins and minerals.   Whereas all these are healthy and important aspect of  our diet, yet when it is bedtime, some of the nutrients may not be our friend.
It is therefore better to avoid some of them if they will affect our sleep negatively.

Here are 11 Healthy Foods to Avoid before bedtime

1.  Tomatoes

Tomatoes is among the healthy foods that any nutritionist will recommend to a patient, they are not only low in calorie but also help clear up arteries, however did you know that they should be avoided at night?  If you take plenty of tomatoes whether fresh or canned before bedtime, you are not likely to have a smooth flowing sleep.  Tomatoes tend to produce acidic environment during sleep, besides, it produces gas which usually interrupt sleep.

2.  Yams

Yam is a popular tuber especially in Nigeria, and when it is in season, people like to make different versions of this starchy root vegetable.  Some make porridge, or pounded yam with soup with it.  Some just take it white with a sauce made with tomatoes and pepper and various other recipes.  However, it is a gas producing food and will not allow you have a smooth sleep.  So many have suffered in ignorance unknown to them that the culprit is the yam consumed at night.  It is a healthy and popular  starchy food but best eaten in the morning or noon. Apart from its inflammatory properties,  It has a high glycemic  index and should be avoided at night.  Diabetics in particular should not make this food their favourite.   It will cause a spike in blood sugar while we sleep.  So better stay away from yam and all its derivatives during night time.

3.  Garden Egg

Many of us love to eat this sugar-free and low calorie food, which is very healthy especially for diabetics, however, did did you know that they are brain foods and should at all cost be avoided at night?  Yes they do interfere with sleep, and those that suffer pain may experience more pain, if they taken garden egg close to bed time.

4.  Cocoa

Bitter cocoa is among the healthiest foods due to its nutrient density.  I love a cup of  hot cocoa in the morning, in fact, on certain occasions I take as much as three large cups and still desiring for more.  That is me with cocoa, but when it is getting to bedtime, its No No to cocoa, because it will interfere with sleep, apart from the presence of caffeine, several others nutrients in cocoa seem to disrupt sleep even when milk and honey is added, it still does not work.

5.  Coffee

Black coffee with its aroma is healthy and helps burn fat.  It is better taken in the morning, the same thing with green and black tea.  All these have high caffeine content and would rather have you active than sleep.  Though they are healthy, but  better to avoid them at bedtime.

6.  Chicken

Never try chicken whether fried, roast and steamed before bedtime.  Chicken meat is goes through long chain digestion and will place much stress on the intestine.  There are occasions when I work up with a fever because I ignorantly ate chicken meat before bedtime.  No matter the temptation or enticing works to persuade you to consume chicken meat before bedtime, especially among the elderly folk, never yield to such temptation because, it will do you more harm than good.  It is a healthy food rich in protein but better to be avoided at night.  Red meat is also in this category.  These foods are not easily digestible.

7.  Beans

Beans is a healthy food that helps the body build and replace dead cells, however, it is a gas forming food and should not form part of your bed time meal.  They are best taken in the morning.  Beans requires plenty of water for digestion and may place stress on the intestine during sleep when much water may not be available to aid its digestion.

8.  High Sugary fruits

Most fruits high in sugar are healthy and natural way of getting sugar and fructose, however, they are taken taken with caution.  Fruits in this category include pawpaw, citrus, apples and others.  They are quite healthy but if taken in high amount at night will raise your blood sugar.  A raised blood sugar will not allow you to have a smooth flowing sleep.  So better avoid too much sugary fruits at night, as there is not going to be any workout at night to burn the excess sugar.

9.  Avocados

This is a healthy fat much revered for its nutrient density.  You may have a different experience with avocado, but one thing I have realized is they are best in the morning.  It is a superfood, but if taken in before bedtime.  You will need extra hours for the healthy fat in the fruit to circulate to your brain because it is a brain food.  It helps the brain prepare sleep, it feeds the brain with good fat.  So it is best to have this super food do its work in the morning and during the day, so as to prepare you for a smooth flowing sleep.

10.  Bitter Cola

Lovers of Bitter cola beware, the bitter fruit is a healthy and medicinal fruit that cures so many ailments, but did anyone tell you, it is high in caffeine.  Definitely, caffeine is not a good friend of quality sleep.  Unfortunately for some of us like myself, even when this healthy food is taken in the morning, it still affects my sleep at night.  It is still active at night and would keep me awake than sleep when others are sleeping.  However if it works the other way for you, you may have to consider it.

11.  Fried Food

Whether it is fried fish, meat, potatoes, or whatever, all fried foods carries more oil which makes them very difficult for digestion.  Fried foods are not healthy in any way, but if you must indulge in fried food, never let it be before bed time.

Finally, It is good to avoid taking your bath just before bed time, more and more research are discovering that though regular bathing is a healthy way but not immediately before bed time,  it exposes you to cold and cause the arteries to dilate which may result in other health emergencies especially among the aged.  It is also necessary to avoid drinking too much water or other fluids at night as you keep going out to pass urine several times before dawn.

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My Six Best Essential Oils For Wrinkles

Talking about Wrinkles, as we age there is no doubt that wrinkles and lines begins to appear, truly some persons tend to age faster than others ,   Early aging and wrinkling is usually a thing of concern to many individual especially women.  Our lifestyle, food choices, emotional life and several other factors play key role in all of these.  If you take exercising lightly especially as you age, if you ignore  exercising especially walking, no doubt you will age faster.  

The good news however is that nature has provided means to assist us and reduce the appearing of wrinkles and other signs of aging.  Many resort to various cosmetics such as cleansers, lightning creams and lotions and facial masks, while a good number of people are turning to nature.  They are choosing essential oils,  

What are Essential Oils?

According to WebMD  "  They are made from parts of certain parts  parts  plants like leaves, herbs, barks, and rinds. Makers use different methods to concentrate them into oils. You may add them to vegetable oils, creams, or bath gels. Or you might smell them, rub them on your skin, or put them in your bath. Some research shows that they can be helpful"

Essential oils are tend to be more concentrated, and powerful  than regular  oils due to their mode of extraction and production. If you want to venture into the world of essential oils, it is best to do more study first and start with simpler oils.  Most essential oils are  best for aromatherapy, massage or inhaling through steam and direct from the bottle.

Another important fact worthy of note about essential oils is that most times, you need a carrier oil like coconut oil, olive oil and others to work with due to their high concentration, some are not safe to be applied directly to the skin while some are mild and may not cause irritation even when used directly on the skin.  skin.  Essential oils are also very effective in managing ailments especially among the elderly,  I have personally found some of them quite interesting and useful during some distressing moments.  They also form part of my body lotion and cream lotion for delaying wrinkles and reducing other signs of aging.

  Here are my 6 Top Essential Oils for Wrinkles

1. Lemon Essential Oil

 I love this essential oil, it is part of my lotion for face and body to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and honestly, it is working.  My combination is Cold Pressed Coconut oil, with my own home made lemon oil, then add Shea Butter.  

Coconut Oil about 50%

Lemon Oil about 20%

Shea butter about 30%

All are mixed together in a container and used to nourish my skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and lines.  The result is obvious.  The store bought essential oil is also in my anti wrinkle kit.

Lemon oil is known for its vitamin C content and a potential immune booster, It is a calminative too, helps reduce free radical activity and induces peaceful sleep as it also helps improve circulation.

It is however best to use at night, usually most citrus essential oils are not friendly with sun exposure especially if your are fair skinned.  If there is hot sunshine it is better to suspend your lemon oil for the night as it may cause sun burn.   I use mine when the weather is cool during the day and sometimes at night.  

2.  Sandalwood Essential Oil

This another aromatic oil, I use this oil in my own home made liquid bathing soap which comprising African black soap, honey, lemon oil and sandal wood oil and its great on the skin and gives a good aroma to the soap.  It is great in regenerating the cells and causing new cells growth.  In this way, dead skin cells and gradually removed and replaced with new cells making you more youthful instead of aging faster. Sandal wood oil contains anti oxidants that facilitate the quick regrowth of cells and smoothing the skin to look younger Just considering adding to one of my lotions.

You can also combine 6 drops of  sandalwood essential oil and half cup of argan oil, and 6 drops of Geranium Oil in a container.   Apply the mixture to your face in the morning and at night to get you a glowing and wrinkle free face.

3.  Lavender Essential Oil

This is another aromatic oil that serves many purposes and one of the easiest and very friendly too.  It is good for hair and skin and helps me sleep when stress level is high.  It helps reduce pain and calms the nerves.  Recently, I observed that this oil possesses ingredients that tend to calm blood pressure, so I went ahead to use part of the this oil about 5 drops in olive oil with avocado essential oil which when applied  to the body, helps reduce inflammation and calm down nerves and the result was a drop in blood pressure of an elderly man of 58 yrs.  You may try it and let us know your findings whether it works for you too.  

It works well with coconut oil for hair, helps the hair grow faster, keeps dandruff and hair lies off and keeps your hair smelling fresh.  It fights acne and reduce wrinkles as well.  I mix it with both my hair cream and body lotion as well.

4. Rose Essential Oil

This essential oil is also quite interesting to me.  I use it alone when tired and want to keep calm and sleeping.  It is best when you are stressed, with likely hood of inflammations and bacteria attack.  When used as a body deodorant, it works all over, reducing aching too, keep you calm and happy, you feel drowsy.  It is good to try this oil.  It is quite versatile.  Helps fight depression and kills pains  wherever it is located.  

Rose essential oil is not part of the oils in my body lotions.  I prefer using this oil along as a deodorant to keep me calm and reduce wrinkles on the face during social outing while keeping you well scented.  The oil is particularly effective for skin cell renewal.  It is good to try this oil and tell us your experience too. The fact that it reduces inflammations can help reduce puffiness under the eyes too. It is one of my favourite oils.  

5.  Rosemary Essential Oil

Another  useful oil with antibacterial, antifungal and anti inflammatory properties that helps fight wrinkles is Rosemary oil.  It is great for circulation and merely inhaling this oil works wonders for me.  Always cover your rosemary oil tightly close after use.  The essential oil is great when mixed with coconut oil, just about 4 drops in your cold pressed coconut oil say 5 mls will give you result

 It is known for its distinct flavour and antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.  It may reduce or prevent wrinkles by preventing free radicals from breaking down the skin elasticity.

6. Mint Essential Oil

This oil is popular and versatile too, helping to eliminate toxins, stir up stomach acid and keep you feeling and looking fresh is one reason, It is aways in cupboard.  It moves your bowel even by merely inhaling it, steam inhalation helps remove mucus and phlegm in the chest and stop inflammations.  One reason I include this is because of its effect in the bowel, when the toxins are out, the result is a beautiful, youthful and wrinkle free skin.

If you are new to essential oils, always get as much information as you can, and do a test first before using the oil in large amount.

Ref:wwwSource.MedicalNewsToday.com

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6 Situations and Times When Ginger Should be Avoided

Ginger root is one of the most popular among the spices especially in countries like Nigeria, where it is used in several ways, such as spicing up your meals, tea, and infusion into other detox teas and drinks.

Ginger possesses anti inflammatory, anti fungal and antibacterial properties known for its ability to treat issues within the digestive system because of its high amounts of enzymes.  It encourages the digestion of the food and the detoxification of the body at the same time.  Scientists have already proven its nutritional  value and the overall positive  effect on the health.  It is used as a spice but also as medicine in the treatment of different medical conditions.

Despite its numerous health benefits, there are exceptional cases when ginger root and its derivatives may not be your friend.

Here are 6 Situations and Times When Ginger should be avoided

1.  Fresh Stomach Ulcers: 

 If you have bleeding stomach ulcers that is fresh, it is better to avoid ginger and all its derivatives because ginger is a blood thinner and is also very hot.   If ginger is taken at this time, chances are that you may bleed more and hurt the ulcer the more.  It is better to avoid hot spices like ginger during this time despite its numerous health benefits.

2.  Blood disorders: 

One of ginger's health benefits lies in its ability to boost blood flow, stimulating circulation. This makes it a beneficial spice among those suffering from obesity, diabetes, Raynaud's disease, or peripheral artery disease. In this genetic disorder, blood clotting is reduced, which means that even a small injury can lead to death. In this case, ginger should be avoided, as it may aggravate the situation and cause hemorrhaging.

3.  If you are Taking Certain Medications:

Ginger can reduce blood pressure and in certain other cases,it can raise blood pressure.  To be safe, Do not combine ginger with other medications especially blood thinners. Beta  blockers and insulin drugs should not be taken at the same time with ginger root.

4.  Pregnancy:

Ginger roots contains stimulants which support muscle health but they dan also lead to premature contractions and preterm labors.  The last trimester  of pregnancy is the worst period to take ginger.  However, some experts claim that pregnant women can take very small amount of ginger too.

5.  Underweight Persons:

Ginger root is rich in fibers and stimulates the digestive enzymes.  This leads to fat burning  and the reduction of food cravings  so if you need to gain some weight you should not make ginger your favourite.  If you are already underweight,  and you take ginger, you could experience menstrual irregularities and other unpleasant effects.

6.  If You are Fasting:

If you are going on a long fast, it is better to suspend ginger roots and its derivatives because ginger tends to make your stomach produce enzymes to digest foods, and whereas you are not prepared to eat as a result of your fast, it is better to allow sleeping dog to lies.  Do not arouse or ginger the enzymes to come out when there is nothing to digest.

In summary, Ginger is a versatile and friendly root to most people, however, if you find yourself in any of the conditions stated above, you should look for substitutes that are not too hot.  Cayenne pepper, bell peppers, onions are other anti inflammatory foods that could serve you as well.

Source:  www.kingdemic.com

 

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