The Best Foods to Eat for Energy

Healthy Foods

If you have to drag yourself with the day, it’s easy to think popping a supplement or chugging an energy drink might help recharge your battery. Not so fast. All-day energy doesn’t originate from a pill or a concoction inside a can. It comes from real food, that is packed with nature’s secret stash of natural revitalizers such as complex carbs, protein, and fiber. All foods and most drinks contain calories which we are able to use as an energy source. The nutrients that provide us with energy are carbohydrates, fats, protein and alcohol.

Many of these food choices are healthy and will provide energy because according to the study they contain an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants, while being low in calories. Try these energy boosters on the run, inside a recipe, for a snack, or in a meal.

Red Beans

Small and dark red beans are low in fat, high in protein and fiber that will leave you feeling full and energized. A good source of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper and thiamin red beans also contain phytonutrients.

Bananas

Since they're composed mostly of sugars (glucose, fructose and sucrose) and fiber, bananas really are a foolproof energy food. Top them with peanut or almond butter for any well-rounded snack, or slice one into your morning cereal for an extra boost that will keep you going until lunchtime.

Salmon

Salmon is low in saturated fats and cholesterol and is a good source of protein. Most importantly though salmon is definitely an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are a type of fat which makes your blood less likely to form clots and could also protect against irregular heartbeats, decrease triglyceride levels, decrease the growth of artery-clogging plaques, lower blood pressure and prevent stroke.

Beans

Lean protein, iron, B-vitamins and amino acids make beans a clear go-to for energy, but another big benefit originates from their fiber content. Fiber slows digestion, giving your body a longer-term source of energy.

Brown Rice

Rich in manganese, the mineral that helps produce energy from protein and carbs, it can help you maintain high energy all day. A versatile ingredient, brown rice can be served like a side dish with your favorite lean proteins (together with nutrient-packed veggies!) for a powerhouse your meal.

Sweet Potato

With only 54 calories in one small sweet potato, this delicious food is fat-free and low in calories. Additionally, the deep orange-yellow color of sweet potatoes means that they're high in the antioxidant beta carotene. Energy food sources of beta carotene, that are converted to vitamin A in your body, might help slow the aging process and prevent some cancers. Sweet potatoes are also good sources of fiber, vitamins B-6, C and E, folate and potassium.

Yogurt

Having a rainbow of flavors to choose from, yogurt is really a healthy breakfast or snack option when you’re on a tight schedule. Rich in magnesium, which is crucial for that release of energy, yogurt also adds a dose of calcium to your diet. Enjoy it post-workout to help replenish your glycogen sources.

Almonds

Almonds, like many nuts, are one of the best plant sources of protein. Protein will help regulate your blood sugar and keep your energy level stable through the day. Almonds are also good for your heart simply because they contain monounsaturated fat which may help lower blood cholesterol levels. Along with protein, almonds contain fiber, riboflavin, magnesium, iron and calcium.

Apples

Fiber will help satisfy your appetite and provide you with a quick energy supply by making you are feeling full. Apples contain pectin, a soluble fiber that may lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Antioxidants, like vitamin C, will help protect your body's cells from damage and fresh apples are an excellent source of vitamin C. Vitamin C also helps make up the connective tissue collagen, keeps your capillaries and blood vessels healthy, and helps with the absorption of iron.

Carrots

Carrots are high in fiber, so that they are a great crunchy way to take the edge off hunger, while providing some good nutrition. They contain high amounts of Vitamin A, in the form of Beta-Carotene, which is good for that eye sight. Since they are a veggie which mixes well with most other foods, they are great to snack on through the day.

Blueberries

Blueberries have been shown to improve short-term memory and promote healthy aging. Blueberries will also be a low-calorie source of fiber and vitamin C. Just 1 cup of fresh blueberries has 84 calories, 3.6 grams of fiber and 14 mg of vitamin C.

Foods that Give You Energy

Broccoli

Broccoli is another great source of the antioxidants vitamins A and C to safeguard your cells from damage. It's also a good source of calcium, potassium, folate and fiber. Many of these will leave you with energy and a powerful immune system.

Lemon Water

It may sounds simple, but sipping water with lemon (cold or hot) may provide energy. One of the biggest forms of fatigue is dehydration, so be sure to sip up! Lemon gives an additional boost of vitamins and enzymes. Be sure to start your day having a cup of hot water with lemon.

Benefits of Strawberries for Health

The health benefits of strawberries include improved eye care, proper brain function, relief from high blood pressure, arthritis, gout as well as other cardiovascular diseases. Strawberries are chockfull of antioxidants and other essential nutrients that may flavorfully help you reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease, inflammatory diseases, and birth defects as well as mouthwateringly manage your weight.

Even though the strawberry is usually referred to as a fruit, it is actually an accessory or false fruit, since its red fleshy part doesn’t develop in the flower’s ovary, but is derived from the non-reproductive parts of the flower. The actual fruits are achenes, the minute hard seeds of varying color, baked into the strawberry surface. Here are the bountiful health benefits of strawberries.

Eye Care

The main reasons for almost all problems related to the eyes have the freedom radicals or a deficiency of certain nutrients. With an increase of age and a lack of these protective nutrients, the damaging oxidants or free radicals can cause heavy damage on the eyes, such as excessively dry eyes, degeneration of the optical nerves, macular degeneration, vision defects and increased inclination towards infections as well.

Helps burn stored fat

The red coloring contains anthocyanins, which stimulate the burning of stored fat. Whenever a group of animals was fed a high-fat diet together with anthocyanins, they gained 24 percent less weight compared to animals eating the high-fat diet without added anthocyanins.

Antioxidants

Strawberries contain anthrocyanin, that is a powerful antioxidant that protects us in the damaging effects of our environment, especially the sun. The antioxidant power of the anthrocyanins present in strawberries lasts up to 24 hours after consumption; this will make them a great defence against free radical damage!

Prevents heart disease

Shaped like a heart, strawberries have nutrients like flavonoids and antioxidants which prevent the buildup of bad cholesterol which could clog your arteries. Additionally, these nutrients have anti-inflammation properties that is good for the heart.

Immune System

The immune system is our body’s first type of defense against infections, microbial action, along with a wide variety of other potentially damaging and dangerous conditions that may affect our body. Vitamin C is a huge booster for that immune system and has long been known as a helpful cure for common colds and coughs, along with its effect on any other infections as well. Vitamin C also stimulates the activity of white blood cells, the body’s first type of defense against toxins and foreign bodies.

Bone Health

Manganese can also be great for the bones, helping in bone building and maintaining proper bone structure. The potassium, vitamin K, and magnesium in strawberries will also be important for bone health.

Brain Function

Unfortunately, it's very common for old people to begin losing their memory and control over certain activities, muscles, and limbs. It's because either the natural or premature aging of the brain and nervous system. Actually, free radicals are the agents responsible for signs of aging simply because they have an adverse effect on these two systems. Due to the activity of free radicals, the brain tissues start degenerating and also the nerves become weaker. Luckily, strawberries benefits will help you avoid these untimely conditions in life.

Good for your skin

Whenever you age, your skin and other body parts are afflicted by damage due to free radicals. This method is similar to the process of a metal rusting because of exposure to air. Vitamin C and antioxidants present in strawberries might help slow down this process and keep your skin wrinkle-free for extended.

Cancer

Vitamin-C, folate, anthocyanins, quercetin and kaempferol are just a few of the many flavonoids in strawberries which possess excellent antioxidant and anticarcinogenic properties. Together, they form a great line of defense to fight cancer and tumor growth. The daily consumption of strawberries is connected to a drastic decrease in the presence and metastasis of hazardous cancer cells.

Arthritis and Gout

The degeneration of muscles and tissues, the drying up of the fluid which helps increase mobility of the joints, and also the accumulation of toxic substances and acids (such as uric acid) in the body are some of the ill effects of free radicals. These are the primary causes of arthritis and gout, two extremely irritating and debilitating conditions.

Best Oils For Your Natural Hair

Our hair is constantly exposed to harsh chemicals and harmful treatments. The shampoos, conditioners, styling gels as well as the simple act of combing and blow-drying can leave curls looking and feeling dull, lifeless and damaged. You can now return to nature and use these miracle natural oils to change your hair. Some of these oils can even be used to enhance hair growth.

By now we all know that using mineral oil and petroleum oils as well as their derivatives is not necessarily a good thing for hair as they seal out moisture, thus adding to hair dryness in the long run. If like me, you had been a bit confused as to what the very best oils are for hair and when you should use them, this article offers a take a look at what the major oils are and which ones are especially good for hair.

Avocado Oil

Avocado oil, like avocados themselves, contains proteins, healthy fats, amino acids and vitamins A, D, E and B6. The proteins can help fill in damaged airs in your hair’s cuticles, repairing damage that’s already been done and preventing future breakage and frizz. Avocado oil is powerful and thick, so it is most effective when used on medium to thick hair.

Rosemary Essential Oil

Rosemary Essential Oil For HairThinning hair has a tendency to hold in more dirt and toxins; rosemary essential oil is ideal for cleansing and it also contains loads of vitamin B, iron and calcium. It has been used for centuries as a remedy for thinning and brittle hair, and it also has been scientifically proven to prevent premature graying.

Almond Oil

Almond oil for hair is recommended by many people hair experts due to it's very good composition of fats and essential fatty acid properties. This composition of fats and fatty acids is extremely beneficial for almost all types of hair as it turns out to be very nourishing, and softens and strengthens the hair. Almond oil can be effectively used being an emollient and tends to soothe your skin. Being an emollient, almond oil also tends to have a very stable and neutral state once applied. This oil very rarely turns rancid. The mixture of fatty acids also makes almond oil a very sweet smelling oil that provides off a rather heavenly aroma.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea Tree Oil is a great moisturizer for that hair, it helps to keep the scalp free from bacteria and fungal problems. Tea tree oil unblocks the sebaceous glands and encourage the flow of the scalp’s own moisturizing oils while eliminating dead skin cells. Tea tree oil mixed with other essential oils is especially good as a scalp treatment for relieving dandruff.

Grapeseed Oil

Grapeseed oil is a light oil that locks moisture within the skin so cells have enough water to operate efficiently. It can be used to nourish the scalp and hair without leaving the buildup of other oils that weigh the hair down.

Castor Oil

Castor oil works to coat the hair shaft and smooth the cuticle layer, sealing in moisture and leaving the hair feeling soft and silky. It's more easily absorbed by the hair, permitting deeper penetration into the hair shaft. Castor oil also helps the hair to develop. Regularly applying Castor oil to your scalp and roots can help promote regrowth of hair. It is also reported to assist thicken hair that is thinning out.

Jojoba Oil

Jojoba oil isn’t actually an oil, it’s a liquefied wax that's extracted from a shrub native to the southwestern US. Jojoba oil is high in vitamins A, E and D and it is great for all hair types. It can be present in several all-natural shampoos and hair products, but such as the other oils, it’s most effective on its own. Jojoba oil helps repair harm to your hair and promotes new, healthy hair growth.

Pomegranate Seed Oil

For fine or thinning hair, Pomegranate seed oil can function miracles. It contains high amounts of punicic acid, which revitalizes your hair leaving it looking thick and glossy. It’s also a great protector against chemicals and other environmental damage. Pomegranate seed oil is extremely thick and somewhat expensive, you are able to mix it with extra-virgin olive oil to make it last longer and get the benefits of both.

Beauty Benefits of Almond Oil

Almond oil is acquired from dried almonds via a process called cold pressing. The good aspect of using this skin care product is the benefits derived from its vitamins for example E, A and D. It's also rich in oleic and linoleic acids. It's mostly used as a skin care product but can also be used as a medicinal oil for some skin disorders. 

Almond oil is available in two variants - sweet and bitter. The greater popular one is sweet almond oil which is basically obtained from sweet almond seeds. It is packed with beauty and health benefits which is the reason behind its wide usage in beauty products but for the purpose of consumption. On the other hand, bitter almond oil is obtained from the bitter almond plant and isn't meant for consumption or external application.

Cleanse and Eliminate Toxins in Your Body

Almonds contain beneficial antioxidants that will actively cleanse and eliminate toxins and toxins in your body. If you want to cleanse your skin pollutions, to nibble on this nut frequently. This really is helpful because the antioxidant components in almonds will actively cleanse pollution in your body, making your skin smooth and glowing from the inside.

Cleanser

People with acne problems or sensitive skin aren't suggested to use almond oil for facial scrub, however they can use the oil as facial cleanser. The good thing is you don’t need to mix it with other solution. Apply almond oil straight to your facial skin and leave it for a few minutes.

Reduces dark circles

Dip your pointer finger in almond oil and slightly rub it around the under eye skin. Do not rub it way too hard as it will not get completely absorbed. This improves blood circulation; following this ritual daily not only lessens under eye circles but also improves the texture of under eye skin. While massaging under eye skin ensure that the almond oil does not go in your eyes.

Stretch marks

Another major concern for both men and women would be the ghastly stretch marks. By massaging this oil, you are able to improve the elasticity of the skin and its regenerative properties can help heal the affected skin. This can not let to the formation of recent stretch marks and may also lighten the present ones slightly.

Moisturizing

Almonds possess a way of trapping moisture in the skin keeping it moisturized all the time. Better still, its high lubricating quality makes many users stay with using it as their daily skin care.

Scrub

Almond oil is a superb carrier for salt and sugar, so that you can use it as the carrier oil for your facial scrub. Generally, the salt or sugar works by removing dirt and rough or dead skin cells in the face. Almond oil works by immediately moisturize the scrubbed skin. A mixture of almond oil with sugar is also effective to soften the lips.

Home Remedies For Skin Whitening

The world is filled with people who would do anything whatsoever just to ensure that they get a lighter skin tone. Those people who're fair skinned are not left out either. They try out a variety of natural skin whitening remedies to make them fairer.

Whitening your skin at home is really a cheap and safe way to get the results you would like. Whether you are trying to fade scars, freckles, age spots or skin discolorations, home remedies are easy to find and use. Skin whitening doesn't really involve whiten the skin. Instead the operation is lightening or bleaching dark or hyper-pigmented areas. 

These homemade remedies are effective for small areas, however the best skin whitening treatments are only accessible with an expensive visit to a physician. Still homemade remedies can work in some cases.

Lemon Juice

This is actually the oldest and most effective remedy to lighten the skin. Lemon contains vitamin and natural acid which provides a natural bleach of the skin. It not only lightens the skin but additionally encourages new cell growth. Lemon juices will also be rich with antioxidants which help your skin look. Simply squeeze fresh lemon inside a bowl and dip cotton and put it on on your face and neck. You may also apply on the places in which you have sun tan. 

Tomato and Oatmeal

You may also get skin whitening effects by mixing oatmeal with yogurt and tomato juice and put it on on face for at least 20 minutes, accompanied by cold water wash. This will give a wonderful skin whitening treatment that take away the tan and lightens skin tone.

Honey and Almond

Both food items are tasty to eat, however when mixed together, it becomes the very best pack for skin lightening. Honey and Almond mix remove tans and moisturize the skin simultaneously. To make this face mask, simply mix 1 tsp. of milk powder, 1 tsp. of honey, 1 tsp. of lemon juice and half tsp. of almond oil. Apply this pack on the face for 15 minutes and then wash them back with cold water.

Potato Juice

Potatoes contain catecholase, an enzyme that purportedly lightens skin tone. Rubbing a peeled potato on freckles or using the juice from a grated potato to dark spots will help lighten mild skin discoloration. Attain the subtle results of this natural whitening agent with daily use.

Milk

This food item is a superb health product and good source of protein and calcium for that body. But, do you know that when it’s put on skin, it can work as a skin lightening agent. The lactic acid based in the milk has a nonabrasive exfoliating effect on the skin. The cream moisturizes the skin passing on a soft feel naturally.

Milk and Lemon Juice

One of the effective homemade skin whitening tips may be the milk and gram flour mask that will lighten dark skin and add shine on your face. Mix 1tbsp of gram flour with 2 tsp of raw milk and 2-3 drops of lime juice and use the mixture for 15 minutes before washing off.

Olive Oil Hair Treatment

Surfing in the sun is fun so long as it doesn't leave you with split-ends! Scorching temperatures and humidity can perform awful things to your hair, making your strands clump, go stringy and rebel. Thankfully, you will find loads of hair-fixes to tone down your hair and provide your locks a nourishing relief.

Olive oil treatments can offer dry or damaged hair with essential fatty acids and critical moisture. Like commercial hot oil treatments, olive oil can give your hair softness and shine. Olive oil is gentle and natural, which makes it ideal for anyone battling dry hair, including children.

A warm oil treatment can be done after chemical processing or accustomed to help hair texture and condition after environmental damage. Naturally dry hair, including curly hair, may especially take advantage of occasional olive oil hair treatments.

The key to using olive oil like a hair treatment is to make sure you use the appropriate olive oil. Cold-pressed, extra-virgin olive oil is the highest quality of all oil varieties. It comes down from the first pressing from the olives and is filled with monounsaturated fats and vitamins.

• Provide your straw-like strands a beauty boost with a hot olive oil massage and bid buh-bye for your dreadful bad hair days for good. As being a natural conditioner, olive oil has the ability to seep deep into hair strands and moisturizes dull, dry and frizzy hair from inside. However, before you indulge in some serious mane-pampering, be sure you have the right olive oil at hand. Apply for a jar of cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil or simply use virgin olive oil to treat your limp locks.

• Try taking some olive oil in a microwave-proof bowl and heat it within the microwave for 30 seconds. Alternatively, you are able to dunk the bottle of olive oil inside a bowl filled with hot water or place a bowl of olive oil on the saucepan and heat it until warm. However, make sure that you do not overheat the oil otherwise you could burn your scalp.

• Take away the olive oil from heat and place it somewhere safe in which the oil won’t tip over and spill. Making use of your finger tips, massage the oil gently on your hair and scalp, beginning with the roots and going down to the tip of your strands. The cue would be to drench your mane completely with olive oil for hair. Rub the oil in your scalp until the oil is totally absorbed.

• Cover your face with a shower cap and wrap your face with a towel and wait for a oil to seep in. Allow the oil sit for thirty minutes before you wash them back. Since olive oil is thick and high in consistency, it might take some effort and a minimum of two washes to rinse them back completely from your hair.

• Wash your hair with cold water after which lather your hair with regular shampoo and rinse. Now squirt more shampoo on your hair, lather and watch for three minutes for the shampoo to enter well. Rinse off with cold water and apply a good conditioner.

• Once done, towel dry your hair. Blow drying your hair would only help make your mane drier. Therefore, it’s best to air dry your hair for best results.

Foods that Boost Your Immune System

Have you ever noticed why we become ill as the temperature or a place changes? Why the hectic holiday schedules play havoc with our health and our bodies are thrown out of gear? Why the seasonal changes are always detrimental to our health and the time of coughing and sneezing starts with lot of discomfort?

The answer to all the questions asked above lies in one and that is our immune system was working overtime during all these circumstances.

Immune system of our body is that mechanism which keeps our bodies guarded against the infections of germs, bacteria and viruses. This helps our bodies to fight them and keep itself healthy. There are several immune system boosting foods that can help a disturbed or a ill immune a system to come back to its original way of working. These foods are discussed here in this article.

Water

Drink lots of water daily to keep your system hydrated enough and function better. Immune system can be brought back to its normal functioning by charging it with the water.

Yogurt

There are beneficial bacteria in the yogurt that help in the digestion and so they also help the immune system. Get your child to eat that yogurt encapsulated with the chocolate and he will love you for that.

Pumpkin

These foods are loaded with antioxidants. They are also full with beta carotene which helps fight the bacteria and thus helps the immune system functioning.

Seaweed

Seaweeds have high vitamin C which helps fight the cold through their white blood cells. They also have high content of vitamin B that reduces the risk of cancers and heart disease.

Zinc

Zinc lozenges can reduce the symptoms and speed the recovery from the common cold if it is taken within 24 hours of the onset of cold.

Seafood

There are high levels of selenium in the seafood such as oysters, lobster, crabs and clams, helping white blood cells fight off viruses like influenza.

There is high load of omega-3 fatty acids in the fishes like Salmon and herring, helping to reduce inflammation. This improves airflow and protects your lungs from colds and other respiratory infections.

Beef

There is good quantity of zinc in beef making it one of the best immune system boosters foods as zinc helps in the development of the white blood cells to fight against the bacteria and viruses.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes primary benefit is delivering a solid dose of beta-carotene, which your body changes into vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for healthy skin, your first defense against harmful bacteria and viruses.

Garlic

Garlic is a miracle food that contains the sulphur compounds, like allicin. These compounds help protect the body from number of external attacks of infection.

Ginger

Ginger reduces migraine, motion sickness and heartburn almost immediately after the consumption. It has great healing properties such that the body keeps the illness away by its consumption.

Brocolli

Broccoli is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E along with several antioxidants and anti-cancer agents that help it to fight off against the germs attacking the body so as to make the immune system, stronger.

Red bell pepper

This healthy food has lots of vitamin A and vitamin C which helps it to reduce the risk of breast cancer, cataract   and macular degeneration.

Oyster

Oysters are rich source of zinc that strengthens the T cells of the body. T cells are the important part of the immune system of our body that helps the body to detect the presence of germs in it.

Oregano

This contains the antioxidants, flavonoids and phenolic acids to help the immune system to be stronger. When combined with the tomatoes, garlic and meat it creates an excellent food for boosting the immune system.