Top 10 Health Benefits Of Goji Berries

Have you ever wondered how these little red berries can change your life? Well, goji berries are one of the most nutritionally rich foods on the planet. They are grown on a vine-like bush only in the shade. Goji berries differ in colors from pale yellow, sun-fire orange and deep red. The two main types of goji berries are Asian and American. The only difference between them is their history. The Asian goji berries have been grown for thousands of years by Chinese, Mongolian and Tibetans, whereas the American goji berries originated from the South-West dessert of the United States which was used for survival when no water was found. 

There are many benefits of goji berries. Here are some of them:

1. Longevity and Healthy Hormones. According to researches, the seventy year old person produces only one-tenth of the amount of the Human Growth Hormone generated by the twenty year old person. This causes the body to have lower energy levels and wastage. To feel, look and function like a youthful person, you need to boost the natural production of the growth hormone. This superfood has been identified as "the longevity fruit" which is filled with a variety of nutrients. These nutrients will help you to live a longer and healthier life. Goji berries help your body to achieve this in three ways:

• They are high in sesquiterpenoids which are filled with anti-inflammatory properties.
• They stimulate the pituitary and pineal glands which increase the glandular production of the Human Growth Hormone (HGH).
• They are rich in l-arginine and l-glutamine which works together to boost the HGH to revitalize your appearance and metabolism.

2. Enhancing Libido and Sexual Function. Goji berries are known for strong sexual tonic in Asia. Goji berries improve your stamina levels, mood and wellbeing, while decreasing the impact of stress on your body. These benefits lead to a much healthier life. Goji berries will help your HGH production and raise the testosterone levels to ensure healthier sex life.

3. Improving Vision. Goji berries contain the highest concentration of eyesight improving antioxidants, namely zeaxanthin and lutein. Zeaxanthin and lutein protect the eyes from the damage of the free radicals that attacks your eyes every day. They also heal the membranes of your eyes keeping them youthful and healthy. These two key antioxidants are concentrated at the center of the retina and protect your eyes from the following diseases:

• Cataracts
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Loss of sight
• Eye aging problems.

4. Antioxidants. Antioxidants protect your DNA from the damage of free radicals and radiation. If your DNA is damaged, it's easier for every imaginable illness to enter your body, as well as increase the aging process. Your body is equipped to repair itself, but if your body gets faced with too many free radicals, it becomes overwhelmed and the result is the premature death of healthy cells. This can be the cause of a variety of diseases, such as a cancer. The goji berry is filled with carotenoid antioxidants which are natural sources of fat soluble antioxidant pigments.

5. Immune System Booster. Goji berries are rich in Vitamin C and Zinc. Both of these vitamins protect the body against diseases and help in recovery. They also protect the cells in your body and boost your immune system through these three main components:

• Polysaccharides which protect the cells from generic mutation.
• Beta-carotene which enhances the thymus gland function and increases the stimulation action on your immune system to prevent any viral infection.
• Mineral germanium which fights off any cancer properties, such as liver cancer, lung cancer, cervical cancer, testicular cancer and uterine cancer.

6. Hydration. Proper hydration is a very important aspect for your overall health. If your body isn't hydrated you become dehydrated and your body doesn't have enough water to absorb to function normally. You lose water when you breathe, when you go to the bathroom and through your sweat. You don't have to drink water only. You can consume this superfood for hydration as well. This fresh superfood grows in rich, alkaline alluvial soils which contain a big amount of hydrogen needed for hydration.

7. Supporting Brain and Neurological Health. Goji berries help our bodies with the production of choline. The choline is an essential nutrient that fights off free radical damage, narrows the arteries that delivers oxygen to the brain cells which can cause Alzheimer's disease and neurological degeneration.

8. Supporting Cardiovascular Health. Goji berry holds the key to fight off the main cause of most heart diseases, mainly oxidized cholesterol. Cholesterol becomes more dangerous when it is oxidized as a result of free radicals. This is when the blood fats clench to the artery walls with calcium forming nanobacteria to form plagues. An enzyme called Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) acts as a defense mechanism against cholesterol and may prevent cholesterol from oxidizing. Goji berries can increase your SOD to decrease your cholesterol levels.

9. Keeping Vital Organs Healthy. They keep our vital organs healthy through balancing blood sugar levels and increasing the digestive system, skin and liver function. They're also filled with phytonutrients which enhance the ability to detoxify and guard the liver against any damage from carcinogens and hepatitis virus. These phytonutrients include betaine, polysaccharides and antioxidant pigments. The liver gets cleaned by betaine. This reduces the toxic amino acids in the cardiovascular system. Goji berry tea can be used for the treatment of diabetes and all types of digestive problems, as well as the recovery of ulcers and a spastic colon. Goji berries also contain fatty acids which can stimulate collagen production to ensure moisture resulting in a youthful skin.

10. Improving Sleep. Goji berries contain Thiamine and Magnesium - two main nutrients needed for a healthy sleep. Thiamin improves your mood and energy levels, while magnesium improves the quality of sleep by shortening the time it takes to fall asleep.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

The 7 Health Benefits Of Castor Oil

Many know castor oil's health properties and is widely used for medicinal purposes. Yet, this vegetable oil's use for health is often underrated, for a number of reasons. This vegetable oil is found from the seeds of the castor plant, which is found in Africa and India. So, what are the health properties of this vegetable oil that makes it so special? Here is a look at the seven different benefits of this oil and how it is different.

Photo: Alternativedaily.com

1. For pain

Castor oils' anti-inflammatory properties make it be used as a natural anti-inflammatory agent useful in treatment of swollen joints and tissues. You can take this oil orally in a glass of water to treat severe rheumatoid arthritis as well. This oil can also work wonders to offer relief to back pain and abdominal pain and is also useful in menstrual cramps.

2. For hair

This vegetable oil has fatty acids and Vitamin E, both of which help you in your hair growth. All you need to do is to apply this oil on your hair and scalp to increase blood circulation and free the scalp from fungal as well as bacterial infections. Applying castor oil also ensures that you check hair loss.

Photo: Stylecraze.com

3. As laxative

The laxative benefits of this vegetable oil are well known. The ricinoleic acid in castor oil starts functioning and helps in digesting the food as well as cleanses the system and improves the bowel movement. No wonder, it helps during constipation too.

4. For skin

The skin properties of castor oil are well known to all. Using this vegetable oil on your skin helps it be hydrated and also be free fro infections. No wonder, it helps treat skin diseases like acne too. If you use the oil regularly you will be able to keep wrinkles in control too. In fact, if you apply this oil to babies, it can help prevent cases of diaper rashes too.

5. For immunity

It's been researched and found out that castor oil, when applied to the body, helps increase the count of T-11 cells in the body thus strengthening the immune system. The total number of lymphocytes increases within 24 hours too.

Photo: Food.ndtv.com

6. For allergies

Are you suffering from allergies? Well, this oils' anti-allergic properties can help. If you have allergies related to skin and naso-pharyngeal area, just take five drops of castor oil in water in an empty stomach.

7. For warts, moles and cysts

Applying this oil also helps treat warts, moles and cysts. Apply the oil with a pinch of baking soda will help solve the problem of cysts. In fact, using castor oil packs also helps dissolve cysts in the ovary.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

The Benefits Of Seaweed: Its Vitamins And Importance To Your Overall Health

Today, many of us have eaten seaweed in one form or another. However, you might be surprised to find out how many vitamins it offers and how vital they are for our general health. Seaweed also has an abundance of minerals, but I'll cover that in another article. For now, lets see what vitamins seaweed offers us and the impact it has on our overall health.

Vitamin A

• Cell Growth, Repair, and Immunity - Helps your body fight illness from viruses and bacteria. It strengthens areas of your body which are vulnerable to them such as the mucous membranes near the eyes and nose which is how viruses and bacteria can enter your body which can lead to illness.
• Vision and Eye Health - Helps fight against glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts, along with other illnesses of the eyes which you may become vulnerable to as you get older.
• Cancer - Is considered to be a strong antioxidant and is thought to prevent development of certain varieties of cancer and pulmonary diseases.
• Bones - Since Vitamin A plays a significant part in the growth of new cell tissue, it also helps ensure bone health by replacing damaged tissue. It also helps the formation of dentin on your teeth.
• Prevention of Urinary Stones - Vitamin A creates a mineral called calcium phosphate that prevents solid particles from forming within your body. These particles can form stones and can cause vomiting and pain.
• Helps to Maintain Healthy Skin - Vitamin A is an antioxidant. Free radicals damage the skin, which is why antioxidants are important in maintaining healthy skin. It will protect it from wrinkling, pimples, dryness, and psoriasis.

Vitamin B1

Is also commonly known as Thiamine or Thiamin. B1 is important for maintaining a healthy nervous system. In addition it will help to convert the food you eat everyday into energy your body uses to function.

Vitamin B2

Also known as Riboflavin. Vitamin B2 also helps convert food into energy. As a matter of fact, every B vitamin aids in the conversion of food into energy. However, B2 is also responsible for breaking down fats and proteins. In addition it helps in the production of hormones and helps red blood cells to stay healthy.

Vitamin B3

Is typically known as Niacin. It also helps in converting food into energy like all the B vitamins. It's also responsible for helping your nervous system to continue functioning properly, assists in maintaining a healthy digestive system and assists in blood circulation.

Vitamin B6

Helps prevent heart disease, aids in the production of antibodies to fight infection, viruses and bacteria. Like B3, it assists in the maintenance of your nervous system. It also assists in keeping red blood cells healthy. Similar to many of the B vitamins, it also converts food to energy.

Vitamin B-12

Is also known as Cobalamin. B-12 is known to assist in preventing heart disease, strengthen the immune system, keep red blood cells healthy and like all the B vitamins we've mentioned, it assists in converting food to energy.

Vitamin C

Is another vitamin that has a host of positive affects on your health. There's also evidence that it helps to raise good cholesterol generally known as HDL. HDL helps to eliminate fatty deposits from arteries, which reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. It's also an antioxidant like Vitamin A. It also promotes strong teeth and bones, healthy skin and gums, helps wounds to heal and strengthens blood vessels.

Vitamin D

Aids in bone growth, strength and also helps to strengthen teeth. It also boosts the activity of the natural killer cells in your body. These cells are responsible for targeting other cells that are infected by viruses. Vitamin D also plays a role in the rejection of tumors. It also helps lower cholesterol. Low levels of Vitamin D can lead to increased blood pressure and increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Vitamin E

Is known as an antioxidant like Vitamins A and C. It protects cells from the negative affects of free radicals. It can help to strengthen the immune system. It also helps create red blood cells. In addition it widens blood vessels, which prevent blood clots.

We take vitamins for granted, but they're vital to the proper functioning of our bodies. As you can see, seaweed has an abundance of them. Maybe it's time you thought about including it in your diet more often?

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Energy Boosting Superfoods

It seems everyone these days is using some sort of energy drink. How often have you heard co-workers say they need coffee or chocolate or an "energy drink" to make it through the day? One of the main problems is that with all of these approaches to energy, they introduce artificial stimulants into your body and who knows what kind of unwanted dangers they pose. In addition, a lot of energy options are high in sugar and artificial additives.

We have a solution - go natural - use superfoods!

It is possible to use superfoods to give you that additional energy boost that everyone is looking for. By eating the right foods and small meals throughout the day you can boost your metabolism and get that extra energy pump you were looking for.

Here's a list of known superfoods that will ramp up your metabolism - perfect solutions for people on the go:

Goji berries

Rich in antioxidants, goji berries have also been found to boost energy and even enhance your mood.

Green tea 

This superfood has been used for hundreds of years. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found green tea can produce an energy bump similar to caffeine.

Chia seeds 

Aztecs used chia seeds to prepare for battle. Research shows the chia seeds can absorb ten times their weight and are very slow to digest, which translates to sustained energy and it stays for several hours. People add chia seeds to protein shakes and their regular meals to help give them added energy that lasts all day.

Quinoa

Here is a power house protein rich food, which is actually a grain. It's related to the spinach and beet families. The Incas used quinoa as a source of energy for battle and NASA is even considering growing it in space because of it's impressive nutritional profile.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

6 Reasons Why You Should Detox Your Body | VIDEO

Detoxification is a great way to get you body cleaned from harmful unnecessary things that are stored in your body and give it a fresh start in order to feel better and boost your overall well-being. A lot of people are very critical whenever the word ‘detox’ is used but if it is done correctly, it can only be beneficial to your body because taking care of your internal body is just as important as taking care of your outside appearance.

We live in a world that too often feels out of balance. Add constant stress from busy schedules with too much fast food, throw in environmental pollutants, mercury from dental fillings, preservatives in foods, toxins from plastics, cleaning agents, and poor air quality, and it’s easy to see why our bodies may be suffering unhealthy consequences.

All this toxicity may be causing your body’s natural systems to function at less-than-optimal levels, and when your systems are under stress and out of balance, they can’t work as efficiently. Consequently, you may suffer from low energy, weight gain or loss, and weakened immunity. So what can you do to combat these negative effects?

6 good reasons why you should detox your body

1. Remove toxins from your body
Toxins are harmful substances and can be the reason why your skin does not look well, why your internal organs don’t work as they should and why your hormone balance is not as it should be. Toxins destroy your immune system storing themselves in cells throughout your body and block they way for everything good that should reach the vital parts for your body to function at its best.

2. Improve your immune system
Immune system is weakened and becomes vulnerable to illnesses when it is overloaded with toxins. This can seriously affect your quality of life and your daily activities. Right detox programme can help to strengthen your immune system.

3. Prevent chronic diseases
Our bodies are incredibly smart and have their own detox functions but now and then event the smartest systems need a bit of help and care. This is where detox can be very helpful in assisting and improving your body’s natural way of getting rid of toxins and other bad substances.

4. Improve mental and emotional state
Detox has a positive impact on our mental and emotional state. During detox, as we cleanse our bodies, also our mental state becomes clearer.

5. Increase energy and feel better
After detox you will feel much better mentally, physically, and emotionally. After detox course you will notice that you sleep better, have more energy during daytime, have much better mood, feel more energetic and happy.

6. Improve the quality of your skin
A lot of things that we use daily - personal care products, house cleaning items, free radicals and even certain foods can cause our skin to look dull, unhealthy and also age quicker. Detox will help your body to cleanse it inside which in turn will have a positive impact on your appearance and skin restoring its glow and healthiness.

For years, working in beauty sector, I have explored and studied different skincare products that I am happy to use myself and recommend to my clients. Knowing that detox is a vital part of achieving the best results also in skincare, I have explored different detox programmes and products in order to find the best available solutions that would guarantee the best results inside and out. Since I strongly believe that nature always have the best ingredients for everything that we need, I have sourced amazing natural products that I have tested myself and have been absolutely impressed with the results.

I always recommend that you carefully read the label of the products that you are going to use or ask advice to a trusted specialist who can make assessments and recommend the best that your body would need.
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If you are interested in more information about cleansing supplement Restoriix to support your body’s normal detoxification processes and to help you reach your peak balance potential, please get in touch with me: erica@peacheslime.ie. Restoriix ingredients have been gathered from around the world and combined to create a cleansing supplement that works in synergy with your body to restore its natural balance and vitality.

Restoriix features a combination of zeolite, charcoal, and nutrient-dense superfoods that attracts and removes free radicals and unwanted substances, balances pH levels, and supports healthy immune function. It will help rid your body of unwanted toxins and restore balance that may have been lost.

Restoriix contains:

• Zeolite - natural volcanic minerals with honeycomb-like structure. It works at the cellular level as a magnet to trap unwanted materials and free radicals to it. Zeolite supports healthy immune function, maintains balanced pH levels, boosts healthy alkalinity levels which supports the body’s natural defenses.
• Chlorella - a pure green algae rich in chlorophyll that aids in processing oxygen, thus supporting the body’s natural cleansing processes in key elimination systems such as the bowel, liver, and blood. It supports immune function and healthy cholesterol and blood sugar levels, helping to digest food more efficiently.
• Activated Charcoal of Willow Tree Bark - it can bond to and carry thousands of times its own weight in toxins and other chemicals. Because of these properties, activated charcoal is a commonly used decontamination agent around the world.
• Organic Spirulina - derived from fresh-water algae, provides protein, iron, vitamins, minerals, and many essential micronutrients often missing in the diet due to irregular eating habits, hectic lifestyle, or lack of proper dietary knowledge.
• Chia Seeds - a very abundant source of omega-3 fatty acids and is high in antioxidants. Chia seeds are also full of fiber and trace elements like calcium, phosphorous, manganese, copper, molybdenum, zinc, and more.
• Chlorophyllin - one of the most powerful life-giving substances on the planet and the pigment that gives green foods their color. Chlorophyll-rich foods have a very deep green color, and they are useful in building new blood cells and purifying the body. Chlorophyll also assists in oral hygiene and deodorization of the body.

The Health Benefits Of Wheat Grass

When you hear of people drinking juice made from wheat grass, what is your first reaction? If you are like many people you probably turned up your nose and thought 'how disgusting!' However, this healthy juice is growing in popularity and not just among healthy food enthusiasts. So what are the healthy benefits of drinking this juice?

There are many health benefits of this juice that if people only knew, they would likely visit the nearest supermarket and buy wheat grass products immediately. It is a fact that wheat grass is one of the most potently healthy substances available. People who are using this juice have seen an increase in their energy levels. Aside from that, they also notice that they have clearer skin than before. All other illnesses such as coughs and colds also seem to instantly vanish. There are even other people who have testified to the disappearance of their gray hairs.

The many health benefits of wheat grass should be taken advantage of by drinking at least 30mls a day. This 30mls of wheat grass juice is the equivalent to eating 1kg of green, leafy vegetables. This juice is a very good alternative and substitute whenever you are too tired and busy from your work schedules. It is believed that wheat grass also contains over 90 minerals. Aside from that, high concentrations of alkaline minerals such as calcium, potassium, sodium, and magnesium are also present in the wheat grass products. These minerals are some of the reasons why drinking this juice is good in keeping the body's immune system strong and healthy.

Other health benefits of this juice include the benefits taken from the presence of essential enzymes needed in order for the body to function more efficiently. Some of these enzymes are as follows: protease - which is needed in the digestion of protein, amylase - which is the one responsible for the facilitation of digestion, cytochrome oxidase - a powerful oxidant needed to fight off harmful radicals in the body. In addition there is transhydrogenese - the enzyme responsible for the strengthening of heart muscle, superoxide dismutase - known for its ability to lessen the effect of radiation and slow down the process of cellular aging, and lipase - which is a fat-splitting enzyme.

In addition to all of these, it is believed that wheat grass essentially has more vitamin C than oranges, which shows that it is a very good alternative to eating several fruits. And perhaps one of the best health benefits of this juice is the fact that it helps build healthy blood. This is very essential because blood carries oxygen from the heart to different parts of the body. By increasing the oxygen transported by the blood, you will feel an increase in your endurance during exercises.

As you can see, wheat grass is one of the superfoods that can help boost your health and give you the energy you need. Plus, it really doesn't taste too bad!

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

6 Amazing Superfoods For Healthier Body And Skin

No food will make you look younger or feel healthier over night but creating healthy and balanced diet will improve your overall health in long run. Check out this list of 6 amazing superfoods that you should include in your diet for healthier body and skin.

1. Aloe Vera

Extensively used plant in beauty industry because of its antibacterial and healing properties but also incredibly beneficial to your body as it contains amino acids, Vitamins A, B, C and E and a complex carbohydrate, know as acemannan, which allows nutrients to reach the cells, nourish them and relieve from toxins. It is beneficial for healthy skin and hair, and aids weight loss.

2. Bergamot

This citrus fruit comes from Southern Italy and its oil, extracted from the peels, is rich in antioxidants and used in flavoring Earl Grey tea and in aromatherapy to reduce anxiety and stress.  Its cooling, refreshing nature is well suited for various skin conditions, like, psoriasis and inflamed skin. Its antiseptic properties help to fight infection, lower blood sugar level, balance cholesterol and metabolic wellness.

3. Blueberries

They are a real superfood for beautiful skin! packed with Vitamins A & C, and rich in antioxidants, these little berries calm skin, lighten dull or sun damaged complexion and protects from free radicals. They also decrease the risk of obesity, diabetes and heart diseases.

4. Pomegranate

They are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants helping to fight skin inflammation, treat acne and dark spots by delaying signs of aging and naturally brightening your complexion.

5. Green tea

It contains powerful antioxidants that help to protect skin from the damage of free radicals, tightens and brightens your complexion. Green tea also helps with weight loss, to lower blood pressure and bad cholesterol level.

6. Turmeric

Turmeric, also know as curcuma root, contains curcumin, a bioactive component that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It helps to revive cells giving your skin a natural glow. It also helps to calm your skin, heal inflammation, and psoriasis as well as reduce acne outbreaks and clear the skin.

All these amazing ingredients along with many more can be found in a powerful 34 superfood blend Moa that is completely natural and made of organic ingredients sourced world wide capturing the essence of nature and ensuring the very best possible health benefits for you.

If you would like to find out more about Moa or discuss any nutrition and skincare related questions, please get in touch with me by email: erica [at] peacheslime.ie or call: 01-2056709.

Cooking With Quinoa - Complete Nutrition In One Delicious Super Food

Quinoa is fast becoming a staple in the diets of health-conscious people all over the globe. This super-food gets its bona fides by offering a complete package of essential protein, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Not only is quinoa packed with nutrients, it's easy to cook and is delicious. This little seed plumps up nicely in just a few minutes, making it the perfect 'fast food' substitute. Mix quinoa with an endless variety of other nutritious ingredients to make a filling meal that satisfies both your appetite and your desire to eat healthy.

One thing that most of us have in common is the desire to feed our kids, and ourselves, nutritious food. But, when faced with the array of choices, it gets confusing. What's good, what's bad... it's not easy to distinguish the difference sometimes.

Over the last few years, quinoa has exploded in cookbooks, cooking shows, and the internet. This 'super-food' is becoming quite popular in many circles; including vegetarian, vegan, weight loss, gluten-free, and fitness diets.

Quinoa is not a grain, it is a seed, a relative of beets, spinach, and Swiss chard. Because it is not a grass or grain, quinoa is considered the perfect food for those with grain, like wheat, sensitivities. The awareness of gluten-free diets may have likely brought quinoa into the limelight. However, quinoa is proving to fit into many diets for a wide range of reasons. Let's take a look at a few benefits that quinoa offers us all:

Protein: Not all foods considered high in protein contain all the essential amino acids in proper proportions for maximum effectiveness in the body, but quinoa does. Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all essential amino acids in perfect proportions. In fact, quinoa has the same protein quality as milk. For a vegan, or a vegetarian who doesn't drink milk, quinoa is the perfect replacement food. Mix in some black beans in a simple soup or casserole, and you have the ultimate protein-rich super-food.

Minerals: The most concentrated amounts of minerals in quinoa are manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus. With just one serving of quinoa, you will have more than half the RDA of manganese alone, neutralizing those damaging free radicals that are constantly attacking our organs. Along with manganese, quinoa contains high concentrates of magnesium and phosphorous which are both essential minerals aiding in bone health, heart and cardiovascular health, as well as nerve and brain health. Quinoa completes the mineral wheel with ample supplies of calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, copper, and selenium, all vital to our health and well-being.

Vitamins: The highest concentrated vitamin in quinoa is folate. Folate is a B vitamin that is essential for healthy red blood cell development as well as healthy tissue and organ development, most notably during a child's early years. Folate is also believed to fight the destructive cell developments of cancer. Other vitamins that can be found in a good supply in quinoa are vitamin E, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6, all essential in the growth, repair, and functioning of vital organs, blood, and tissue.

Dietary Fiber: You probably hear a lot about dietary fiber in advertisements aimed at curing constipation. But, the fact is, dietary fiber is crucial for all of our body functions. With a whopping 21% RDA in one serving of quinoa, eating a regular diet including this super-food makes sense. Why? Not only does fiber aid the digestive system, it also is known to lower blood cholesterol levels. Studies also show that increasing fiber in your diet will help reduce blood pressure which promotes heart health. A good diet rich in fiber helps control blood sugar levels by slowing the absorption of sugars. Along with these benefits, high-fiber diets also may help with weight loss, due to the fact that foods that are high in fiber and low in calories, like quinoa, fill you up without added calories.

It appears that if you had to choose one food to survive on, quinoa may be your best bet. This super-food contains just about everything a body needs - fiber, vitamins, minerals, healthy fat, carbohydrates, and protein. Add to that the fact that quinoa is low in calories, has zero cholesterol, zero sugars, and is low in sodium, and you've got the perfect food to add to your family's healthy diet.

How do you get more quinoa into your diet? You can do much more than substituting quinoa in dishes that call for rice or pasta. Rather, start by remembering that quinoa is a protein. With that in mind, think about quinoa like you do black beans, another vegetarian source of protein. Replace meat meals with quinoa meals on a regular basis to enjoy all the benefits of this super food. Go ahead and clear a spot in your pantry, because once you cook with quinoa, you'll be stocking up.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Celery Is A Low Calorie Super Food - 10 Healthful Benefits Of Celery

A skinny green stalk of celery boasts a shopping cart full of benefits.

Celery is 95% water but packed in the remaining 5% are a miraculous collection of some of the most vital nutrients. It is all too often considered just a simple garnish in a Bloody Mary, but this fiber-filled wonder finds its place among some of the top candidates for weight loss and lowering high blood pressure.

10 Healthful Benefits of Celery

1. Loaded with fiber (cellulose), it works toward weight loss and fighting bad cholesterol. Adding a single stalk to your daily food intake will give you a tremendous boost toward your weight-loss goals. The plant hormones in this super food tend to calm your central nervous system, facilitating weight-loss efforts.

2. According to Chinese Medicine studies, it is a great source of active plant phthalides, which reduce the stress hormones and allow artery walls to relax-thus lowering high blood pressure

3. Celery is an alkaline food stuff, off-setting the acidic effects of eating too much meat. The human body is alkaline in nature and highly acidic blood is thought to cause considerable damage to many body functions.

4. The leaves of this plant contain a bounty of flavonoid antioxidants that include lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene. Unfortunately many grocers trim off the leaves so this benefit is lost. Antioxidants are needed for their cancer-fighting, immune system strengthening- qualities.

5. Some natural healing forms of medical treatments use the seeds of the plant for the treatment of the common cold, arthritis, spleen and liver ailments. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center celery seeds benefit good urine flow-a frequent problem among us senior citizens. Research is underway to examine the possibility that these seeds may also fight inflammation and also arthritis complications.

6. Celery... taken as a whole is one of the smart-carbohydrates as contrasted with potatoes. rice and other starchy foods.

7. The essential oils from this simple green stalk are used to combat nervousness and even some forms of gout and osteoarthritis.

8. The roots and seeds also augment breast milk secretion-certainly not a concern for us old folks.

9. This super food mixes with virtually any prepared dishes: from raw salads to cooked spaghetti sauce (one of my favorites). I love the added crunch.

10. Mix it in fresh fruit salads too. And it even provides a bounty of great nutrition when cooked.

In review... here's what you can expect from this super food:

· Vitamins A, K and C plus folate and potassium.

· The high fiber content helps to reduce bad (LDL) cholesterol

· The juice from the plant has been tested to lower blood pressure, when consumed on a regular basis

· Storage advice: keep celery refrigerated. When the stalks go limp, trim off a little of the bottom and let it soak in a glass of cool water.

Article Source: EzineArticles.com

6 Power Foods To Put Your Summer Energy On High

Are you more active in the summer? Do you need a boost of energy to get you through the day? I've got just the menu additions you need. The summer superfoods below are so easy to use that once you've tried them, you just might want to keep them on your grocery list all year long. Many are probably new to you, but you shouldn't have trouble finding them in your local health food store or online. Print out my handy list as a guide, and you're good to go - fast and strong, all summer long.

1) Whole Raw Organic Chia Seeds
Ch-ch-ch-chia! Remember Chia Pets? I promise you'll be more impressed and fascinated with this little seed as a food than the kitschy knickknack you saw on TV. The chia seed has long been known as a powerful dietary supplement. Even the ancient Aztecs recognized its ability to lend strength when eaten. 

These raw organic seeds are an excellent source of valuable omega fatty acids as well as an easily digestible form of protein, minerals, calcium, and fiber. And they have a lovely, pleasant texture. I add chia seeds to smoothies, salads, and stir fries for a little crunch.

2) Flax Cereals
OK, maybe cereals aren't always the best choice for breakfast, but sometimes that crunch (and let's not forget quick convenience during the weekday morning rush) is tempting. Cereals made primarily of flaxseed are a perfect compromise. Flaxseeds are one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids. 

At least two brands offer protein-rich, no-sugar options that are packed with vitamins, minerals, and lots of fiber. These choices are natural, tasty, and--did I mention this?--super crunchy.

3) Maca Powder
Maca root has been used for thousands of years for its nutrients and healing. Now studies are confirming its positive effect on the endocrine system to increase stamina, boost libido, and combat fatigue. 

Photo: Andeannatural.com

This nutrient-dense whole food packed with vitamins, essential minerals, and fatty and amino acids is easy to add to smoothies, shakes, tea, granola, cereal, and yogurt.

4) Organic Coconut Milk
We've long known about the benefits of coconut water and oil. I use coconut milk in my cooking now for a delicious, healthy fat addition with that fabulous creamy, coconut taste without sugar.

5) Nutritional Yeast
What tastes cheesy when sprinkled on popcorn and salads, has the B vitamins essential for vegetarians, and offers protein, essential amino acids, vitamins, lots of fiber, and minerals? Nutritional yeast, of course! 

Photo: Thegreencreator.com

There are many kinds of yeast, and some we avoid because it causes infections and discomfort. Nutritional yeast is quite the opposite: It's a natural supplement valued for its powerful punch.

6) Shelled Hempseed
Packed with protein, omegas, iron, zinc, and magnesium, shelled hempseed is also delicious. It imparts a flavor similar to pine nuts. Opt for a ground form of hempseed for a quick, tasty, and healthful addition to smoothies, cereal, soups, salads, and veggies.

Photo: Draxe.com

It's important to make wise choices among entrees, but simply adding ingredients like these can take your healthful meal from satisfactory to mouth-watering--and give your engine a high octane boost as well. Pick out a few and give them a try this week. You won't be disappointed!

Article Source: EzineArticles.com